Xbox and Windows 10 self-refunds program in testing phase, please put your hands together for Microsoft

By Brenna Hillier

Xbox is cautiously rolling out an automated refund service. This is excellent.

Microsoft is currently testing a new refund system on the Xbox and Windows 10 Store.

Similarly to Steam and Origin refunds, the new system allows users to automatically process refunds on digital purchases, provided you’ve spent less than 2 hours playing and made the purchase within the last 14 days.

Self-refunds are currently only available to a small number of Xbox Insider members, and Microsoft confirmed with Polygon this it’s in the “pilot testing” phase right now.

Here’s the full text of the notification sent out to Xbox Insiders about the service:

You’ve spoken; we’ve listened. In support of offering gamers the freedom of choice, we’re making changes to the Microsoft Store purchase experience by offering customers a simple way to instantly return digital products like games and apps through account.microsoft.com.

When a game or app leaves you wanting more, we’re here to help. Self-service refunds on Xbox One and Windows 10 provide a quick, simple way of returning a digital product.

To request a self-service refund:

1. Navigate to account.microsoft.com and sign-in.
2. From the top menu bar, select Payment & billing > Order history.
3. Navigate to a purchased game or app, and select Request a refund.

Please note the below conditions for requesting a self-service refund:

• Games and apps are eligible for self-service refunds within 14 days of purchase if you have less than 2 hours of play time across all accounts.
• DLC, season passes, and add-ons are not eligible for self-service refunds.
• The game or app must be downloaded and launched before requesting a self-service refund.
• You must wait for at least 1 day after the game or app’s release before requesting a self-service refund.
• Certain Windows 10 apps may not be eligible for self-service refunds.
• Microsoft reserves the right to block access for users who abuse self-service refunds.

Although you could have a grump about how long it’s taken to implement such a service, it’s really great to see Microsoft adding this consumer-friendly tool to the Xbox and Windows 10 storefronts. Well done, Redmond.

Nintendo and Sony currently do not offer automated refund services. In general getting your money back on a mistaken or dud digital console purchase involves hanging on the phone or waiting on email chains. What a pain.