How to Earn Free Microsoft Points: Easy and Quick Methods

Microsoft fans often wonder how to earn free Microsoft points (also known as Microsoft Rewards points) to get free gift cards, Xbox Game Pass time, or other perks. The good news is that Microsoft offers legitimate ways to rack up points without spending extra money. This guide will explain how Microsoft Rewards works and show you the best ways to earn free points (and free Xbox gift card codes) safely in 2025. We’ll cover official methods, bonus promotions, and why you should avoid free code generators and scams. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to earn free Microsoft points and redeem them for rewards.

Microsoft Rewards is a free loyalty program: by using Microsoft services you can earn points toward gift cards and other rewards. For example, Microsoft says “get points for gift cards, sweepstakes, and more” simply by doing everyday activities. Instead of the old “Microsoft Points” currency, you now earn real points in Microsoft Rewards. These points can be spent on Xbox gift cards, Microsoft Store credit, Skype credits, and even charity donations. In short, learning how to earn free Microsoft points means taking advantage of the Rewards program’s tools and offers. Below we explain how it works and list the top strategies (all 100% legitimate) to get those free points.

Alt: A red Xbox gaming controller on a white surface, symbolizing gaming and Microsoft Rewards.
Microsoft’s official Rewards program makes it easy to earn points for doing things you’re already doing online. Points accumulate for searching on Bing, shopping in the Microsoft Store, playing Xbox games, and more. Once you’ve earned points, you can redeem them for free Xbox gift cards, Game Pass time, and other prizes. In this article, we’ll cover all the top methods – from daily Bing searches to bonus promotions – that let you collect free Microsoft points quickly. We’ll also warn you about common pitfalls like “free Xbox gift card codes generators” (spoiler: they’re scams). Ready to start? Let’s dive into how to earn free Microsoft points step by step.

Understanding Microsoft Rewards and Points

Before earning points, it helps to understand Microsoft Rewards. This is Microsoft’s official loyalty program that replaced the old “Microsoft Points” currency back in 2013. (Now your rewards points are tracked in your Microsoft account and can be spent on Xbox, Windows Store, and more.) When you sign up for Microsoft Rewards, you earn points by using Microsoft products. For example, Microsoft explicitly notes that if you “sign in or create a Microsoft account” you can “get points for gift cards, sweepstakes, and more” just by doing things like searching, shopping, and playing games. In practice, this means everything from doing a quick Bing search to shopping on the Microsoft Store can earn you points.

The key idea is: Microsoft points (Reward points) are just like a digital currency you earn for free. You then spend them on Xbox gift cards, Skype credit, or even entries in sweepstakes. As one guide on free Xbox codes explains, “Microsoft’s official rewards program remains one of the most reliable ways to earn points that can be redeemed for free Xbox Game Pass code options”. In short, Microsoft Rewards is your ticket to free points. Once signed in, you unlock ways to earn points automatically and legitimately. No hacking is involved. Microsoft also provides a browser extension and mobile app so you can track offers and points balance easily.

Getting started is simple. Sign into your Microsoft account and visit the Rewards dashboard (often called the “Reward hub”) to activate your membership. Microsoft’s site says that clicking the dashboard “fully activates your account, so you can start earning instantly”. From there, you’ll see daily activities and tasks you can complete for points. The Rewards dashboard itself is a great place to begin, showing you what offers and challenges are available right now.

Official Ways to Earn Free Microsoft Points

Now that you have a Microsoft Rewards account, let’s look at the official ways to earn points – all approved by Microsoft. These methods are 100% safe and endorsed by the company:

• Search with Bing (PC and Mobile): Every time you search the web using Microsoft Bing, you earn points. According to Microsoft, you can “earn points for each search you make through Bing on your PC” and similarly on mobile. You don’t need to change your habits: just set Bing as your search engine. On PC you can earn up to 150 points per month (for Level 1 members) and even more at Level 2. On mobile, use the Bing app to earn points on the go. Over weeks of daily searches, these small point gains really add up.
  
• Use the Microsoft Edge browser: Searching is great, but you also earn bonus points by using Microsoft Edge. If you use Microsoft’s Edge browser as your default, you get an extra point bonus for your Bing searches. Microsoft explicitly advertises the Edge bonus: “Get ahead of the game when you search with Bing in Microsoft Edge”. Install Edge (if you haven’t) and ensure it’s your default browser to maximize search points.
  
• Shop Online with Cashback: When you shop online, use Microsoft Edge and Bing’s Cashback feature. For many popular retailers, Microsoft offers cashback that directly converts into reward points. For example, buying a game or buying from Amazon through the Edge browser could earn 10+ points per dollar spent. If you were going to shop anyway (video games, electronics, etc.), do it via Edge/Bing to earn Microsoft points for free on those purchases.
  
• Play Xbox Games: Simply playing games on Xbox or PC can earn points. Microsoft lists gaming as a reward method: “Earn points for playing games” on your Xbox or via the Xbox app on PC. In fact, as the Xbox Rewards program explains, points you earn by playing games all “pile up on your Rewards points balance”. There are also weekly/monthly quests in the Xbox Rewards app (on your console or PC) that award points for hitting playtime milestones or for playing specific titles. In short, gaming and rewards go hand in hand. The more you play Xbox games, the more points you can earn – essentially converting your playtime into potential gift card credit.
  
• Complete Daily Sets and Quizzes: Microsoft Rewards often provides daily challenges like quizzes, trivia, or poll questions. Completing these usually nets 50–150 points each. For example, you might see a daily trivia question about current events or a short poll. These simple tasks are available on the dashboard or in the Bing search homepage. They don’t take long and they earn free points quickly. (One community site notes that by completing daily tasks consistently, you can steadily accumulate enough points for rewards.)
  
• Sign Up for Bonuses and Promotions: Microsoft occasionally runs special promotions (especially around holidays or major events). For instance, they might offer double points for Xbox Game Pass subscribers on certain dates, or bonus entries for Microsoft Store shopping. Always check the Rewards dashboard for banners saying “Limited time offer” or “Double points weekend”. Retail partners also sometimes team up with Microsoft to give bonus points: for example, buying an Xbox at an electronics store could come with Reward points. These offers change frequently, so keep an eye on the site and email notifications.
  

Each of the above methods can be done for free – you’re simply using Microsoft’s services. As Microsoft’s own Rewards site puts it, all these everyday activities are “ways to earn points” that count toward your balance. In fact, Xbox.com explains that points from searches, games, and shopping “all pile up on your Rewards points balance”. By combining searches, gaming, and shopping, even casual use of Microsoft products can yield a steady stream of points.

Example: If you search on Bing 10 times per day (about 50 points), do a daily quiz (150 points), and play some Xbox (say 1 point per hour), you could easily earn over 300 points per week without changing your routine. Over a month, that’s on the order of 1,200+ points – enough to redeem a $1 gift card in the Rewards catalog (5,000 points per $5). These may sound small, but they add up, especially during bonus promotions.

Redeeming Points for Free Gift Cards and Rewards

Once you’ve earned points, you need to redeem them for something valuable. Microsoft Rewards offers a redemption catalog with many options. This includes Xbox gift cards, Microsoft Store credit, Skype credit, Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, PayPal cash, and more. To answer “how to earn free Microsoft points” also means knowing what those points can buy.

One key redemption is the Xbox gift card. For example, Microsoft’s Xbox Rewards page shows that 5,000 points can be exchanged for a $5 Xbox Gift Card. That means you could get a $25 gift card for 25,000 points. (For context, if each Bing search gives 5 points, you’d need 5,000 / 5 = 1,000 searches – or use a combination of activities – to reach 5,000 points.) Other popular redemptions include $1 for 1,000 points (as a sweepstakes entry) or just donating to charity for free. Some users save up for larger rewards – for instance, 15,000 points for a $15 Xbox digital code. The exact point cost can vary by region, but the key takeaway is: your earned points translate into real gift card codes.

Importantly, once redeemed, your gift card code is a digital code like “XBOX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX”. You just copy this code and redeem it on the Xbox Live or Microsoft Store website. These digital codes are the same as the physical gift cards you’d buy in stores. So by spending your earned points, you get free Xbox gift card codes without ever paying cash.

Other Ways to Get Free Xbox Gift Card Codes

Besides Microsoft’s official Rewards program, there are a few other legitimate avenues to earn free Xbox gift card codes (which can be thought of as “free Microsoft points” indirectly):

• Survey and Reward Apps: Some apps and websites (like Swagbucks, PrizeRebel, or Microsoft’s own feedback programs) let you earn points by taking surveys or completing small tasks. Those points are often redeemable for gift cards, including Xbox/Microsoft gift cards. For example, Microsoft sometimes runs surveys or promotional quizzes through email that reward points. While these aren’t Microsoft points per se, they’re a way to earn free gift card codes. Always use reputable survey sites (check reviews) and expect that they pay out slowly.
  
• Credit Card and Bank Rewards: If you have a credit card or bank that offers reward points convertible to gift cards, you can use those for Xbox codes. For instance, some cards let you redeem cashback as gift cards of your choice, including Microsoft Store cards. This isn’t “free” (you’re spending money on the card), but it’s a way to get Xbox credit with spending you’d do anyway.
  
• Promotional Giveaways: Occasionally, tech sites, YouTubers, or retailers host giveaways where they give away Xbox gift cards. For example, a Twitch streamer might run a raffle for a $25 Xbox code. Participate in community events or follow official Xbox social channels; sometimes contests are open where the prize is gift cards. These take time (and some luck) but are completely legitimate.
  
• Friends & Family: Don’t forget that friends or family might give you Xbox gift cards as gifts for birthdays or holidays. In effect, this is “free” credit. If someone is very into gaming, a gift card is a common present.
  
• Seasonal Promotions: Retailers sometimes run “spend $x on Xbox items and get a gift card” promos. For example, during holiday sales, buying a console or game bundle might come with bonus store credit. Keep an eye on Xbox deals during Black Friday or E3 events.
  

Important: All the above methods are legal and safe. They do not include any hacks or generators. Whenever you see offers of “instant free Xbox gift card codes” on random websites, be extremely cautious. True free gift cards come from reliable sources like the ones above.

Beware: Scams and Free Code Generators

The internet is full of misleading offers promising “free xbox gift card codes” if you just use a generator or hack. Phrases like “xbox gift card codes free,” “free xbox gift card codes generator 2025,” or “$25 xbox gift card code free” may appear in search results. But use caution: almost all of these are scams.

A security report warns that free Xbox gift card code generators often carry risks like malware, phishing, and account bans. For instance, one guide on the dangers of code generators notes that these sites can install malware, steal personal info, or even result in your Xbox Live account being banned. The conclusion is clear: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Some red flags include:

• Requests for Personal Data: If a site asks for your password, credit card, or social media login to “claim” a free code, that’s a scam. Microsoft will never ask for your account credentials in exchange for codes.
  
• Software Downloads: Any “generator” requiring you to download software is dangerous. It might be malware pretending to be a code tool.
  
• Unlimited Claims: Sites that promise “unlimited free Xbox codes” or “guaranteed instant codes” are false. Microsoft has strict limits on how codes are issued.
  

Instead of unverified generators, stick to the genuine methods above. Real gift card codes come from Microsoft Rewards or official promotions, not from shady apps. If you ever have a code and wonder if it’s real, you can try redeeming it on the official site (https://redeem.microsoft.com) – if it’s fake, it won’t work.

Ultimately, learning how to earn free Microsoft points safely means using Microsoft-approved methods, not falling for dubious freebies. Remember the advice from security experts: generators are “perilous” and full of scams. Our goal is to keep your accounts secure while you collect real rewards.

Tips to Maximize Your Earnings

• Stay Consistent: Log into Microsoft Rewards every day and do all available tasks. Even small tasks add up over time.
  
• Level Up: Microsoft Rewards has two levels. By staying active (earn 500 points per month), you unlock Level 2 status, which gives higher search caps and better rewards. Don’t let your status drop!
  
• Use Multiple Devices: You can earn separately on PC, mobile, and console (Xbox). For example, do your searches on desktop Bing and also on the Bing mobile app. Each has its own daily point cap.
  
• Join Special Programs: If you game frequently, link your Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass to your Rewards account. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers often get extra point bonuses in the Xbox Rewards program.
  
• Combine Rewards: The points you earn on Xbox with the Xbox Rewards app also count in Microsoft Rewards (they just appear in your main account), so you’re effectively doubling up on earning channels.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly are Microsoft Points and how are they different from Microsoft Rewards?
A: Microsoft Points was an old virtual currency for Xbox (discontinued in 2013). Today, Microsoft Rewards points are the new system. You earn these points through Microsoft Rewards (by searching, playing, etc.) and redeem them for gift cards and content. We use “Microsoft points” colloquially to mean these Rewards points or the value you can redeem them for.

Q: How do I sign up for Microsoft Rewards and start earning points?
A: It’s free. Just visit the Microsoft Rewards page and sign in with your Microsoft account. Once logged in, go to the “Rewards dashboard” which fully activates your membership. From there, follow the prompts to link your Xbox account if desired. Then start searching with Bing and doing the daily tasks listed on the dashboard.

Q: Are free Xbox gift card code generators legitimate?
A: No. Free code generators are almost always scams. They may try to steal your personal data or infect your device with malware. Legitimate free codes only come through Microsoft’s official channels (like Microsoft Rewards) or trusted promotions. Never trust a random site claiming unlimited free codes.

Q: What can I buy with Microsoft Rewards points?
A: You can redeem points for Xbox gift cards (usable on games and add-ons), Microsoft Store credit (apps, movies), Skype credit, Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, and more. For example, 5,000 points = $5 in your Microsoft account. The catalog also includes sweepstakes entries and charity donations.

Q: How quickly can I earn enough points for a gift card?
A: That depends on how active you are. A new user doing all daily tasks (searching 10+ times per day, quizzes, etc.) might earn ~1,000 points weekly. During special promotions or using Edge, you can boost that. At 5,000 points for a $5 gift card, a moderately active user can get a $5 gift card every month or two. As you add more methods (Xbox gaming, shopping), your earning rate goes up.

Q: Can I stack rewards or earn points if I’m already an Xbox Game Pass subscriber?
A: Yes. In fact, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members often have special “quests” in the Rewards app to earn bonus points (sometimes up to 4× points on gameplay). So gaming with Game Pass can boost your points. Also, you can stack multiple rewards: for instance, use your points on console at checkout to get games or DLC.

Q: Do Microsoft Rewards points expire?
A: Points expire if your account is inactive for 18 months. To avoid losing points, just sign in and earn or redeem at least once in that period.

Q: Are there any shortcuts or secret hacks?
A: The best “shortcut” is simply to use Microsoft’s services consistently and watch for bonus promotions. There are no secret hacks provided by Microsoft. Always focus on the legitimate methods listed above.

Conclusion: Start Earning Today

Learning how to earn free Microsoft points boils down to taking advantage of Microsoft’s official Rewards program and related offers. By searching on Bing, shopping via Edge, playing Xbox games, and completing daily challenges, you accumulate points for free. Those points can be redeemed for real Xbox gift card codes, Game Pass subscriptions, and more – all at no extra cost to you.

Remember to stay wary of any site promising instant codes; instead, focus on the legitimate earning methods. Microsoft’s own guidance reminds us that these daily, legitimate activities are the reliable way to get free rewards.

Ready to get started? Sign into Microsoft Rewards, complete a few daily tasks, and watch your points grow. Over time, you’ll unlock valuable free gift cards and game credits. Share this article with friends who want free Xbox codes, and let us know your own tips in the comments. Now go earn those points – and enjoy your free Xbox gift cards!