Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Microsoft's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Microsoft

  1 Microsoft Way Redmond, WA 98052-8300

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  Microsoft

  6200 W Courtney Campbell Cswy Ste 480 Tampa, FL 33607-1496

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  Microsoft Corporation

  PO Box 12279 Tucson, AZ 85732-2279

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  Microsoft

  PO Box 22810 Salt Lake Cty, UT 84122-0810

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  Microsoft Store

  578 The Shops At Mission Viejo Mission Viejo, CA 92691-6512

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/09/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Dear BBB support team, Greetings My Microsoft outlook email address: ******************* Before contacting your team,I had already sent many appeal letters to Microsoft,but they were all rejected,and the reasons for rejection were very unbelievable.I have to ask for your team's help now.Let me briefly describe the situation first I once had a very lovely daughter,but due to congenital problems,she passed away in pain at the age of 6.All the photos of me and my daughter are in my online cloud storage account,and my online cloud storage account is linked to ******************* my Microsoft email address But I haven't logged into my Microsoft email for a long time due to the pain of losing my daughter and the busy work schedule.Microsoft banned my email because they thought I violated the rules by not logging in for a long time Moreover,Microsoft did not provide me with a detailed reason for the ban.I can only suspect that my email got banned because I haven't logged in it for a long time I am really disappointed that Microsoft is doing this.This email ******************* is very important to me,I haven't used it for a long time because of my busy life.Dear BBB support team,I really need help

  Business Response

  Date: 06/26/2025

  Dear Aditya ****,

  Thank you for contacting Microsoft Corporation via the Better Business Bureau regarding your grievance. We have contacted a new senior member of our Accounts and Billing Team to investigate this matter and work with you directly toward a resolution. Your new case number is **********.

  We will monitor your support case through resolution.

  Sincerely,
  Microsoft Corporation

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/09/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Complaint Title:Unjust Microsoft Account Suspension Without Due Process Loss of Xbox Purchases and Data Complaint Details:My Microsoft account ********************* was permanently suspended without any meaningful explanation or transparency. I followed the appeal process and verified my identity, but Microsoft rejected my appeal citing only a generic violation of the Services Agreement without offering specific information, or evidence.This account contains years of personal and cloud-stored data, and more importantly, a large library of Xbox digital games, achievements, and purchases which represent a significant financial and personal investment.Despite repeated requests for clarification, I have been denied any further support. Microsoft has effectively erased my digital identity and assets without due process or recourse. This is unacceptable and may violate consumer rights and data access protections.I am seeking:Reinstatement of my account;Access to my purchased digital content or a transfer to a new account;A complete copy of my personal data and transaction history.Desired Resolution:Reinstatement of my account or restoration of my Xbox purchases and data Option to recover digital assets or refund if reinstatement is not possible

  Business Response

  Date: 06/17/2025

  Dear ***** Binghubash Almarri,
  
  Thank you for contacting Microsoft Corporation via the Better Business Bureau regarding your issue. We understand your frustration about the current issue and want to make it right,A senior member of our **************** and Support Team will investigate this matter and contact you directly via email or phone call to work toward a resolution. Your new case number is **********.
  
  Sincerely,                                                                                           
  
  Microsoft Corporation

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/20/2025

   
  Complaint: 23442418
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

   

  i have yet to resolve the suspension of my account or in the very least recovery of my files on one drive and Xbox game purchases accumulated throughout my 15+ years of gaming on xbox.

   

  i will be waiting for their feedback.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** Binghubash Almarri

  Business Response

  Date: 07/01/2025

  Dear **** *****,

  Between June 20 and June 23, our team investigated the issue where you were unable to access your account. Upon review, it was determined that the account was blocked due to compliance-related restrictions. To proceed with resolution, we sent a request for additional information to help us validate and address the matter.
  As we did not receive a response, a follow-up was issued,and ultimately, a closure notification was sent. The case has now been closed in accordance with our standard procedures.
  If you still require assistance or would like to reopen the case, please dont hesitate to reply to this email or contact our support team directly.

  Sincerely,

  Microsoft Corporation

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/05/2025

   
  Complaint: 23442418
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  i was replied to by microsoft and they rejected my appeal.

   

  i followed by a request as a last resort to retrieve my information from one drive and transfer my game purchases.

  i was also denied.

   

  i sent them an email today as a final official request to retrieve my information and clarify why they are still charging me for services i am explicitly barred from using by them.

   

  i will wait for their final reply. If denied i will pursue legal action as per the law.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** Binghubash Almarri

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/08/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Dear Microsoft Support Team,I am writing to follow up regarding my Microsoft account, which has been compliance-locked for several weeks. Despite having submitted the Account Self-Recovery (ACSR) form and successfully verifying my identity through the provided process, my account remains complianced-locked.I would like to emphasize that I still have full access to the security proofs linked to the account, including recovery email and phone number, which further confirms my ownership. However, I have not received any updates on the status of my case, and the ongoing lack of access is causing significant disruption.Given the sensitive and personal nature of the data associated with this account, I kindly request that any further correspondence regarding this matter be conducted directly via email with the Account Online Safety Team. I believe this is the most secure and appropriate channel to resolve the issue efficiently.I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your prompt assistance in restoring access to my ************ regards,Rico

  Business Response

  Date: 06/25/2025

  Dear **** *******,

  Thank you for contacting Microsoft Corporation via the Better Business Bureau regarding your grievance. We have contacted a new senior member of our Accounts and Billing Team to investigate this matter and work with you directly toward a resolution. Your new case number is **********.

  We will monitor your support case through resolution.

  Sincerely,
  Microsoft Corporation

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/28/2025

   
  Complaint: 23441850
  
  I am rejecting this response because: Hi there, when will I receive their email? I still haven't gotten anything sadly. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Rico *******

  Business Response

  Date: 07/11/2025

  Dear **** *******,

  Thank you for contacting Microsoft Corporation via the Better Business Bureau regarding your grievance. After reviewing your complaint and recent service request **********,we were able to confirm our agent closed the case as they stated the account can't be recovered due to a potential attacker. We understand this isn't the resolution you had hoped for, but this is based on our policies and procedures, so there's no further assistance we can provide regarding this matter. 
  
  Considering this information, we will be closing this complaint as theres no further action we can take regarding this case.
  
  Sincerely,
  Microsoft Corporation

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/08/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Dear Microsoft Support Team,My Microsoft account has been compliance-locked for like 2 months. I have already completed the **** form and successfully verified my identity, yet the account remains *************** like to highlight that I still have access to the security proofs associated with the account. Due to the sensitive nature of this matter, I would prefer to communicate directly with the Account Online Safety Team via email for security reasons.Thank you for your time and *************** regards,*******

  Business Response

  Date: 06/16/2025

  Dear ******* Eeier,

  Thank you for contacting Microsoft Corporation via the Better Business Bureau regarding your account recovery request.
  Please visit ************************************************ provide information necessary to confirm you are the rightful owner of your Microsoft Account. This is the only method to regain account access. You can submit the form up to two times per day. Please try to submit information not previously provided

  
  Sincerely,

  Microsoft Corporation

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/16/2025

   
  Complaint: 23441821
  
  I am rejecting this response because: As I said already, I already verified me with the **** system but the account is still complianced locked. The account email of the complianced locked account is: ***************************************
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* Eeier

  Business Response

  Date: 07/01/2025

  Dear ******* Eeier,

  Thank you for submitting the requested forms. Unfortunately,we were unable to validate the information provided. Please upload the completed form using the following specific link:**********************************. Once received, our team will conduct a manual review of your submission.

  Sincerely,

  Microsoft Corporation

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/08/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My son got hacked on a video game. My email was used on the account. A couple of days later I noticed that I could not get into my emails, which I had with Microsoft. I have had this account for over 20 years. The secondary email and telephone number on file we no longer have. Even some of the other information on the online form we had a hard time figuring out. Trying to get someone to talk to is extremely difficult but I found a work around. The last person I spoke to had me in tears. He told me to try harder to fill out the form correctly, which I have been trying to do all 8 times. My husband has also tried filling out the form. There have been at least 4 times that we do not get a response back even though it says we should hear back from them in 5 business days. It has now been 3 months since I was last able to get into my emails. I have so a lot of things in there that I need (receipts, pictures, gift cards, correspondences) that I cant get to. Not to mention that all of my accounts are tied to that email. I have been getting messages that some accounts may be compromised and to change my password but I am unable to because they will be sending me a verification email that I cant open. I ended up having to create an email with Gmail because I needed something. I want access to my emails.Also, my son submitted a recovery request for his Xbox account. He got an email saying that they would reach out to him within 5 business days and he still has not heard anything. He tried calling and the person hung up on him after they said they would look into it. The customer service stinks with this company. We just want to gain access to our accounts. How can this be so difficult?!

  Business Response

  Date: 06/26/2025

  Dear ****** *******,

  Thank you for contacting Microsoft Corporation via the Better Business Bureau regarding your grievance. We have contacted a new senior member of our Accounts and Billing Team to investigate this matter and work with you directly toward a resolution. Your new case number is **********.

  We will monitor your support case through resolution.

  Sincerely,
  Microsoft Corporation

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/03/2025

  I previously filed a complaint, #********, with the BBB regarding the fact that I have not been able to get into my email account since the end of March because someone was trying to hack it and my son has not been able to get into his Xbox account. The company did reach out to me, which I responded back. When they requested further information I was out of the country. When I returned I got the information to them that they requested. They then told me that they closed the case, I explained the situation and asked to reopen the case or start a new one. I never got a response back. They only gave me 2 days to respond before closing the case and said they could reopen it if I responded within a week. They knew that I was actively seeking a resolution. They wrote me on July 1, which I responded the same day. They wrote me again July 2 requesting more information and then wrote saying they were closing the account on July 4 because I didnt get back to them. What kind of customer service is this? They said I had not provided a response thats why they were closing the case, only 2 days after I had replied to them. I got back to them on July 15, less than 2 weeks from our initial communication and it was too late to reopen the case. This is ridiculous! I still need access to my email and my sons Xbox account.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/21/2025

  Dear ****** *******,

  Thank you for contacting Microsoft Corporation via the Better Business Bureau regarding your grievance. We were able to confirm your previous case has been archived as you stated. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, as we understand you did answer in the correct time-window we have.
  
  Based on this information, we have contacted a new senior member of our Accounts and Billing Team to investigate this matter and work with you directly toward a resolution. Your new case number is **********.

  We will monitor your support case through resolution.

  Sincerely,
  Microsoft Corporation

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/04/2025

  Hi! Microsoft reached out to me on the 23rd of august. I responded to them the same day and provided the requested information to the best of my ability, please keep in mind that I opened this account over ************************************************************************************************************************ is incomplete. They said they cannot verify my account and cant proceed with the investigation. They said if I reply within the next 7 days with additional information they would be able to continue the investigation. I wrote them back right away. I asked them what additional information they need and that I have done the best I can. I expressed the lengths that I have gone through to regain access. All of the communication occurred on the same day. It has now been 5 days and they have not responded back to my request for clarification on what additional information they need. This company is ridiculous. Things have not been resolved. Thank you for your help with this. 
  
  Sincerely,
  ****** *******

  Business Response

  Date: 09/09/2025

  Dear ****** *******,

  
  Thank you for contacting Microsoft Corporation through the Better Business Bureau regarding your grievance.
  Following a review of your case associated with service request **********, our support team requested additional information to validate the issue. Unfortunately, due to insufficient details provided, we were unable to proceed with a resolution.

  
  To restart the recovery process, please visit the following support page:
  ?? Recover a hacked or compromised Microsoft account

  ***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

  
  You may copy and paste the link into your browser and follow the instructions to submit the necessary information.

  
  Sincerely,
  Microsoft Corporation

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/09/2025

   
  Complaint: 23441772
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I have already tried filling out the questionnaire on that link at least 7 times. They say I need additional information but when I responded back asking them what additional information they required no one responded back even though I wrote them back the exact same day that they sent me the message. I waited over 2 weeks for a response back from them and they never wrote me back. This company is a joke. I can appreciate that they are trying to keep accounts secure but it shouldnt be this difficult to get an account back. I have had this account for over ******************************************* to answer all of these questions correctly. I have tried. Without them letting me know what areas need additional clarification i am just going around in circles. Trying to talk to a representative is also useless. I have had to find a get around because they do not make it easy to talk to a person. I had to pretend to be interested in buying a product in order to finally get someone on the phone. They were of no help. They just directed me to the same paperwork and tell me to try harder. I am extremely frustrated.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/08/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My Microsoft account was hacked June 5th. I am writing this on June 8th. I have attempted multiple times to fill out an account recovery form just to be told they could not recover my account. I am unsure if the attacker had changed any info. They have locked my account and I am determined to get it back as I have spent hundreds of dollars on games and in game purchases. I have attempted to call just to be redirected to the account recovery form. I have had no contact with a representative as they had made it difficult to come in contact with one. I was told many times that customer service is refusing to help with any issue such as mine. Im unable to log into my xbox or account through any browser. They require you to log into your account in order to even talk to a live chat support. I am feeling frustrated and angry that no one has helped me. I have on going subscriptions that will continue to take out even if I am unable to get back into the account because they refuse to help me. I am beyond livid with their customer service. I am worried about my personal information such as address, full name and debit/credit cards on the account. I have not been able to change the username or password. I am even unsure if the attacker still has access to the account. If they refuse to help me I want a full refund on everything that has ever been spent on the account.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/16/2025

  Dear Mariah ************************ you for contacting Microsoft Corporation via the Better Business regarding your account recovery issues. We have reviewed your submitted account recovery form(s)and you were not able to provide enough information to validate yourself as the account owner. Your only method to regain account access with be through the account recovery form (************************************ )__. You can submit the form up to two times per day.
  
  Please try to submit information not previously provided.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Microsoft Corporation

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/08/2025

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My Microsoft account (originally created with ******************** was hacked between April 911, 2024. The attacker changed the password, replaced the email address, and added two-factor authentication to lock me out. I gave someone the email that the Microsoft account was created withnot a passwordbut they managed to gain access and take over the account.I had recently purchased Minecraft using my birthday money, and the account is still being actively used by the hacker. Since the takeover, they have made visible changes to the account, including Minecraft username changes (from hype7no to PXOJA and beyond), skin changes, and the purchase of a Minecraft cape. This activity can be publicly seen on sites like NameMC and through Mojang/Microsoft services.I have submitted multiple recovery forms with the correct transaction ID, account info, and ownership proof, but I keep getting rejectedsometimes without any response. The automated system gives me no option to speak with a human. I also tried contacting @MicrosoftHelps on ******* and got a real person, but they said they couldnt help me for security reasons.I am a minor trying to get back access to a game I paid for. I can provide full proof of purchase, access history, and even the original account creation info. Im asking for a real support person to look into this case and help me recover or reclaim access to the account. The recovery system clearly does not work in hijacking cases like this, and Ive exhausted all official support channels.Please escalate this matter to someone who can resolve it. I have sent 2 images of proof along with this statement.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/16/2025

  Dear ****** ****,

  Thank you for contacting Microsoft Corporation via the Better Business Bureau regarding your account recovery request.
  Please visit ************************************************ provide information necessary to confirm you are the rightful owner of your Microsoft Account. This is the only method to regain account access. You can submit the form up to two times per day. Please try to submit information not previously provided.

  Sincerely,

  Microsoft Corporation

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/08/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Dear Microsoft / BBB,I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my long-term Microsoft Hotmail email account: *********************** , which I have been unable to access despite multiple recovery attempts.I originally created and used this Hotmail account over 20 years ago and it was linked to important personal services, including my ******** account. After many years of inactivity while living outside ******, I recently attempted to log back in, only to find that I could not remember the password. I followed Microsofts recovery process multiple times, but my answers were rejected.More seriously, I have discovered that the account now lists an unfamiliar recovery email address ending in @***********, which I do not recognize and never authorized. This raises serious concerns that my account has been compromised or accessed by an unauthorized party.I have tried to follow all available steps through Microsoft's online recovery tools and submitted information in good faith. However, I have received no human response, and the automated system continuously tells me that the recovery attempt failed due to incorrect information.This email account is connected to personal and possibly sensitive data, including old photos and linked services, and it is extremely important to me. I am requesting:Human review of my recovery attempts,Verification of my identity through official ID if needed,Investigation into the unauthorized recovery email address,Assistance in regaining access Please help me protect my personal information and regain control of my digital identity.Thank you for your time and assistance.Sincerely,*** ***** ******************** ************ ************

  Business Response

  Date: 06/16/2025

  Dear *** *****, 
  
  Thank you for contacting Microsoft Corporation via the Better Business Bureau regarding your account recovery request.
  
  Please visit ***************************************; to provide information necessary to confirm you are the rightful owner of your Microsoft Account. This is the only method to regain account access. You can submit the form up to two times per day. Please try to submit information not previously provided.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Microsoft Corporation

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/16/2025

   
  Complaint: 23440179
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  The suggested solution (**********************************) has already been attempted numerous times without success. I have submitted the recovery form multiple times using all available and accurate information, but each attempt was rejected with no explanation or option for further verification.
  
  Furthermore, my account appears to have been compromised, as there is now an unfamiliar recovery email address (ending in @***********) associated with the account, an address I have never used or authorized.
  
  This is not simply a forgotten password issue. It involves potential unauthorized access and a failure of Microsofts automated systems to allow rightful account owners to verify their identity. I am requesting escalation to a human representative who can manually review my identity and assist with account recovery or content removal.
  
  The online system has failed in my case, and a real human response is now necessary to resolve this issue.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Wen Huang 

  Business Response

  Date: 07/01/2025

  Dear *** *****, 
  
  Thank you for contacting Microsoft Corporation via the Better Business Bureau regarding your account recovery request.
  
  Please go to ********************************** and provide the required information to verify your ownership of the Microsoft Account. This is the only way to regain access. You may submit the form up to two times per day, and we recommend including details you have not previously provided. After completing the **** form, please send us both the affected email address and the additional email you used for the submission.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Microsoft Corporation

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/07/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My company emails have been down for over week. We are losing business opportunities everyday. It takes about an hour to get a *** on the phone. They say they are going to help us but never call back. I believe they shut us down because May's payment was missed. We have auto payment and the account that we were using we no longer use for this. I have two admin people on this account but ******************** wont help us because they say we need the Global admin. He has left the company over 3 years ago and we can not get in touch with him. So hopefully you can see my frustration we only want to pay our bill and have the account changed for the on going payments. So I find it strange they wont talk to us for a payment issue. My email is **************** my company is ************

  Business Response

  Date: 06/16/2025

  Dear **** ******,
  
  Thank you for contacting Microsoft Corporation via the Better Business Bureau regarding your issue. We understand your frustration about the current issue and want to make it right,A senior member of our **************** and Support Team will investigate this matter and contact you directly via email or phone call to work toward a resolution. 
  
  Sincerely,                                                                                           
  
  Microsoft Corporation

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/07/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Microsoft is Activating software that blocks access to Visio 2003 Standard. You are required to "activate" this software by phoning them or connecting to their server... neither of which is available and has been unavailable for over 6 years... as far as I have noticed. To make this all more ridiculous... this software is 22 years old.The result: projects using this software are now useless since this application is hindered.But the real illegality is ** insistence they're trying to limit software copying. This makes no sense at all. What does make sense is blocking the software in order to force the user to buy an upgraded version of this software. Nobody but NOBODY is going to buy copied software written 22 years ago.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/17/2025

  Dear **** ********,

  Thank you for contacting Microsoft Corporation via the Better Business Bureau regarding your grievance.We have contacted a senior member of our technical support to investigate this matter and work with you directly toward a resolution. Your new case number is **********.

  We will monitor your support case through resolution.

  Sincerely,
  Microsoft Corporation

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/19/2025

   
  Complaint: 23438336
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ********

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/03/2025

  Good afternoon,
  
  Microsoft can resolve this problem in a matter of hours.  They're always 'upgrading' your system over The Internet.  Providing a solution to this issue is in an upgrade I can download.  It CAN be done if ** will let go of this product they no longer support.
  
  I'm sending out my complaint... today... to ********** of The Attorney General Consumer Information and Complaints.  *******, ***
  
  BTW... now the Windows XP... 'Activate' the software has returned to my desktop computer.  Same situation... unable to access my files and remote sites... such as my bank, your Web page, family, friends...etc.
  
  ** ********

  Business Response

  Date: 07/11/2025

  Dear ***** ********,

  Thank you for contacting Microsoft Corporation via the Better Business Bureau regarding your grievance. After reviewing your complaint and recent service request **********,we were able to confirm the case has been closed as our agent instructed you have to contact your work/ office to request the activation/ deactivation code you requested. Our agent also stated you denied remote control for them to be able to assist you. Based on this information, there's no further assistance we can provide, so we consider this complaint closed. This is based on our policies and procedures, so we stand by our agents' decision.
  
  Considering this information, we will be closing this complaint as theres no further action we can take regarding this case.
  
  Sincerely,
  Microsoft Corporation