How to Cancel PC Game Pass
Quick process
Within 14 days of initial purchase or auto-renewal if minimal usage
Cancel before renewal date
Important Warnings
- You retain access until the end of your current billing period
- Game saves are preserved but downloaded games become unplayable
- Cloud gaming and online multiplayer (Console) become unavailable immediately at period end
- Any in-game purchases or DLC may remain accessible depending on game
- Must cancel through Microsoft account portal, not Xbox console or app
Step-by-step instructions
Go to account.microsoft.com/services and sign in with your Microsoft account
Locate your Xbox Game Pass subscription in the list of services
Click 'Manage' next to your Game Pass subscription
Select 'Cancel subscription' or 'Turn off recurring billing'
Follow the prompts and confirm your cancellation
You'll receive a confirmation email - save this for your records
Tips & Things to Watch For
VPN Usage May Violate ToS and Risk Account Ban
CriticalWhile regional pricing via VPN is possible, Microsoft's Terms of Service prohibit falsifying location to access different regional pricing. Account suspension or ban is possible if detected, and you would lose all digital purchases and game saves tied to that account.
Xbox Live Gold to Game Pass Ultimate Conversion Loophole
Pro TipStack up to 36 months of Xbox Live Gold (which is cheaper), then convert it all to Game Pass Ultimate for $1 or the cost of 1 month. This converts all remaining Gold time to Ultimate at 1:1 ratio. Buy 3 years of Gold codes from retailers (~$180), redeem them, then upgrade to Ultimate for $15-17, giving you 3 years of Ultimate for ~$195 instead of ~$540.
Student Discount Verification Is Lenient
Pro TipGame Pass Ultimate offers student discount (typically 20-30% off) through verification services like SheerID. Verification sometimes accepts international student IDs, .edu email addresses, or enrollment documents that may be easier to obtain. Some users report being able to maintain discount even after graduation if not reverified.
What to Expect
Dark Patterns to Watch
- Requires navigation to separate Microsoft account portal (not Xbox.com)
- Multiple nested menu layers to find subscription management
- Confusing terminology between 'cancel' and 'turn off recurring billing'
- Shows loss aversion messaging about games you'll lose access to
- May require multiple confirmation clicks
Retention Tactics
- Shows list of games you'll lose access to
- Highlights upcoming games and features
- May offer discounted rates or trial extensions
- Reminds you of benefits and savings
- Emphasizes that you can keep playing until end of billing period
After You Cancel
Data Retention
Your data kept for 90 days
Reactivation
You can reactivate your account later
Content Access
Your content remains accessible after cancellation
Refund
Via Original payment method, typically 3-5 business days
Refunds only available if little to no usage of the service within 14 days of charge
Not ready to fully cancel?
Downgrade available
Switch to a cheaper plan instead
Was this guide helpful?
Other Xbox Game Pass products
Related services
Track your PC Game Pass subscription
Get payment reminders, track spending, and manage all your subscriptions in one place.
Get Started — Free