Microsoft has now joined the many, many retailers that are now accepting bitcoin as payment.  Microsoft, the global powerhouse that created the widely used Windows OS, is allowing its users to fund their Microsoft/Windows Live accounts or xBox Live accounts.  This means customers can now purchase xBox games, mobile apps, music, and other digital media using bitcoin.

Bitcoin is now accepted as a payment option for Live account users.  This option is available across the United States, and is converted at the current exchange rate.  BitPay will be handling the payment conversion process for Microsoft.  While this service is available across the United States, Windows has not yet taken this strategy global.  Windows users across the world have reported that this payment option is not present.  This does, however, show that Windows is embracing bitcoin.  If the pattern of other companies on Microsoft’s scale can be used as an indicator, Live customers in other nations may be able to pay with bitcoin as well soon.

Microsoft gives Live users clear and detailed instructions for paying with bitcoin on their website.  It highlights their expert understanding of BitPay and the payment process.  They even give users helpful information:

• Most Bitcoin transactions should process immediately. If it doesn’t, please wait up to two hours for the transaction to complete before contacting support.
• Money added to your Microsoft account using Bitcoin cannot be refunded, so make sure to review your transaction before paying with your digital wallet.
• You can only use Bitcoin to add money to your Microsoft account and then purchase digital goods at select Microsoft online stores. You can’t use Bitcoin to purchase Microsoft products and services directly at this time.
• Support for adding money to a Microsoft account with Bitcoin is currently limited to the United States.