A Complete Guide to Microsoft’s Return Policy

iEditorial Note: These blog posts represent the opinion of DoNotPay’s Writers, but each person’s situation and circumstances vary greatly. As a result, you should make sure to do your own independent research. Because everyone is unique, our self-help tools are never guaranteed to help with any specific situation. DoNotPay is not a law firm, is not licensed to practice law, and is not equivalent to the services of a licensed lawyer. DoNotPay provides a platform for legal information and self-help, and does not offer legal services. Third party news articles mentioned on our website do not necessarily reflect the views of the company, or the current services that we offer.

Microsoft’s Return Policy From A to Z

Did you decide that Microsoft products aren’t your cup of tea? Find out everything about Microsoft’s return policy and how to initiate a return request in a flash!

Microsoft Return Policy—The Basics

Microsoft accepts returns and exchanges for products up to 30 days after purchase or download.

If you buy Microsoft products from a third-party seller, you will have to contact them about the return procedure.

The seal must be intact on all packaged software and games, and you must include all accompanying manuals, product keys, and accessories when you make a return. You can return opened products that have a customer satisfaction warranty, assuming you uninstalled the software and didn’t make any copies of it.

Non-Returnable Microsoft Products

Microsoft states that the following products aren’t eligible for a return, refund, or exchange:

  • Apps
  • Books
  • Movies
  • TV shows
  • Subscriptions
  • RAM products
  • Add-on content
  • Clearance items
  • Gift cards and subscription cards
  • Personalized and customized products

Microsoft Surface Return Policy

If you’re not happy with your Microsoft Surface, you can return it within 60 days for a full refund. To be eligible for a return, your product must:

  • Be in like-new condition
  • Include all manuals and accessories
  • Come in original packaging

Xbox Return Policy

You can refund Xbox game keys within 14 days of purchase if you haven’t redeemed them.

Pre-orders, game subscriptions, and digital game gifts don’t require you to submit a return form. If you purchase a pre-order and cancel it before the game release, Microsoft will automatically refund you. Gift senders can return digital game gifts as well.

You must initiate a return request using the account you made the purchase with. If you lose your login credentials, you will have to contact your financial institution to demand a refund.

When requesting a refund for a game, Microsoft considers the following:

  • Date of purchase—You must request a refund within two weeks of purchase
  • Time played—You can’t have more than two hours of playtime if you want to refund a game
  • Time since the release of the game—You can’t request a refund within the first 24 hours of launch

Submitting a return request does not guarantee a refund.

Microsoft may accept your request if you:

  • Bought a product or product version by mistake
  • Lost access to your account
  • Suspect Microsoft made unauthorized charges to your account
  • Purchased content you already own
  • Used the wrong account to make your purchase

How To Request a Return From Microsoft

You can return your products to Microsoft:

  1. Via website form
  2. Using DoNotPay

Initiate a Return Request on the Microsoft Website

If you’re not happy with your Microsoft products, you can initiate a return request by doing the following:

  1. Visit the Microsoft website
  2. Log in to your account
  3. Find the Order history button on your account page
  4. Locate the item you wish to return
  5. Click on the Request a return link
  6. Select a reason for your return
  7. Click on Continue
  8. Click on the Start a return button
  9. Locate the Print a shipping label link on the product tab and click on it
  10. Print your shipping label and tape it to your package

If you don’t see the Request a return link, your items might not be eligible for returns. If you can’t get a shipping label, contact customer support using the Get Help app.

There is an alternative to this lengthy procedure— to save time and get your money back in the blink of an eye!

Request a Return From Microsoft Using DoNotPay

DoNotPay believes that returns shouldn’t be confusing but simple and straightforward instead. Our Item Return Request product will ensure a smooth process that will be over before you know it. For an uncomplicated way to request a return from Microsoft, follow these steps:

  1. Select the Item Return Request feature
  2. Answer a few quick questions about your Microsoft purchase and attach any necessary evidence of your faulty product
  3. Click on Submit Request

Our app will speed up the procedure even further by adding a deadline by which Microsoft needs to process your request. We will generate a return request letter using the information you provided and mail it to Microsoft on your behalf. If you’re shipping your product back to Microsoft, we will provide a return label so you can send your item back for free!

We offer more in-depth guides to return policies of big retailers, such as:

TargetSHEINSephoraMacy’s
Kohl’sNordstromWayfaireBay
REICostcoWalmartUlta
T.J.MaxxZaraAdidasAbercrombie & Fitch
PetSmartMichaelsStaplesTillys

When and How Will Microsoft Refund My Purchase?

If Microsoft accepts your return request, it will issue a refund to your original payment method minus shipping and handling fees. The company usually takes three to five business days to process your request. Microsoft will credit your refund to the payment method you used during purchase unless you opt for store credit.

Did Microsoft Do You Wrong? DoNotPay Can Help You Take It to Small Claims Court

Is Microsoft disregarding your rights? DoNotPay—an ABA-Brown Award winner—is a consumer rights advocate and will lend you a helping hand if you need to send demand letters to Microsoft in small claims court. Our app will:

  • Fill out your court forms
  • Write a custom demand letter
  • Gather all necessary paperwork
  • File your complaint
  • Create a convincing script using all the information you provide

Don’t Tolerate Corporate Attitudes—Request What’s Rightfully Yours

DoNotPay is known for being the champion of customer advocacy because we help our users claim what’s rightfully theirs, and we don’t tolerate big corporations taking people’s hard-earned money.

No matter if you want to request a refund, insurance, extended warranty, or compensation from airlines, our AI-powered lawyer will fight for your right.

If you feel like you’re overpaying certain subscription services, we can help you cancel them. Also, if you want to test a subscription before you start paying money for it, don’t connect your credit card to the free trial page! You can sign up for free trials using our virtual credit card. That way, companies won’t be able to charge you auto-renewal fees because the card has no funds.

Wait! DoNotPay Can Help You in Many Other Ways

DoNotPay has many different areas of expertise—helping you return your faulty items is only one of them.

Check out how our app can assist you in:

Fight for your rights