Microsoft

Microsoft is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Redmond, Wash., that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports and sells computer software, consumer electronics and personal computers and services.

Telephone
Main HQ : (425) 882-8080
Customer service : (800) 642-7676
Fax :(425) 706-7329
Mailing address
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052-6399.
Website
microsoft.com/en-us

What you need to know about Microsoft

Microsoft customer service is inconsistent in terms of response times and resolution. In one case, Microsoft simply ignored a customer, leaving them without support. In another, a customer was treated like a pirate when their activation code for a legitimate Microsoft product stopped working, with no way to reactivate it. A different customer saw their Windows copy labeled “not genuine” after a computer upgrade, and Microsoft’s support provided no real help. Finally, another customer’s Windows 10 upgrade went wrong, and Microsoft demanded $499 to fix the problem.

How to resolve a problem with Microsoft

Try self-service first

Use our proven resolution methods, or Microsoft’s self-service links below.

Contact an executive

Start with the primary contact below, then escalate step by step if needed.

Get free advocacy help

Contact Elliott Advocacy for free mediation of unresolved complaints.

Note: If you’re having customer service trouble, please use our proven methods for fixing any consumer problem before contacting a manager.

We care about accuracy. If any of the following email addresses bounce back or the phone numbers are incorrect, please report it to us immediately through this form.

How fast does Microsoft respond?

Phone support
Microsoft customer service is very difficult to contact by phone.Availability: Phone support is available 24/7.
Email support
Usually 1 to 14 business days.Availability: Email support is available 24/7.
Live chat support
Usually 1 to 45 minutes.Availability: Live chat support is available 24/7.
Social media
Microsoft is active on social media platforms such as Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Help center/FAQ
Microsoft help center/FAQ provides quick answers to common questions regarding Microsoft 365, trials, product keys, activation, One Drive, Microsoft Office, subscriptions, renewals and billing.
Verified contacts

Microsoft customer service executives

Maintained by Elliott Advocacy and updated regularly. Here’s how we do it →

Primary
Lisa Sinacola
Vice President Customer Service
Chief Executive
Satya Nadella
Chief Executive Officer

Microsoft customer service policies

Microsoft’s privacy statement describes the types of personal data it collects, including identity, contact, account, usage, device, location, content, and biometric information, as well as data from cookies and similar technologies. It explains how this data is used for operating services, product development, personalization, security, legal compliance, and business purposes. The statement also covers situations in which data may be shared with affiliates, partners, or authorities, how users can access or manage their data, and the use of cookies and tracking tools. Additionally, it notes where data may be stored, how long it is retained, and the security measures applied, along with product-specific and organizational notices.

Microsoft loyalty program

Microsoft Rewards is a free loyalty program that allows users with a Microsoft account to earn points for routine activities tied to Microsoft’s ecosystem, such as searching with Bing, using Edge, shopping at the Microsoft Store, and completing quizzes or gaming-related tasks. Points accumulate within a tiered system that can unlock higher earning rates, but rewards are limited to predefined options like gift cards, sweepstakes entries, or charitable donations, with availability varying by region.

Frequently asked questions about Microsoft

Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service that provides access to a suite of Microsoft applications, along with cloud storage through OneDrive. While it combines traditional office software with cloud features, it requires ongoing payments rather than a one-time purchase, and some features are only available online.
Microsoft Office is not fully available for free, and any “free” versions come with significant limitations.
Microsoft Office includes a collection of applications such as Word for word processing, Excel for spreadsheets, PowerPoint for presentations, Outlook for email and calendar management, and Teams for communication and collaboration. Depending on the version or subscription, it may also include OneNote, Access, Publisher, and cloud storage through OneDrive.

The difference between Microsoft 365 and Office lies in payment and features. Microsoft 365 is a subscription service that provides access to Office apps, cloud storage, and ongoing updates, but it requires continuous payments and an online account for full use. Office, on the other hand, is a one-time purchase with a fixed set of apps installed on a single device, without regular feature updates or most cloud-based tools.

  • LinkedIn
  • GitHub
  • Activision Blizzard
  • Mojang Studios
  • Nuance Communications
  • ZeniMax Media
  • Skype Technologies
  • YammerXandr
  • Nokia’s devices & services division
  • aQuantive (digital ad services, eventually divested)
  • Xbox and Xbox Game Studios (gaming brand and studios)
  • Microsoft Teams, OneDrive

Keep in mind that Microsoft has acquired hundreds of companies over decades, including many smaller studios, developer tools, cloud‑related products, and niche software makers beyond this core list.

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