Cryptocurrency has gone mainstream and is transforming the ways we make online transactions. Over the past years, notable companies, such as Paypal, Starbucks, AT&T, and Shopify have started accepting crypto as a viable alternative to fiat transfers.
The popular Microsoft Corporation has not been left behind but adopted crypto payments on its MS store for some of its products before halting the services.
However, if you still want to buy Microsoft Windows using a crypto payment method, this post will guide you on how you can buy Windows with crypto. Let’s go!
Microsoft And Crypto Payment
Microsoft adopted crypto, including Bitcoin, as one of its payment options as far back as 2014. Then, the tech giant allowed its users to buy Windows operating systems, as well as other applications and games for Xbox and Windows Phone, with crypto payment.
Due to volatility, which characterizes the entire crypto assets, Microsoft temporarily stopped accepting crypto payments.
However, Microsoft resumed accepting crypto payments but strictly in their MS store. That means even if you can no longer buy a new Xbox with crypto or use crypto for the Xbox store credits, you can purchase your new Windows OS with crypto.
The tech giant accepted Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Tether USDT, and other popular crypto assets as payment options in partnership with BitPay, a notable crypto trading platform.
However, regrettably, Microsoft does not currently accept crypto payments for Windows purchases.
How To Buy Windows With Crypto On Microsoft Store
Buying Windows with crypto on MS Store follows a simple procedure. Here is how to go about it:
Buying Windows With Crypto Directly On MS Store
When the tech giant was still accepting crypto as a payment method for Windows purchases, all you had to do was to visit the Microsoft Store website, choose the Windows product you wished to buy, and navigate to the “Payment & billing” section, select “Payment options,” and then choose “Redeem bitcoin” to pay with crypto, such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Tether USDT, via BitPay.
The process allows you to connect your preferred wallet to the platform, select the crypto type you wish to pay with and enter the necessary details, either manually or via QR code, to complete your transactions.
However, Microsoft does not currently accept cryptocurrency as a payment option. Nevertheless, there are several other indirect methods you can employ to buy Windows or pay for a Windows license at Microsoft.
Buying Windows With Crypto Indirectly On MS Store
These indirect methods involve making Windows purchases via third-party providers, such as online retailers and marketplaces. Here is how to go about it:
Using Microsoft Gift Cards:
You can buy Windows indirectly with crypto through Microsoft gift cards. With a Microsoft gift card, you can easily pay for games, devices, movies, software applications, and even Windows OS.
There are several third-party online retailers, such as Cryptorefills, that accept crypto as a payment option for Microsoft gift cards. Visit any of these online retailers and buy Microsoft Store gift cards with Bitcoin and other cryptos.
After payment, you will receive your 25-digit gift card code that you can use on the MS store.
Once you have received the code, visit the Microsoft redeem page and enter the 25-digit code in the space provided (you may need to sign in to begin the process), click on ‘Next,’ and follow the simple instructions to redeem the card. You can then use it to buy Windows from the Microsoft Store.
Other third-party platforms where you can buy Microsoft gift cards with cryptocurrencies are BitPay, Gyft, and Bitrefill.
Visiting Online Tech Stores that Accept Crypto
While it is a good and safe option to always buy Windows directly from the official Microsoft store in order to avoid scams, bugs, and malware, some ‘genuine’ third-party online retailers also sell Windows, and some of them accept crypto as a payment option.
For instance, Newegg and G2G offer Windows products for sale with BTC, ETH, and other cryptos. You can also buy Windows with crypto on some online marketplaces like eBay.
However, you need to be cautious when buying Windows with crypto from third-party sellers. Try as much as possible to verify the seller’s reputation and ensure they have a good reputation.
Other online retailers include Expedia, Overstock, and Dell.
Using Web Hosting Sites That Accepts Crypto
Did you know that you can buy Windows Virtual Private Servers (VPS) with crypto?
Yes, you can buy Windows VPS with crypto. Some web hosting companies like BitLaunch accept crypto as a payment option to offer Windows VPS. A Windows VPS provides you with a virtual environment with a dedicated CPU, RAM, and storage where you can deploy your Windows apps.
Benefits Of Buying Windows With Crypto
Here are some of the benefits associated with buying Windows with crypto:
- Speed and Comfort: Buying Windows with crypto is very fast. More so, you can easily buy Windows from wherever you are in the world.
- Safe and Secure: Generally, crypto transactions are safe, secure, and irreversible. You don’t have any fear of chargebacks.
- Privacy Protection: Since crypto transactions are pseudonymous, they protect your privacy and identity.
- Accessibility: You may encounter restrictions when buying Windows with a credit/debit card, but crypto enables you to buy Windows without these restrictions.
However, note that transaction fees may apply to purchasing Windows with crypto, and this may vary by retailer. Hence, it is important to find out about the transaction fee before proceeding with the purchase.
Also, some retailers place minimum-maximum purchase limits, which means you may have to buy items up to a certain amount or not be able to buy above a certain amount.
Considerations When Buying Windows With Crypto
When you need to buy Windows with crypto, take note of the following considerations:
- The marketplace/online retailer’s reputation and security: Don’t jump into any marketplace or online retailer that offers crypto payment for Windows. Instead, carefully verify their reputation and security before dealing with them.
- Make sure your crypto assets are stored in a secure crypto wallet. If possible, try a decentralized crypto wallet.
- Before you proceed with or confirm any transaction, make sure that you have carefully reviewed and verified the transaction details.
- Using crypto payment may be illegal or have tax implications in your region as some countries like India have imposed capital gains tax on all crypto sales. Try to find out for guidance.
Conclusion
Buying Windows with crypto is fast, convenient, secure, and accessible. However, Microsoft no longer accepts crypto payments for Windows purchases. Nevertheless, you can still buy Windows with crypto indirectly using gift cards and third-party online retailers or marketplaces.
As crypto adoption continues to grow, we can expect more and more tech firms, as well as online retailers, to join the crypto payment movement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Does Microsoft Still Accept Crypto For Windows Purchases?
Unfortunately, Microsoft no longer accepts crypto for Windows purchases. However, you can still buy Windows with crypto using Microsoft gift cards and third-party online retailers.
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What Are The Advantages Of Buying Windows With Crypto?
Some of the advantages of buying Windows with crypto include
Speed and comfort,
Safety and security.
Privacy protection, and
Accessibility. -
Can I Buy Windows With Crypto Directly From Microsoft?
No, you can’t buy Windows with crypto directly from Microsoft at the moment.
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Where Can I Buy Microsoft Gift Cards Using Crypto?
Many online retailers offer crypto payment options for Microsoft gift cards. Some of them include Cryptorefills, BitPay, Bitrefill, and Gyft.