Introduction
At Microsoft, we are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Statement explains how Microsoft collects, processes, and uses your personal information when you use our products and services.
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, send us a query, or purchase services. We get some of it by observing how you interact with our services by, for example, using technologies like cookies, and receiving error reports or usage data from software running on your device.
Personal Information
Personal information is information that can be used to identify you, directly or indirectly, in combination with other information. This may include:
- Contact details (name, email address, postal address, phone number).
- Account information (username, password, and security questions).
- Payment information (credit card details, billing address).
- Device information (hardware model, operating system version, unique device identifiers).
- Usage data (information about how you use our products and services, features used, interactions with content).
- Location data (if you choose to share it).
Non-Personal Information
We also collect information that is not associated with or linked to your personal information and cannot be used to identify you. This may include:
- Aggregated usage statistics.
- Anonymized data.
How We Use Your Information
Microsoft uses the information we collect to:
- Provide and improve our products and services.
- Personalize your experiences.
- Communicate with you about our products, services, and offers.
- Process your transactions.
- Provide customer support.
- Protect the security and safety of our users and services.
- Comply with legal obligations.
Sharing Your Information
Microsoft does not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:
- With your consent.
- With Microsoft-affiliated companies.
- With vendors and service providers acting on our behalf.
- To comply with legal requirements or respond to lawful requests.
- To protect the rights, property, or safety of Microsoft, our customers, or the public.
Your Privacy Choices
You have choices regarding the information you provide and how we use it. You can manage your Microsoft account settings, control your privacy preferences, and opt-out of certain data collection and communications.
For more details on managing your privacy settings, please visit your Microsoft Account 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. These measures include encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.
Changes to This Statement
We may update this Privacy Statement from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new Privacy Statement on this page and updating the "last updated" date at the bottom.
Last updated: October 26, 2023