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Summary of Changes to the Microsoft Services Agreement – September 30, 2026

We are updating the Microsoft Services Agreement, which applies to your use of Microsoft consumer online products and services. This page provides a summary of the most notable changes to the Microsoft Services Agreement.

To see all of the changes, please read the full Microsoft Services Agreement here.

  1. In the header, we updated the publication date to July 30, 2026, and the effective date to September 30, 2026.
  2. In the introductory paragraph, we added verbiage to include consumer products, websites and services that refer to the Microsoft Services Agreement under “Services” subject to the Terms.
  3. In the “Service-Specific Terms” section, we made the following additions and changes:
    • In the “Store” section, we updated the verbiage about automatic updates, allowing users to pause automatic updates and explaining the consequences if some applications are not updated.
    • Under the “Cortana” section, we explained that Cortana is no longer supported by Microsoft as of 2024, and removed the sections related to Cortana functionality that is no longer usable.
    • In the “Microsoft 365 Apps and Services” section, we updated the naming of Microsoft 365 product suites names and clarified that the use of referenced apps and services is subject to the license terms.
    • In the “Digital Goods” section, we deleted reference to Microsoft Groove, which is no longer available.
    • In the “Microsoft Rewards” section, we updated links to appropriate support pages and updated the amount of points that can be redeemed per year to reflect two tiers of limits.
    • The “Copilot” section was renamed and the applicable versions of Copilot that are subject to the Microsoft Services Agreement were clarified.
  4. In the “Binding Arbitration and Class Action Waiver” section, for arbitrations initiated after this version of the Microsoft Services Agreement becomes effective, the arbitration provider will be JAMS, rather than the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). As a result, this section now refers to JAMS rules and procedures where it previously referred to AAA rules and procedures. For Related Cases, as defined in section 15, we’ve provided that, after each batch of Related Cases is resolved, the parties must engage in a single mediation of remaining Related Cases and that we will pay the mediation fee. Finally, we’ve confirmed that the procedural and substantive provisions of the Federal Arbitration Act govern section 15, including its enforcement.
  5. Throughout the Terms, we made changes to improve clarity and to address any grammar, typos, and other similar issues. We also updated naming and hyperlinks.

Summary of Changes to the Microsoft Services Agreement – September 30, 2025

Please download the previous (2025) version of the Microsoft Services Agreement here.

  1. In the header, we updated the publication date to July 30, 2025, and the effective date to September 30, 2025.
  2. In the “Your Content” section, we added a new section “c.” addressing exportable data.
  3. In the “Support” section, within the “Using the Services & Support” section, we made revisions removing incorrect hyperlinks and clarifying that some Services may offer separate or additional support, and such support may be subject to terms outside of the Microsoft Services Agreement.
  4. In the “Trial-Period Offers” section, within the “Payment Terms” section, we added verbiage clarifying that some trial-period offers may require auto-renewal to be turned on.
  5. In the Service-Specific Terms section, we made the following additions and changes:
    • In the “XBOX Services” section, within the “XBOX” section, we clarified that signing into a device or platform with your Microsoft account, or linking your Microsoft account to such a device or platform to access a non-Microsoft service, subjects you to Microsoft's usage rights described in that section. Additionally, we clarified that XBOX-specific Family Safety settings may not be enabled when accessing XBOX Game Studios games or services via a third-party device or platform.
    • Under the “XBOX” section, we added a new section “xi.” referencing the Minecraft EULA.
    • In line with the changes made in the “XBOX Services” section, we added verbiage to the “Microsoft Family Features” section, under the “XBOX” section, regarding XBOX-specific Family Safety settings potentially not being enabled when accessing XBOX Game Studios games or services via third-party devices or platforms.
    • Modifications were made to the “Skype, Microsoft Teams, and GroupMe” section to account for the retirement of Skype.
    • The “Restrictions & Limitations on Points” section, under “Microsoft Rewards” section, was modified to reflect that unredeemed points expire if no points are earned or redeemed for 12 consecutive months.
    • The “Cancelling Your Rewards Account” section, under “Microsoft Rewards” section, was modified to reflect that a Rewards account may be cancelled if not logged into for 12 consecutive months.
    • A new section on usage restrictions was added to the “AI Services” section.
    • A new “Communications Services” section has been added, specifying that services facilitating communication between individuals, such as Skype, Teams, and Outlook, are subject to supplemental use terms. These terms are referenced and linked within this section.
  6. Throughout the Terms, we made changes to improve clarity and to address grammar, typos, and other similar issues. We also updated naming and hyperlinks.
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