Microsoft to Start Offering Self Service Refunds on Xbox One and Windows 10

It appears that Microsoft is soon to start offering “Self -Service Refunds” on Xbox One and Windows 10 purchases.  Xbox Insiders have just gotten the notification of the new feature on the dashboard, and it indicates that the new policy will come with some stipulations.

Basically, anyone can ask for a refund for purchases on Xbox One or Windows 10 by simply navigating to account.microsoft.com and signing in to their account.  After heading to the Payment & Billing section you can check your Order History and select “Request a Refund.”

The terms of for getting a refund appear to be:

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 for games 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 one 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.

Apparently, Microsoft is taking a page out of Valve’s handbook for this one.  A system that’s ripe for abuse, self-service refunds appear to essentially give anyone a two hour window to determine whether or not they like a game and want to keep it.