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Windows Central
Windows Central
Technology
Sean Endicott

People want more value from Microsoft Rewards, and the new feedback portal makes that impossible to ignore

Bold Microsoft logo with vibrant colors and a gold medal icon on the left, reflecting on a glossy floor. The scene conveys achievement and innovation.

You can now provide feedback about the Microsoft Rewards Program through a new feedback portal. Similar to the new Xbox Player Voice forum, the Microsoft Rewards Feedback portal lets you suggest features, vote on feedback, and track the progress of changes.

The Microsoft Rewards Program has been around in some form for years, though it used to be under the Bing brand. You can earn points by using Microsoft services that you can then exchange for various rewards.

If you're deeply entrenched in the Microsoft ecosystem, you can earn a lot of points quickly. Over the years, I've used points to build up a library of movies. I value gift cards over other rewards, but you can also use your Microsoft Rewards points to enter sweepstakes and make donations.

I don't spend as much time earning points anymore because of the changes Microsoft rolled out this year.

Microsoft rolled out major changes to its rewards program in May, and some were received poorly. Those changes paired with the increase of the Xbox gift card cost have left plenty of room for feedback.

Generally speaking, points are less valuable than they used to be and there are fewer options for redemption. It's also harder to earn points in several ways.

I think there's a limit to how much we should complain about getting free things, but I think for many the effort to earn points is no longer worth it.

Most requested improvements to Microsoft Rewards

The Microsoft Rewards Feedback portal only launched yesterday, but a theme is already emerging. Several of the top pieces of feedback center around delivering more value to users.

"Redeem points for Game Pass subscriptions," reads the most upvoted piece of feedback. "Bring back Value for money gift cards for redemption," says another suggestion.

Other entries focus on community features, like creating a reward for people who complete 100% of a game or showing a badge on Xbox Live profiles that's related to Microsoft Rewards.

I predict requests to improve value will dominate the top of the Microsoft Rewards Feedback portal once it's given time to mature.

What changes would you like to see to the Microsoft Rewards Program? Share your thoughts in the official Microsoft Rewards Feedback portal and in our comments below!

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

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