Merge pull request #14236 from rigel512/buy-activate-retail

Update buy-activate-retail.md

Author: v-regandowner

subscriptions/buy-activate-retail.md

@@ -3,47 +3,52 @@ title: Subscriptions available in the Microsoft Store
 author: joseb-rdc
 ms.author: amast
 manager: shve
-ms.date: 09/16/2024
+ms.date: 08/27/2025
 ms.topic: how-to
 description: Purchase Visual Studio subscriptions in the Microsoft Store and activate them in the Visual Studio subscriptions portal.
 ---
 
 # Visual Studio subscriptions are available through the Microsoft Store
 
-Visual Studio subscriptions are available through various channels. Choose from [Volume Licensing](https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/default), Cloud Solution Providers, the [Visual Studio Marketplace](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/subscriptions), and Microsoft Store.  This article explores purchasing and activating subscriptions through the [Microsoft Store](https://www.microsoft.com/store/collections/visualstudio).  
+Visual Studio subscriptions are available through various channels. Choose from [Volume Licensing](https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/default), Cloud Solution Providers, the [Visual Studio Marketplace](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/subscriptions), and Microsoft Store. This article explores purchasing and activating subscriptions through the [Microsoft Store](https://www.microsoft.com/store/collections/visualstudio).  
 
 ## How to buy subscriptions
 
-Need help with deciding which subscription is right for you?  Check out our [subscription benefits page](https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/benefits/).  
+Need help with deciding which subscription is right for you? Check out our [subscription benefits page](https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/benefits/).  
 
 Visual Studio subscriptions available through the Microsoft Store include:
 + [Visual Studio Enterprise](https://www.microsoft.com/p/visual-studio-enterprise-subscription/dg7gmgf0dst4?activetab=pivot%3aoverviewtab)
 + [Visual Studio Professional](https://www.microsoft.com/p/visual-studio-professional-subscription/dg7gmgf0dst3?activetab=pivot%3aoverviewtab)
 + [Visual Studio Test Professional](https://www.microsoft.com/p/visual-studio-test-professional-subscription/dg7gmgf0dst6?activetab=pivot%3aoverviewtab)
 
-Each of these subscriptions offers the option to make an initial purchase or to renew an existing subscription.  Renewal pricing, which reflects a significant discount, is only available for existing subscriptions. 
+Each of these subscriptions offers the option to make an initial purchase or to renew an existing subscription. Renewal pricing, which reflects a significant discount, is only available for existing subscriptions. 
 
 > [!IMPORTANT]
-> To qualify to renew subscriptions at the discounted renewal price, subscriptions should be renewed before they expire.  Subscriptions expired for 30 days or more are not eligible for renewal pricing.    
+> To qualify to renew subscriptions at the discounted renewal price, subscriptions should be renewed before they expire. Subscriptions expired for 30 days or more aren't eligible for renewal pricing.    
 
 ## How to activate subscriptions
 
 After you purchase a Visual Studio subscription through the Microsoft Store, you can begin the activation process from the payment confirmation page or confirmation email you received after your purchase.
 
 1. Select the **Click here to sign in** link in the confirmation email or on the purchase confirmation page.
-2. You are redirected to [https://my.visualstudio.com/subscriptions/activate](https://my.visualstudio.com/subscriptions/activate?wt.mc_id=o~msft~docs).
+2. You're redirected to [https://my.visualstudio.com/subscriptions/activate](https://my.visualstudio.com/subscriptions/activate?wt.mc_id=o~msft~docs).
 3. Enter the email address that requires access to the Visual Studio subscription and select **Continue**.
-4. You may be redirected to one of two different sign-in pages depending on the type of account you're using:
+4. You might be redirected to one of two different sign-in pages depending on the type of account you're using:
     - Subscribers using their personal "Microsoft Account" (MSA) see the Microsoft Account password page.
     - Subscribers using their work/school accounts are redirected to their organization's sign-in page.
 5. Enter your password, or complete your organization's sign-in requirements.
 6. Upon successful sign-in, an "Activate Your Visual Studio Subscription" window appears.
 7. Enter the product key information available from the payment "Confirmation Page" or "Confirmation Email" and select **Activate**.
 8. The subscription should now be visible on the [Subscriptions](https://my.visualstudio.com/subscriptions?wt.mc_id=o~msft~docs) page and you should have access to all your subscription benefits.
+ 
+> [!NOTE]
+> When you buy a Retail Visual Studio Subscription through the Microsoft Store or another retail channel, you manage it differently than subscriptions from Volume Licensing or Enterprise Agreements using the Visual Studio Subscriptions Admin portal (manage.visualstudio.com).
+>
+>These subscriptions are activated using a product key and are intended for individual developers and small teams. As such, they don't include access to subscription management features such as user assignment, or renewal automation. These capabilities are only available for subscriptions provisioned through organizational licensing programs.
 
 ## Support for Microsoft Store
 
-If you have any questions about purchasing through the Microsoft Store, help is available.  Contact [Microsoft Store Support](https://support.microsoft.com/help/28808/microsoft-store-contact-support?ocid=MSCOMStoreFooter-ContactUs).
+If you have any questions about purchasing through the Microsoft Store, help is available. Contact [Microsoft Store Support](https://support.microsoft.com/help/28808/microsoft-store-contact-support?ocid=MSCOMStoreFooter-ContactUs).
 
 ## Resources
 
@@ -58,6 +63,6 @@ If you have any questions about purchasing through the Microsoft Store, help is
 
 ## Next steps
 
-Once you've activated your subscription, visit the [Benefits](https://my.visualstudio.com/benefits?wt.mc_id=o~msft~docs) page to see all the tools, services, training, and support benefits included in your subscription.  We recommend setting up these benefits to get started:
+Once your subscription is active, visit the [Benefits](https://my.visualstudio.com/benefits?wt.mc_id=o~msft~docs) page to see all the tools, services, training, and support benefits included in your subscription. We recommend setting up these benefits to get started:
 + [Visual Studio](vs-ide-benefit.md)
 + [Azure DevOps](vs-azure-devops.md)