Software & cloud
microsoft.com
Names that appear in this document for other apps, parks, stores, or brands. A click here can be used there.
The same company terms often apply on these apps or devices. This is a lookup aid, not a claim we caught this company.
Risk score
100of 100
Read Oct 20, 2026
In short
What you accept
Everyday words for the material promises and rights you give up. Each line includes a quote from the document.
Fineprint cannot see whether you agreed. This page is posted on their site. Open the original if you need to know how they say it applies.
You are agreeing that the company may sell or share your personal data with third parties.
Other companies
“These third-party sources vary over time and include: - Data brokers from which we purchase demographic data and contact information to supplement the data we collect.”
You are agreeing to resolve disputes in private arbitration and to give up class actions.
This product
“As further explained in the DPF Principles, binding arbitration is available to address residual complaints not resolved by other means.”
You are agreeing that these rules can follow you to other products, venues, or affiliates of the company.
Other products, stores, or brands
“We provide data to Microsoft-controlled affiliates and subsidiaries and to vendors working on our behalf.”
You are agreeing that the company may keep your data for an open-ended period.
This product
“Our retention of personal data Microsoft retains personal data for as long as necessary to provide the products and services you use and to fulfill the transactions you request.”
You are agreeing that the company may collect location or other sensitive data.
This product
“Location services give you control over which apps are allowed to access your precise location.”
You are agreeing to terms that may still collect or retain data about children.
This product
“When a child is under 13-or a higher age if required in their region-the child will need consent from their parent or guardian to create a Microsoft account.”
You are agreeing that the company may collect or share health or fitness data.
This product
“State Data Privacy Notice](https://aka.ms/USStatePrivacyNotice) (including notice at collection details) and the Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy for additional information about your rights and the processing of your personal data.”
You are agreeing that a connected car or home device may collect location, audio, or usage data.
This product
“Windows Settings, formerly known as PC Settings, is an essential component of Microsoft Windows, and offers a convenient interface for adjusting user preferences, configuring the operating system, and managing connected devices so that you can manage user accounts, adjust network settings, and personalize various aspects of Windows.”
What it can cost you
Quoted clauses that can affect your privacy, money, or right to go to court — including terms that follow you to other products.
Highest-cost clauses first
You are agreeing that the company may sell or share your personal data with third parties.
“These third-party sources vary over time and include: - Data brokers from which we purchase demographic data and contact information to supplement the data we collect.”
What that means: Your activity and identifiers can be used by companies you did not choose.
The document describes selling or commercially sharing personal data with third parties.
You are agreeing to resolve disputes in private arbitration and to give up class actions.
“As further explained in the DPF Principles, binding arbitration is available to address residual complaints not resolved by other means.”
What that means: You may not be able to sue in court or join a class action if something goes wrong.
Disputes are steered into arbitration and collective lawsuits are waived.
You are agreeing that these rules can follow you to other products, venues, or affiliates of the company.
“We provide data to Microsoft-controlled affiliates and subsidiaries and to vendors working on our behalf.”
What that means: A click in one product can later be used to block a lawsuit about a park, store, or different service.
Accepting this document can bind you beyond this app — including physical venues or sister brands.
You are agreeing that the company may collect location or other sensitive data.
“Location services give you control over which apps are allowed to access your precise location.”
What that means: Higher-risk details about you can be stored and shared under the same broad terms.
The company collects location or other sensitive categories of data.
You are agreeing that the company may collect or share health or fitness data.
“State Data Privacy Notice](https://aka.ms/USStatePrivacyNotice) (including notice at collection details) and the Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy for additional information about your rights and the processing of your personal data.”
What that means: Wellness details can be stored or shared with partners you did not choose.
The document describes collecting or sharing health or fitness data beyond running the core service.
You are agreeing that a connected car or home device may collect location, audio, or usage data.
“Windows Settings, formerly known as PC Settings, is an essential component of Microsoft Windows, and offers a convenient interface for adjusting user preferences, configuring the operating system, and managing connected devices so that you can manage user accounts, adjust network settings, and personalize various aspects of Windows.”
What that means: The device can keep sending data even when you are not using an app.
A car, TV, speaker, or home device can keep collecting location, audio, or usage after setup.
You are agreeing that the company may keep your data for an open-ended period.
“Our retention of personal data Microsoft retains personal data for as long as necessary to provide the products and services you use and to fulfill the transactions you request.”
What that means: Old account data can linger long after you expected it to be gone.
Retention is open-ended or justified with vague business interests.
You are agreeing to terms that may still collect or retain data about children.
“When a child is under 13-or a higher age if required in their region-the child will need consent from their parent or guardian to create a Microsoft account.”
What that means: A child’s account or device can still generate a data trail.
The document addresses children but may still collect or retain youth data.
Keep this list. Fineprint cannot undo or cancel something you already agreed to at the company.
We cannot see Agree on their site. With Premium, tap “I accepted these terms” if you already agreed to what Microsoft asks.
First readings and wording changes we could quote — the same items that appear on News.
Updated · Terms of use
We quoted 13 wording changes below. The current grade is F.
Wording we could quote
Changed
Auto-renewal or hard-to-cancel paid terms
Was
“Also, we may charge you up to the amount you have approved, and we will notify you in advance of any change in the amount to be charged for recurring subscription Services.”
Now
“when you purchase the Services on a subscription basis... you agree that you are authorizing recurring payments... until the subscription for that Service is terminated by you or by Microsoft.”
Changed
Forced arbitration or class-action waiver
Was
“**Summary of Arbitration Provisions** The Microsoft Services Agreement contains binding arbitration and class action waiver terms that apply to U.”
Now
“The Microsoft Services Agreement contains binding arbitration and class action waiver terms that apply to U.S. residents. You and we agree to submit disputes to a neutral arbitrator and not to sue in court in front of a judge or jury, except in small claims court.”
No longer quoted
Terms follow you to parks, stores, and other products
“** Many of our Services allow you to create, store or share Your Content or receive material from others.”
Changed
Unilateral changes with little or no notice
Was
“We may change these Terms at any time, and we’ll tell you when we do.”
Now
“We may change these Terms at any time... Using the Services after the changes become effective means you agree to the new terms.”
Changed
Broad license to user content
Was
“** When you provide your Data or Your Content to Bing Places, you grant Microsoft a worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, save, modify, aggregate, promote, transmit, display, and distribute your Data and Your Content (including intellectual property rights in your Data and Your Content), and sub-license any or all of the foregoing rights to third parties.”
Now
“you grant to Microsoft a worldwide and royalty-free intellectual property license to use Your Content... to improve Microsoft products and services... Your Content may appear in demonstrations or materials that promote the Service.”
Changed
Location or sensitive-data over-collection
Was
“, unauthorized sharing of copyrighted music or other copyrighted material, resale or other distribution of Bing maps, or taking photographs or video/audio recordings of others without their consent for processing of an individual’s biometric identifiers/information or any other purpose using any of the Services).”
Now
“your parent or guardian may have control over many aspects of your account... If you are the parent or legal guardian of a minor, you and the minor accept and agree to be bound by these Terms and are responsible for all use... including purchases”
Changed
Liability shifted onto the user
Was
“[ Your Privacy ](#1_YourPrivacy) [ Your Content ](#2_yourContent) [ Code of Conduct ](#3_codeOfConduct) [ Using the Services & Support ](#4_usingTheServicesSupport) [ Using Third-Party Apps and Services ](#5_usingThird-PartyAppsAndServices) [ Service Availability ](#6_serviceAvailability) [ Updates to the Services or Software, and Changes to These Terms ](#7_updatesToTheServicesOrSoftwareAndChange”
Now
“MICROSOFT, AND OUR AFFILIATES... MAKE NO WARRANTIES... YOU BEAR THE ENTIRE RISK OF USING THE SERVICES. ... direct damages up to an amount equal to your Services fee for the month... (or up to $10.00 if the Services are free).”
Appeared
Jury trial or court access waived
“You and we irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state or federal courts in King County, Washington, for all disputes... that are not heard in arbitration or small claims court.”
Appeared
Indefinite retention
“we’ll delete Data or Your Content associated with your Microsoft account or will otherwise disassociate it from you... unless we are required by law to keep it... You should have a regular backup plan as Microsoft won’t be able to retrieve Your Content or Data once your account is closed.”
Appeared
Tracking you across apps
“information about your game play, activities and usage of games and XBOX Services will be tracked and shared with applicable third parties, including game developers and publishers... Microsoft may share limited account and usage-related information... with that party”
Appeared
You take the risk of injury or death
“To avoid possible injury, discomfort or eye strain... Discomfort might include feelings of nausea, motion sickness, dizziness... A very small percentage of people may experience seizures...”
Appeared
Difficult or incomplete deletion
“Closure of your access to a Service or your account may result in forfeiture of content licenses, associated content, memberships, and Microsoft account balances associated with the account.”
Appeared
Children’s data
“If you do not know whether you have reached the age of majority where you live... ask your parent or legal guardian for help. If you are the parent or legal guardian of a minor, you and the minor accept and agree to be bound by these Terms”
Sep 29, 2026 · F
First reading · Terms of use
Fineprint found 7 quoted terms clauses that match the consumer rubric. This is a reading aid, not legal advice.
Sep 2, 2026 · F
First reading · Privacy policy
Fineprint found 5 quoted privacy clauses that match the consumer rubric. This is a reading aid, not legal advice.
Sep 2, 2026 · D
