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subscriptions/manage-mcpp-subscriptions.md

@@ -1,65 +1,124 @@
 ---
-title: Manage subscriptions from Cloud Partner Program
+title: Manage Visual Studio Subscriptions in the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program
 author: joseb-rdc
 ms.author: amast
 manager: shve
-ms.date: 09/16/2024
+ms.date: 04/23/2026
 ms.topic: how-to
-description: Discover how Microsoft Cloud Partner Program partners assign Visual Studio subscriptions to their end users (subscribers).
+description: Learn how to assign and manage Visual Studio Subscriptions in the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, including renewal behavior and reassignment requirements.
 ---
 
-# Manage Visual Studio subscriptions offered through the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program 
-
-Partners who earn a competency or who purchase the Action Pack in the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program, formerly known as Microsoft Cloud Partner Network, are eligible to use Visual Studio subscriptions. These subscriptions are licensed per user, and are only valid when assigned to a specific named user who works for the partner company.
-
-See Visual Studio subscriptions offered to partners in the [Microsoft Cloud Partner Program](program-mcpp.md) for details.
-
-## Microsoft Action Pack subscribers
-
-Microsoft Action Pack subscriber and Visual Studio subscriptions
-1. Program Admin logs into Partner Membership Center
-2. Associate people through **Requirements and Assets**
-3. Locate individuals and **Assign Roles**
-4. Select First, Second, or Third **Technical Contact** and **Save**
-5. Select **Requirements & Assets**
-6. Select **Privileges**
-7. Select **Visual Studio Subscriptions** (Note: Visual Studio subscription update pending)
-8. Select the desired **Individual**
-9. Select **Submit**
-10. The individual receives an email
-11. The assigned individual accesses [https://my.visualstudio.com](https://my.visualstudio.com?wt.mc_id=o~msft~docs) to sign in
-12. A Visual Studio profile page may be displayed, including:
-    + First Name
-    + Last Name
-    + Contact Email
-13. Sign-in is now complete, and the subscriber should have access to benefits
-
-## Solutions partners and partners with legacy competency offers
-
-1. Select **Requirements and Assets**
-2. Select **Privileges**
-3. Select **MSDN Subscriptions** (Note: This label will change to "Visual Studio subscriptions" soon)
-4. Locate the desired **Individual**
-5. Select **Submit**
-6. The individual receives an email
-7. The assigned individual accesses [https://my.visualstudio.com](https://my.visualstudio.com?wt.mc_id=o~msft~docs) to sign in
-8. A Visual Studio profile page may be displayed
-    + First Name
-    + Last Name
-    + Contact Email
-9. Sign-in is now complete, and the subscriber should have access to benefits
-
-## Resources and references
-
-+ Download the [Terms of participation in the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program](https://aka.ms/partner-benefits-use-guide)
-
-## See also
+# Visual Studio Subscriptions in the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program 
 
-+ [Visual Studio documentation](/visualstudio/)
-+ [Azure DevOps Services documentation](/azure/devops/)
-+ [Azure documentation](/azure/)
-+ [Microsoft 365 documentation](/microsoft-365/)
+## Overview
+
+Visual Studio Subscriptions provide access to Microsoft developer tools and services for building, testing, and delivering applications. For eligible partners, **Visual Studio Enterprise IDE** access is provided as part of the **Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MAICPP)** and is managed through [Partner Center](https://partner.microsoft.com/dashboard/home).
+
+This article explains how Visual Studio Subscriptions work for partners, what changed with **Benefits Refresh 2026**, and how to assign and manage Visual Studio access.
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> Partner Program Visual Studio benefits are different from paid Visual Studio Subscriptions and legacy MSDN offerings. Visual Studio access and benefits depend on Partner Program enrollment. They’re managed in Partner Center.
+
+## Visual Studio Subscriptions for partners
+
+Eligible partners receive Visual Studio Enterprise IDE access as a Partner Program benefit. This access is delivered and managed differently from paid Visual Studio Subscriptions.
+
+Partner Program Visual Studio Subscriptions:
+
++ Are licensed per user
++ **Must be assigned to be valid**
++ Depend on Partner Program eligibility rather than subscription tiers
+
+Users sign in to Visual Studio using their work account and access the IDE based on their organization’s Partner Program entitlements.
+
+## Benefit Refresh 2026: What Changed for Visual Studio Subscriptions
+
+Beginning **February 13, 2026**, Microsoft updates Partner Program developer benefits as part of **Benefits Refresh 2026**. These updates apply only to **Partner Program benefits** and don’t affect paid Visual Studio Subscriptions.
+
+The updated benefits take effect in the following scenarios:
+
++ Your organization renews its Partner Program membership at its anniversary date, or
++ Your organization enrolls in or purchases a new membership offer on or after February 13, 2026.
+
+## What Changed
+
+For Visual Studio Subscriptions provided through the Partner Program:
+
++ **Visual Studio Enterprise IDE remains available** as the core developer tool.
++ Benefits are now clearly separated by delivery model: 
+  + Visual Studio IDE access is assigned **per user**.
+  + Azure credits are delivered **at the organization level** through Partner Program benefit packages and are **no longer bundled** with individual Visual Studio IDE licenses.
++ Legacy MSDN-style software downloads and transferable product keys are no longer included with Partner Program Visual Studio benefits.
+
+## What Stays the Same
+
+The following Visual Studio–related benefits continue to be available for eligible partners:
+
++ Visual Studio Enterprise IDE
++ Azure DevOps Basic and Test Plans
++ Integration with modern development tools and workflows
+
+Partners also continue to access community resources and learning opportunities as part of the broader Partner Program.
+
+## Assign Visual Studio Subscriptions
+
+Partner Program admins use **Partner Center** to manage Visual Studio Subscriptions.
 
-## Next steps
+To assign access:
 
-Subscribers and Program Admins should work directly with the Cloud  support team to resolve any problems with subscribers accessing subscriptions. Visit the [Support for Partners](https://partner.microsoft.com/support) page for assistance. (Your Cloud Partner Network sign-in credentials are required.)
+1. Sign in to [Partner Center](https://partner.microsoft.com/dashboard/home) and select **Benefits**.
+1. Select **Developer Tools**, then **Visual Studio Subscriptions benefits**.
+1. Select the Visual Studio benefit you want to activate.
+1. Choose a user and select **Assign user**.
+   + If the user isn't listed, add them in **Account settings**.
+1. Repeat for each Visual Studio Subscription you want to assign.
+
+### Manage Assigned Users
+
++ Use **View and remove assigned users** to see who has access.
++ Select **Remove** to revoke access.
++ To reassign a subscription to another user, select **Reassign user**. This option is available after **90 days** from when the license is removed from a user.
+
+## Renewal and Reassignment Behavior
+
+When your organization renews its Partner Program membership:
+
++ User assignments carry forward automatically when your organization renews within the same Partner Program membership offer or Solution Partner designation.
++ Reassignment is required if: 
+  + Your organization transitions to a different membership offer, or
+  + Your organization changes Solution Partner designations, or
+  + Your organization no longer qualifies for its designation.
+
+Partners are responsible for tracking Visual Studio Subscription assignments and usage.
+
+[Learn more about assigning Visual Studio Subscriptions](https://learn.microsoft.com/partner-center/benefits/mpn-benefits-visual-studio#how-to-activate-maicpp-visual-studio-benefits) through the Partner Center.
+
+### Common Questions
+
+**Are Azure credits included with Visual Studio Subscriptions for partners?**
+
+No. Azure credits aren’t bundled with individual Visual Studio Subscriptions. Azure credits are delivered separately at the organization level as part of Partner Program benefit packages.
+
+**Is this the same as a paid Visual Studio Subscription?**
+
+No. Partner Program Visual Studio Subscriptions are different from paid subscriptions purchased through retail or volume licensing. Paid subscriptions include other benefits and are managed separately.
+
+**Do users need to be reassigned after a Partner Program transition?**
+
+Assignments carry forward when your organization remains within the same Partner Program membership offer or Solution Partner designation.
+ 
+Reassignment is required when assignments don’t carry forward, such as when your organization transitions between different membership offers or designation. 
+
+**Will assignments be lost at renewal?**
+
+No. Assignments carry forward when your organization renews within the same Partner Program membership offer or Solutions Partner designation.
+
+### Resources
+
++ [Partner Center Dashboard](https://partner.microsoft.com/dashboard/home)
++ [Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program benefit FAQ](https://learn.microsoft.com/partner-center/benefits/benefits-faq-new)
+
+### See also
+
++ [Visual Studio documentation](/visualstudio/)
++ [Explore your Visual Studio and GitHub benefits](https://learn.microsoft.com/partner-center/benefits/mpn-benefits-visual-studio)