Microsoft to Offer Steam-like Self-Service Refunds

Published: April 12, 2017 5:05 PM /

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Microsoft is supposedly offering self-service refunds for Windows 10 and Xbox One Users, according to images posted on the Xbox One Reddit.

A screenshot showing what appears to be an alpha test of the Xbox dashboard shows off the new announcement and details as to how the refunds will work.

According to the announcement, players need to have to sign into their account.micrsoft.com account and then go to their order history in the payment & billing tab to request a refund.

Microsoft Self Service Refunds
Image credit from the Xbox Reddit, showing the self-service refunds page.

Microsoft details the following restrictions to the refund process. For a start, all games and apps eligible for a refund must be done within 14 days of purchase, if you have less than 2 hours of play time across all accounts.

DLC, season passes, and add-ons and certain apps from Windows 10 will also not be eligible for refunds as well. Players will have to wait at least a day after the game or app's release before putting in a request, and the game or app must be downloaded and launched by the player before requesting a refund as well.

Of course, Microsoft still reserves the right to block access for users who abuse the self-service refund system.

When the service is implemented, Microsoft will be the first company to offer a refund system for consoles with the Xbox One.


Quick Take

Microsoft pushing for refunds on games and app's is huge, giving consumers a lot more power to back away from terrible apps and shovelware, and provides a buffer zone for other games, provided the service isn't abused.

Microsoft is a bit cautious on that last part though, how they will block access to users who abuse the refund system is still up in the air. The restrictions are also adequate, in the same vein as Valve and their refund policy. Both policies are relatively similar, and it's like this was done on purpose, especially for Windows 10.

So long as it's not abused, self-service refunds is a good move by Microsoft, if you ask me. What do you think though? Leave your comments below.

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| Staff Writer

A longtime player of games, creator of worlds, and teacher of minds. Robert has worked many positions over the years, from college professor to education… More about Robert