Microsoft has quietly modified its policy regarding the use of Bitcoins for payment of digital content. The company is no longer accepting the use of Bitcoins to pay for Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile content on the Windows Store.
The Redmond-based company has decided to bring to a halt the option of adding Bitcoins to Microsoft accounts for both platforms after a year of accepting them on the Windows Store since late 2014.
"You can no longer redeem Bitcoin into your Microsoft account," reads the Windows 10 support page. "Existing balances in your account will still be available for purchases from Microsoft Store, but can't be refunded."
This implies that if you still have existing Bitcoin balance in your account, no need to worry about losing it. You can still use it for transactions within the Windows Store.
The number of transactions based on this cryptocurrency and performed in the Windows store was perhaps “very small,” according to a report by Bogdan Popa of Softpedia, which initially shared the news. For this reason, the company had “no reason” to continue keeping it as a supported digital currency.
Back in December 2014, Microsoft initially allowed consumers to use their Microsoft accounts to buy digital content from the company for its Windows and Xbox platforms with the use of Bitcoins.
During the time, the company hoped that by offering support for Bitcoins, it would give consumers more payment options as part of its attempt to provide flexibility in payment methods.
“For us, this is about giving people options and helping them do more on their devices and in the cloud,” said Eric Lockard, Microsoft’s corporate vice president of Universal Store, in a blogpost when the company first launched the payment method.
Through the virtual currency, consumers are able to buy apps, games and more digital content for Windows, Windows Phone, Xbox Games, Xbox Video plus Xbox Music stores.
Bitcoins, however, can’t be used to purchase hardware, such as Xbox consoles or software products, including MS Office and Windows OS.
Microsoft has yet to release its official word regarding the matter.
