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:

Activity	Points Earned
Search the web using Bing	1 point per search
Play games	Varies by game
Watch videos	Varies by video
Shop online	Varies by retailer and purchase

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 discounts on Microsoft products. You can also use your points to enter sweepstakes for the chance to win prizes like Xbox consoles, Surface devices, and more.

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

Reward	Points Required
Bing Rewards Visa Gift Card	1,000 points
Microsoft Store Gift Card	1,000 points
Amazon Gift Card	1,000 points
Netflix Subscription	2,000 points
PlayStation Store Gift Card	2,000 points

Recent Changes to Microsoft Rewards

In February 2025, Microsoft announced some changes to the Microsoft Rewards program. One of the most significant changes was an adjustment to the value of points. Users now need to accumulate more points to redeem the same rewards. For example, the number of points required to redeem a Game Pass PC service increased from 7,750 to 10,500, and the number of points required for a Game Pass Ultimate service increased from 12,000 to 17,000.

Additionally, Microsoft also required users to re-set the “Auto-Redeem Points for Game Pass Gift Cards” service. This change was likely made to address potential abuse of the rewards program and to optimize the balance of the reward system.

Is Microsoft Rewards Worth It?

Whether Microsoft Rewards is worth it depends on how much you use Microsoft’s products and services. If you’re an avid user of Bing, Xbox, and Microsoft Store, you can easily earn points and redeem them for rewards. However, if you’re not a heavy user, the rewards may not be as appealing.

It’s also important to note that the value of points can fluctuate, so it’s essential to keep an eye on the current rewards and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Conclusion

Microsoft Rewards is a valuable program for those who use Microsoft’s products and services regularly. By understanding how the program works and taking advantage of the various ways to earn points, you can maximize your rewards and enjoy the benefits it offers.