Microsoft Begins Accepting Bitcoin

LOS ANGELES — In a big boost to Bitcoin barons, Microsoft has announced that consumers may now exchange Bitcoins for the company’s apps, games and more for Windows, Windows Phone and Xbox.

“If you are a person who uses Bitcoin you know it’s not always easy to find places where you can use the digital currency. That is about to change when it comes to Microsoft content,” Athima Chansanchai of the Microsoft News Center stated. “Starting Thursday in the U.S., by using BitPay, the world’s leading Bitcoin payment processor, you can trade-in Bitcoin — at current market value — and add it to your Microsoft account.”

The funds are usable for purchasing content in the Windows Store, or in stores that house Xbox Games, Xbox Music or Xbox Video.

“For us, this is about giving people options and helping them do more on their devices and in the cloud,” says Eric Lockard, corporate vice president of Universal Store at Microsoft. “The use of digital currencies such as Bitcoin, while not yet mainstream, is growing beyond the early enthusiasts [and] we expect this growth to continue.”

“Allowing people to use Bitcoin to purchase our products and services now allows us to be at the front edge of that trend,” Lockard added.

According to the company, Bitcoin will now appear as an option for those wishing to add money to their Microsoft accounts.

“If you want to transfer your Bitcoins, you first need to select the amount of money to add to your Microsoft account,” Chansanchai explains. “BitPay calculates the equivalent amount in Bitcoin and delivers that information, along with a BitPay Bitcoin address and payment instructions. You then pay the displayed amount of Bitcoin from your Bitcoin wallet to complete the transaction.”

BitPay supports more than 50,000 businesses, including TigerDirect, Virgin Galactic and Newegg.

Although the virtual currency can be used to fund a user’s Microsoft account, it cannot currently be used to directly pay for Microsoft products and services other than those now being offered, i.e. apps, games and other ancillary products and services. The company notes that further offers may be forthcoming, however, as necessary to keep up with the changing needs of customers who are using micropayments and other banking alternatives.

There is also a cap on the value of Bitcoin exchanged per day of $1,000 (or its equivalent in the user’s country or region’s currency) into a Microsoft account on any given day, and no more than $5,000 to additional Microsoft accounts registered by the user or in the user’s name.

For more information, visit Microsoft.com.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More