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This page describes what the document states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability may vary by jurisdiction. Methodology
“we'll delete Data or Your Content associated with your Microsoft account or will otherwise disassociate it from you and your Microsoft account (unless we are required by law to keep it, return it, or transfer it to you or a third party identified by you).”
“Unless otherwise provided by law or by a particular Service offer, all purchases are final and non-refundable.”
“If you initiate a chargeback or reversal with your bank for your payment of Services, we will deem you to have canceled as of the date that the original payment was made, and you authorize us to immediately cancel your service and/or revoke any content...”
“Class action lawsuits, class-wide arbitrations, private attorney-general actions, requests for public injunctions, and any other proceeding or request for relief where someone acts in a representative capacity aren't allowed.”
“If you have any basis for recovering damages (including breach of these Terms), you agree that your exclusive remedy is to recover, from Microsoft or any affiliates, resellers, distributors, Third-Party Apps and Services providers, and vendors, direct damages up to an amount equal to your Services fee for the month during which the loss or breach occurred (or up to $10.00 if the Services are free).”
“We may change these Terms at any time, and we'll tell you when we do. Using the Services after the changes become effective means you agree to the new terms.”
This agreement sets the rules for using Microsoft's Services. Purchases are final, your account will be closed and your data deleted if you don't sign in for two years, and Microsoft limits its financial liability to a small fixed amount. You cannot join a class action against Microsoft, and continuing to use the Services after any Terms change means you accept the new rules.
The Microsoft Services Agreement establishes the terms under which Microsoft provides its Services to users, defining core obligations and limitations on both sides. Microsoft holds a worldwide, royalty-free license to use uploaded content across its Services, while users are prohibited from using Microsoft AI services to make consequential automated decisions without human oversight or to train or improve any AI technology. Microsoft disclaims all express and implied warranties, caps user recovery to direct damages not exceeding one month's Services fee or $10.00 for free Services, and prohibits all class-representative proceedings. Account inactivity exceeding two years results in permanent closure and deletion of associated data, all purchases are final and non-refundable absent law or a specific offer, and chargebacks trigger retroactive cancellation and immediate content revocation. Microsoft retains the right to modify the Terms at any time, with continued use of the Services constituting binding acceptance.
For an individual user, this document means that Microsoft can permanently close your account and delete your data if you go two years without signing in, and all purchases you make are non-refundable unless a specific offer or law says otherwise. Initiating a bank chargeback is treated as cancellation from the original payment date, which can result in immediate loss of both Service access and content. If you share content through the Services, others may be able to use, reproduce, and distribute it worldwide without compensating you. To protect your account and data, sign in to your Microsoft account at least once every two years.
Which mapped governance frameworks each document engages, tied to the specific provisions that engage them.
“you must sign in at least once in a two-year period to keep your Microsoft account, and associated Services (unless specified otherwise), active...If you don't sign in during this time, we will assume your Microsoft account is inactive and will …”
“we'll delete Data or Your Content associated with your Microsoft account or will otherwise disassociate it from you and your Microsoft account (unless we are required by law to keep it, return it, or transfer it to you or a …”
“Unless otherwise provided by law or by a particular Service offer, all purchases are final and non-refundable.”
“If you initiate a chargeback or reversal with your bank for your payment of Services, we will deem you to have canceled as of the date that the original payment was made, and you authorize us to immediately cancel your …”
“Class action lawsuits, class-wide arbitrations, private attorney-general actions, requests for public injunctions, and any other proceeding or request for relief where someone acts in a representative capacity aren't allowed.”
“If you have any basis for recovering damages (including breach of these Terms), you agree that your exclusive remedy is to recover, from Microsoft or any affiliates, resellers, distributors, Third-Party Apps and Services providers, and vendors, direct damages up to …”
“We may change these Terms at any time, and we'll tell you when we do. Using the Services after the changes become effective means you agree to the new terms.”
“To the extent necessary to provide the Services to you and others, to protect you and the Services, and to improve Microsoft products and services, you grant to Microsoft a worldwide and royalty-free intellectual property license to use Your Content, …”
“you agree that you will not use the AI services...To make decisions or take actions without appropriate human oversight that may have a consequential impact on any person's legal position, financial position, life opportunities, employment opportunities, or human rights...”
“You may not use the AI services, or data from the AI services, to create, train, or improve (directly or indirectly) any AI technology.”
“MICROSOFT, AND OUR AFFILIATES, RESELLERS, DISTRIBUTORS, AND VENDORS, MAKE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, GUARANTEES OR CONDITIONS WITH RESPECT TO YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES...WE PROVIDE THE SERVICES ON AN "AS IS" BASIS "WITH ALL FAULTS" AND "AS AVAILABLE."”
“when you share Your Content with other people, you understand that they may be able to, on a worldwide basis, use, save, record, reproduce, broadcast, transmit, share and display Your Content...without compensating you.”
Every distinct legal provision identified in this document. Featured provisions appear above with analysis.
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