Understanding Microsoft Rewards

Understanding Microsoft Rewards

Microsoft Rewards is a loyalty program offered by Microsoft that rewards users for engaging with their products and services. It’s a way for Microsoft to show appreciation to its users while also encouraging them to use their services more frequently. Whether you’re a long-time Windows user or a recent convert, understanding how Microsoft Rewards works can help you maximize your points and enjoy the benefits it offers.

How Microsoft Rewards Works

Microsoft Rewards is a straightforward program. You earn points by completing various activities, such as searching the web using Bing, playing games, watching videos, and shopping online. These points can then be redeemed for various rewards, including gift cards, digital content, and even discounts on Microsoft products.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common ways to earn points:

Redeeming Your Points

Once you’ve earned points, you can redeem them for a variety of rewards. The most popular rewards include gift cards to popular retailers, digital content like movies, music, and games, and even discounts on Microsoft products. You can also choose to donate your points to charity.

Here’s a table of some of the rewards you can redeem your points for:

Recent Changes to Microsoft Rewards

Microsoft has made some recent changes to the Microsoft Rewards program that you should be aware of.

Microsoft Rewards Value Adjustment

In February 2025, Microsoft announced that it would be adjusting the value of points in the Microsoft Rewards program. Starting April 20, 2025, users will need to accumulate more points to redeem the same rewards. For example, the number of points required to redeem a Game Pass PC service subscription increased from 7,750 to 10,500, and the number of points required for a Game Pass Ultimate service subscription increased from 12,000 to 17,000.

Seven-Year Loyalty Reward

In February 2024, a report from Windows Report highlighted that the loyalty reward for users who have been using Microsoft Rewards for seven years was considered too low. The reward was only 500 points, which some users felt was not enough for their loyalty. This sparked a discussion in various online communities about the fairness of the rewards program.

Account Ban Issues

In January 2024, Microsoft acknowledged that some users had their Microsoft Rewards accounts incorrectly banned. The company stated that these accounts were flagged for violating the service agreement, involving deceptive practices to obtain reward points. Microsoft has since deployed a fix to unban any affected accounts.

Maximizing Your Microsoft Rewards Experience

Understanding the ins and outs of the Microsoft Rewards program can help you make the most of your points. Here are some tips to help you maximize your rewards:

• Search the web using Bing regularly to earn points.
• Participate in the Microsoft Rewards game challenges to earn extra points.
• Check the Microsoft Rewards website for special offers and promotions.
• Redeem your points for rewards that you’ll actually use.

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