The old “Microsoft Points” currency for Xbox purchases was retired years ago and replaced by Microsoft Rewards, a points program that lets you earn credit through everyday activities like Bing searches, Xbox use, and browsing the Microsoft Start app. Those points can be redeemed for gift cards, Xbox credit, Game Pass subscriptions, and other rewards.
Earn Points Through Bing Searches
Search points make up the biggest chunk of what most people earn daily, and Microsoft sets separate limits for desktop and mobile. Doing searches on both devices, rather than just one, is the single biggest lever for maximizing daily points:
- PC search: up to 150 points daily, based on around 30 qualifying searches at 5 points each
- Mobile search: up to 100 points daily, based on around 20 qualifying searches
- Using Microsoft Edge as your default browser adds a modest bonus on top, since it integrates more directly with Bing
You don’t need to search anything unusual to earn these points — everyday searches you’d normally run, or simply clicking through a few news stories on Bing’s homepage, count toward your daily total.
Complete the Daily Set and Streaks
The Microsoft Rewards dashboard includes a Daily Set: usually three small tasks that take about a minute total and add up to 30-60 points a day. On top of that, completing the Daily Set for consecutive stretches — 7, 14, or 30 days in a row — unlocks streak bonuses that compound over time. Breaking a streak resets that bonus progress, so consistency matters more than doing a huge batch of activity in one sitting.
Use the Microsoft Start App
Downloading the free Microsoft Start app (available on iOS and Android) and opening it once a day is one of the easier methods people tend to overlook. Scrolling or tapping through a few articles in the news feed for about 30 seconds typically earns around 30 points daily, without needing to actually read the content in depth.
Earn Points Through Xbox and Gaming
If you already use an Xbox or have Game Pass Ultimate, gaming activity has become one of the fastest-growing point sources in the program. A few ways this adds up:
- Opening the Xbox Rewards app daily earns a small automatic bonus
- Unlocking in-game achievements typically grants points per achievement, up to a daily cap
- Weekly quests, like playing a specific Game Pass title for a set amount of time, can add a meaningful lump sum of points for very little time invested
Reach Level 2 for Faster Earning
Microsoft Rewards has two membership levels, and reaching Level 2 significantly increases how fast points accumulate. Getting there requires earning 500 points within a calendar month and keeping the account active, after which the daily and weekly earning caps increase across most activities.
A Word on “Fast” Methods You Should Skip
Legitimate Microsoft Rewards earning doesn’t require bots, VPN tricks, browser automation scripts, or third-party “point generator” tools, and using them risks getting your account suspended or banned outright, since Microsoft actively monitors for automated or fraudulent activity. Sticking to genuine searches, daily tasks, and normal app or Xbox use is the only reliable way to keep points flowing without putting your account at risk.
Join The Discussion
Microsoft Rewards habits tend to vary a lot depending on whether someone’s mostly on desktop, mobile, or Xbox. What’s worked best for building up your points balance, and have you redeemed for anything worth the wait? Share your routine, favorite redemption, or any tips for staying consistent with the daily tasks.
