Last Updated: October 26, 2023
Introduction
Microsoft is committed to protecting your privacy. This privacy statement explains how Microsoft collects, processes, and shares your personal data when you use our products and services. We want you to understand what information we collect, why we collect it, and how you can control your information.
This statement applies to Microsoft’s websites, applications, services, and products that link to this statement or do not have a separate privacy statement.
Information We Collect
We collect information to operate effectively and provide you with the best experiences with our services. You provide some of this information directly, such as when you create a Microsoft account, submit a search query, or contact Microsoft for support. We also get some of it by collecting data about how you interact with our services, for example, by using technologies like cookies, and receiving error reports or usage data from software running on your device.
Types of Information Collected:
- Information you provide: Name, email address, phone number, billing address, credit card information, and other account credentials.
- Information from your use of services: Search queries, website visits, app usage, device information (e.g., hardware model, operating system version, unique device identifiers), IP address, and crash reports.
- Information from third parties: We may receive information about you from other sources, such as public databases, social media platforms, or partners with whom we offer co-branded services or engage in joint marketing activities.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide and improve our services.
- Personalize your experiences.
- Communicate with you.
- Provide support.
- Protect our services and users.
- Conduct research and development.
- Comply with legal obligations.
We process your personal data for the purposes described in this privacy statement, including when you consent, to fulfill our contracts with you, to comply with legal obligations, or to protect our or others’ rights, property, or safety.
Sharing Your Information
Microsoft does not sell your personal data. We share your personal data only as described in this privacy statement.
- With your consent.
- With Microsoft affiliates and subsidiaries: To process personal data on our behalf.
- With third-party providers: To support our business operations, such as customer service, payment processing, and fraud detection.
- For legal reasons: To respond to legal process, comply with applicable laws, or protect the rights, property, or safety of Microsoft, our customers, or the public.
Your Choices and Rights
You have choices regarding the information we collect and how we use it. You can manage your privacy settings through your Microsoft account dashboard.
- Access and control your data: You can access, review, and update your personal information through your Microsoft account.
- Communication preferences: You can manage the communications you receive from Microsoft.
- Cookies and tracking technologies: You can control the use of cookies through your browser settings.
For more detailed information on managing your data and privacy settings, please visit the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard.
Security of Your Information
We use a variety of security technologies and procedures to help protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
Children's Privacy
Microsoft services are generally intended for a general audience and not for children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate consent from a parent or guardian.
Changes to This Privacy Statement
We may update this privacy statement from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new privacy statement on our website.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this privacy statement or Microsoft's privacy practices, please contact us by visiting our support page.