Microsoft is now accepting Bitcoin as a payment option to download digital content. The software maker quietly started supporting the digital currency earlier this week, months after adding a Bitcoin currency converter to its Bing search engine. Bitcoin can be used to fund a Microsoft Account, allowing owners to purchase content from the Windows and Xbox games, music, and video stores. While Bitcoin can be added to a Microsoft Account balance, it cannot be used to purchase services like Office 365.
Microsoft now accepts Bitcoin to buy Xbox games and Windows apps
is a senior correspondent and author of Notepad, who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years.
It's a surprise move from Microsoft, and it's one of the first big tech companies to support Bitcoin fully — beating rivals Apple and Google. Microsoft is integrating BitPay to process Bitcoin transactions, and any money added through Bitcoin cannot be refunded. Bitcoin for Microsoft Accounts is limited to the US right now, and it’s not clear if Microsoft plans to roll out this option to additional countries in the future. Many Bitcoin enthusiasts appear to be impressed with Microsoft’s support of the virtual currency, with some commenting on Reddit that the move is "pretty huge."
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