❓M365 SKU Discrepancy in Purchased License Figures (Post-Renewal)
Issue: Inflated or double SKU license figures
When it happens: Usually reported upon contract renewals or new subscription purchases.
Example: 1,000 E5 licenses Purchased, but we only purchased 400
How to review: Use the License Details or M365 Pricing reports and review the "Warning" and/or "Suspended" Columns. Usual case based on the example will show that 600 E5 SKUs are in the "Warning" category.
In Microsoft 365, the "Warning" status indicates that the subscription has expired but is still within the grace period—typically around 30 days. During this time:
- Users can continue to access services.
- Microsoft allows time for renewal.
- Systems like Quantum still count these licenses as active (enabled + warning).
Once the grace period ends, the subscription transitions to a "Suspended" state. At that point:
- Users lose access to services.
- The licenses are no longer considered active.
- Quantum will stop counting these expired licenses.
This transition will result in the E5 SKU license count being 400.
Below is a License Details report that will help you review all the SKUs and gives you a view of any licenses in the aforementioned Warning or Suspended states:
If you have any queries or concerns, please feel free to contact the Services Support desk via the portal.