Microsoft Freebies Promotional Offers And Rewards Programs A Comprehensive Guide

Microsoft offers a variety of digital freebies, promotional offers, and rewards programs to its customers. These complimentary items range from custom themes and icons for gaming consoles to free trials of popular services and sweepstakes with substantial cash prizes. This article explores the current Microsoft freebies available, the Microsoft Rewards program, promotional offers, and the Ultimate Giveaway sweepstakes, providing consumers with detailed information about these value-added benefits.

Current Microsoft Freebies

Microsoft has released several digital freebies to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. These complimentary items are available to Xbox users and Microsoft product owners at no cost.

Xbox Console Freebies

The most notable free item is a Dynamic Background celebrating Microsoft's 50th anniversary. This background features iconic characters from Microsoft-owned franchises such as Halo, Call of Duty, DOOM, Gears of War, The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Diablo, Overwatch, and World of Warcraft. These characters surround the number "50" to commemorate Microsoft's founding on April 4, 1975. The dynamic background has been distributed to all Xbox users and can be accessed through the settings menu of Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One consoles.

Additionally, Microsoft has released three new icons for Gamerpics on Xbox: - The original Windows cursor - A floppy disc with eyes - The iconic Clippy from Microsoft Word

For members of the Xbox Insider Program, a special 50th anniversary badge is available within the Xbox Insider Hub app. This exclusive badge is accessible only to program participants and serves as recognition for their contributions to Xbox's development.

Windows Device Theme

Microsoft has also created a theme for Windows devices based on the original version of Solitaire, a game synonymous with older PCs. This free theme is available through the Microsoft Store in the "themes" section of the marketplace. Unlike the Xbox-specific freebies, this theme is designed for computers and other Microsoft hardware rather than gaming consoles.

While these freebies may not significantly alter the user experience, they represent Microsoft's effort to honor its history and provide value to customers at no cost. Even users who don't typically customize their devices may find these complimentary items appealing given their zero-cost nature.

Microsoft Rewards Program

The Microsoft Rewards program allows users to earn points by engaging in various Microsoft activities, which can then be redeemed for gift cards, subscriptions, charitable donations, and entry into sweepstakes. Understanding how to efficiently earn points is key to maximizing the benefits of this program.

Earning Points Quickly

Members can accumulate points through several methods:

• Bing Searches: Using Bing on a computer allows users to earn up to 150 daily points, with an additional 20 points when using Microsoft Edge. On mobile devices, using the Bing app on Android, iPhone, or iPad can earn up to 100 points daily. Level 1 members earn 5 points per search, with a maximum of 50 points per day on computers. Upon reaching Level 2 by earning at least 500 points in a month, members can earn up to 150 points daily for Bing searches.

• Mobile App Usage: The Bing app on mobile devices provides another avenue for earning points, with 5 points per search up to 100 points per day. This is separate from points earned on computers, allowing users to maximize their earnings across multiple devices.

• Xbox Rewards Hub: Members can use the Rewards Hub on their Xbox console or within the Xbox app on Windows to play games and complete tasks for additional points.

Program Levels and Benefits

The Microsoft Rewards program operates on different levels, with each level offering increased benefits:

• Level 1: Beginner members who can earn points through basic activities.
• Level 2: Achieved by earning 1000 points in a month. Level 2 members can earn up to 5 times more rewards than Level 1 members and gain access to additional earning opportunities, such as earning points with the Bing app on mobile devices.

By understanding the program structure and utilizing multiple earning methods, users can efficiently accumulate points and access higher-value rewards.

Microsoft Promotional Offers and Free Trials

Microsoft frequently offers promotional deals and free trials of its services and products. These limited-time opportunities provide users with access to premium content and services at no cost.

Apple TV+ and Apple Music Trials

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks members can enjoy complimentary three-month trials of both Apple TV+ and Apple Music. These trials are available to Ultimate members who do not already have subscriptions to these services. The promotion can be claimed through an Xbox console or the Xbox app on Windows, with the offer valid until March 31, 2023. This represents a significant value, as these services typically require monthly subscriptions.

Samsung TV Promotion

Microsoft has partnered with Samsung to offer a free Xbox controller and a three-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription with the purchase of eligible Samsung TVs. This bundle provides immediate value to new Samsung TV owners by including gaming hardware and a subscription to Microsoft's gaming service. The promotion is available for a limited time and may be subject to specific terms and conditions regarding eligible TV models and purchase periods.

These promotional offers demonstrate Microsoft's strategy of expanding its user base by providing complimentary access to its ecosystem of products and services. By leveraging partnerships and bundling strategies, Microsoft makes its offerings more accessible to potential customers.

Microsoft Rewards Ultimate Giveaway

The Microsoft Rewards Ultimate Giveaway represents one of the company's most significant promotional offerings, combining instant win opportunities with a substantial grand prize sweepstakes. This promotion provides multiple chances for participants to win cash prizes simply by engaging with Microsoft's services.

Giveaway Overview

The Ultimate Giveaway features two components:

1. Daily Instant Win: Participants can win one of 650 daily cash prizes valued from $500 to $5,000. To enter, members must complete at least one search in the Bing app each day during the promotion period and then tap "Check if you're a winner" to use that day's chance. Unused chances do not carry over to subsequent days.

2. Sweepstakes: The sweepstakes awards one grand prize of $1,000,000 USD. Participants receive one free entry upon completing the entry form. Additional bonus entries can be earned by completing various activities, with up to 340 bonus entries available.

Prize Details

The grand prize of $1,000,000 USD will be awarded in U.S. dollars, with equivalent values in other currencies as follows: - Approximately $1,368,780.00 CAD - £741,440.00 GBP - €856,200.00 EUR - kr10,139,100.00 NOK - $18,643,500.00 MXN - $1,662,780.00 NZD - ¥147,325,000.00 JPY - $1,280,150.00 SGD

Eligibility and Entry Requirements

The Ultimate Giveaway is open to residents of the United States and Washington D.C./Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Norway, Austria, Spain, Mexico, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and China.

To participate: - Members can claim one free entry from the sweepstakes landing page at aka.ms/win-promo by logging into their Microsoft account or creating a new one. - For the Instant Win component, participants must perform at least one search in the Bing app each day and check if they've won. - For additional sweepstakes entries, members can complete various activities available through the Sweepstakes Entry Dashboard.

Tracking Entries

Participants can track all their entries by: - Logging into their Microsoft account and visiting the entry tracker - Signing into the Rewards page, selecting "Redeem," then "Order history," and finding their order under "Status"

Entries may take up to 72 hours to post. Participants can also share their entry link with friends to earn up to 20 extra entries if it's their first time entering the sweepstakes. For each referred person who enters, participants receive 5 additional entries.

The Instant Win and Sweepstakes components of the Ultimate Giveaway end on October 17, 2025, providing participants with an extended period to engage with the promotion and increase their chances of winning.

Tips for Maximizing Microsoft Freebies

To fully benefit from Microsoft's free offerings, users should consider the following strategies:

1. Engage Regularly with Bing: Since Bing searches are a primary method of earning Microsoft Rewards points, making Bing the default search engine on all devices can significantly increase point accumulation.

2. Utilize Multiple Devices: Earning points is possible across computers, tablets, and smartphones. Installing the Bing app on all devices and using them for searches can maximize daily point earnings.

3. Participate in Xbox Activities: For Xbox users, completing tasks and playing games through the Rewards Hub can provide additional points beyond those earned through searches.

4. Monitor Promotional Pages: Regularly checking Microsoft's promotional pages and the Microsoft Rewards dashboard ensures awareness of new freebies, trials, and sweepstakes opportunities.

5. Take Advantage of Level Benefits: Progressing to Level 2 in the Microsoft Rewards program unlocks higher point earnings and additional opportunities, making it worthwhile to concentrate activities early on to reach this threshold.

6. Refer Friends: When participating in sweepstakes like the Ultimate Giveaway, referring friends can provide bonus entries without additional cost.

7. Complete All Available Activities: For sweepstakes with multiple entry methods, completing all available activities maximizes the number of entries and chances to win.

By implementing these strategies, users can optimize their experience with Microsoft's free offerings and rewards program, maximizing both the value and frequency of benefits received.

Conclusion

Microsoft provides a variety of freebies, promotional offers, and rewards programs to its customers, ranging from digital themes and icons for gaming consoles to free trials of premium services and substantial cash prize sweepstakes. The company's 50th anniversary celebration has brought special freebies for Xbox users, including dynamic backgrounds and gamerpics, while the Microsoft Rewards program offers ongoing opportunities to earn points through everyday activities like Bing searches.

The Ultimate Giveaway represents one of Microsoft's most significant promotional offerings, combining daily instant win prizes with a $1,000,000 grand prize sweepstakes. By understanding the various programs and implementing strategies to maximize benefits, users can take full advantage of these complimentary offerings.

As Microsoft continues to expand its ecosystem of products and services, consumers can expect additional freebies and promotional opportunities in the future. Staying informed about current offers and actively participating in Microsoft Rewards programs ensures that users can make the most of these value-added benefits.

Sources

1. Xbox Freebies for Microsoft's 50th Anniversary
2. Getting Microsoft Rewards Points Fast
3. Microsoft Freebies, Offers, Promos and Discounts
4. Microsoft Rewards Ultimate Giveaway