Applies to: Windows, Movies & TV, Xbox Consoles, Xbox Services, Minecraft
Unless otherwise stated, capitalized terms are defined in the Microsoft Services Agreement (“MSA”) or Microsoft Terms of Sale (together with the MSA, “Terms”). These Rules include those in the first section below, which are applicable to multiple Digital Goods (“General Rules”), and those in the table below, which are specific to the applicable Digital Good (or applicable Service providing the Digital Good) (“Additional Service-Specific Rules”). Unless otherwise expressly noted in the Additional Service-Specific Rules, the General Rules apply to all Digital Goods. We may modify these Rules at any time.
General Rules
All Digital Goods are licensed, not sold. Your right to access or use any Digital Good is subject to your compliance with:
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(a) all license terms, license limitations, codes of conduct, and payment terms in the Terms,
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(b) your payment in full for the applicable Digital Good,
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(c) these Rules, and
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(d) any additional terms provided when you acquire your license.
Digital Goods may be used only as expressly permitted in the Terms or these Rules; all other uses are prohibited (unless you have contacted the copyright owner and received prior, written consent to the contrary). The Terms and these Rules apply even if the price or payment due for a Digital Good is zero. If these Rules conflict with the Terms (or any other terms), these Rules control what you can do with Digital Goods, with one exception – if the webpage or other page in the Store or applicable Service for a specific Digital Goods item specifies a different number of devices or otherwise specifies particular rights or limitations that vary from these Rules, that webpage or other page will control as to the expressly conflicting statements, but only for that particular Digital Goods item.
Digital Goods are licensed solely for your personal, non-commercial use (which excludes use for promotional purposes), at a level customary for such use. Microsoft may stop distributing any Digital Good, or add to or reduce the capabilities for any Digital Good, at any time. You may lose access to or capabilities of Digital Goods, or have the nature of your access changed (e.g., lose family access, if any), if:
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(a) you violate the Terms or these Rules,
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(b) you use or try to use Digital Goods in a manner inconsistent with the Terms, these Rules, or the limited license granted to you,
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(c) you circumvent, or try to circumvent, any technical measures designed to limit access or enforce license limitations,
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(d) you fail to pay a recurring subscription fee,
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(e) you fail to maintain a current payment method for your account,
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(f) you change your country or region,
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(g) you fail to maintain a current email address associated with your account,
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(h) you fail to log into a given Service sufficiently frequently to refresh your Digital Goods electronic licenses as described in the Additional Service-Specific Rules below,
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(i) we cancel or terminate the applicable Service or cease supporting the applicable device, or
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(j) we lose our rights to continue to distribute the Digital Good to you, or to distribute it to you in the same manner. Except as may be permitted below, you may not transfer or resell any licenses to any Digital Goods. If you sell any device containing Digital Goods, the purchaser will not acquire any right to use the Digital Goods. We may use technologies to verify your compliance with these Rules.
Certain Services require you to register the devices on which you access Digital Goods and to access the Service from that device in order to maintain access. Registered devices may include personal computers (“PC”), laptops, tablets, Xbox consoles, and certain portable or mobile devices, to the extent the device is compatible with the given Digital Good. “Xbox consoles” or “console” means Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, and/or Xbox Series, and any of their successors and variants (including, where applicable, cloud-based variants used for game streaming). “Xbox Service” or “Xbox Online Service” means the associated proprietary online service of Xbox consoles and services. Licenses for certain Digital Goods may be renewed if you log back into the Service and, at that time, have not exceeded device limits. You may need to be connected to a PC or Xbox console to refresh licenses for other Digital Goods. Such loss may be temporary or permanent as determined by Microsoft. If you register too many devices, Microsoft may automatically de-register a device to make room for a new one. Microsoft may limit how frequently you can manually register and de-register a given device to avoid attempts to exceed device limitations. Subject to the above, you can manage your registered devices in the settings page for your Microsoft account or for a particular Service. Not all devices have the same capabilities, and not all Digital Goods or Services (or specific functionalities of either) may be available on any given device. The individual Service may include a list of compatible device types, but because consumer electronic devices evolve continually, it is solely your responsibility to check whether a given device is compatible with the Digital Good you want to purchase before you purchase it. If the Service includes the ability to stream a Digital Good, you must be logged into the Service from the registered device on which you want to stream, and, in addition to limitations in the Terms, your ability to download and stream requires Internet access with sufficient bandwidth, which you must obtain on your own, at your own cost. Certain Digital Goods may be licensed only for the territory associated with your Microsoft account; you may not be able to download or stream (as applicable) such Digital Goods when you are outside that territory.
Certain Digital Goods can be downloaded or streamed, as applicable, only to devices associated with your Microsoft account, subject to the limits stated in the table below. All of the rules in this table apply in addition to the General Rules above.
Additional Service-Specific Rules and Descriptions
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Services |
Maximum Devices / Users (unless the Store page or other web page for your Digital Good purchase, rental, or subscription specifies a different number) |
Transfer / Copying / |
Additional Restrictions and Terms |
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Media (Books, Music, Videos) |
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Books |
Download on up to 6 registered Windows compatible devices |
Availability of certain capabilities of the Service (such as copy and paste or print of excerpts, as well as the length of excerpts) may vary by book, based on publisher settings. Available capabilities are indicated in the Store. In some cases, you may not be able to redownload a book that you have previously purchased. At our option, we may offer a replacement or update in those circumstances. You are not permitted to burn some or all of a book to disk. |
Devices may not be de-registered and registered more often than two times (twice per device or once each on two devices) every 30 days. |
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MP3 Music |
Reasonable number of devices |
Not applicable |
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Microsoft Movies & TV (“Video Service”) |
Even if you purchase video in high definition or ultra-high definition, the video resolution displayed to you may vary based on the content, hardware, and Internet bandwidth. |
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Retained Rights Video (“Buy Rules”) |
Download on up to 10 compatible registered devices (For content from AMC Networks and Studio Canal, you may only download on 5 PCs and 2 download compatible Xbox consoles). You must be logged in to the Video Service to stream Retained Rights Video and may stream only to compatible registered devices. You may stream an item of Retained Rights Video to only one such device at a time, although you may concurrently stream up to three different items of Retained Rights Video. Retained Rights Video that has been downloaded may be viewed on compatible registered devices without being logged into the Service, except if such Retained Rights Video is downloaded to a download-capable Xbox console. Retained Rights Video downloaded to a device may be found in the Personal video tab of the Service if you are not logged into the Service. You may view it on the first such console without logging into the Video Service, but you must be logged into the Video Service on the second console to view the video on that console. |
You may not copy or move Retained Rights Video from its originally stored location. |
Devices may not be de-registered and registered more often than once every 30 days per device. You must access the Service on each device once every 90 days to maintain or refresh the license files on that device. |
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Video on Demand (“Rental Rules”) |
Download to only one compatible device. You must begin viewing the item of VOD Video within 14 days of your order and complete your viewing within the next 24 hours (unless another period was specified at time of purchase); after this period expires, you may not view the VOD Video without purchasing another license. VOD Video may be streamed or downloaded to a compatible device, however it may only be downloaded on the device on which it was rented, and once downloaded, may be viewed only on that device, and may not be downloaded or streamed to any other device. If not downloaded, VOD Video may be streamed to any compatible device, but not to more than one such device at a time. |
You may not copy or move VOD Video from its originally stored location. |
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Xbox Games and Services |
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Xbox One and Xbox Series Digital Games |
Users may access or install Xbox One and Xbox Series Digital Games on any reasonable number of Xbox One or Xbox Series consoles, including a “Home” console or roaming consoles the user is signed into. Games can only be played on one console at a time. However, when playing on a roaming console, play on the “Home” console is available if a different user is logged in to the “Home” console. |
Each game you download from the Store has a device-based license and a user-based license. You can designate one console (excluding a cloud-based variant used for game streaming) as your “Home” console, and the device license automatically attaches to it, even if you are purchasing from a different console. The user license is associated with your Microsoft account. A console can be the “Home” console for several people. You can change your “Home” console up to 5 times during a one-year period; when you do so, all your device licenses will automatically move to, and operate only on, the new “Home” console. Anyone can use your game (or other content licensed to that device) on your “Home” console under your device license. You may use all games to which you have a user license by logging in with your Microsoft Account, so long as you are not concurrently playing on another console. These rules are referred to as the “Home console usage rules”. Some game "Add-ons" and other downloadable content available may be limited to your personal use. |
For clarity, the one-year period is measured on a rolling basis, starting the moment you assign or change your Home console for the first time. If you reach your Home console change limit for the year, you will receive a message letting you know the next available date you can change your Home console again. |
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Xbox 360 Games |
1 Xbox 360 console |
You (and anyone else with access) can use a game or other content on the first Xbox 360 console you downloaded it to. You may transfer that game or other content to another Xbox 360 console using a memory unit or other storage, but you may play it on that console only while that console is logged into your Microsoft account. |
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Xbox Play Anywhere Games |
Users may access or install Xbox Play Anywhere Games on any reasonable number of compatible Windows devices, and Xbox One or Xbox Series consoles. Additionally, each game can only be played on one device or console at a time. |
Regardless of the number of devices where the game is installed, you may be logged in to the game from only one device at a time. When you play an Xbox Play Anywhere game, your game progress is saved on with your gamertag so you can pick up where you left on when you log into another device. The Xbox One or Xbox Series Digital Games Rules above also apply to Xbox Play Anywhere games. |
The Xbox Play Anywhere program applies only to certain participating digital games, including those bearing the Xbox Play Anywhere icon on www.xbox.com or in a Store (see www.xboxplayanywhere.com for a full list). Xbox Play Anywhere games can be purchased in a Store or via a digital code at participating retailers. Before downloading an Xbox Play Anywhere game on your PC, check the game publisher’s minimum system requirements to make sure your PC is compatible. |
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Xbox Live Gold |
Users may be signed into Xbox Live Gold on any reasonable number of Xbox One or Xbox Series consoles. However, game or service access is restricted as set out in the Xbox One or Xbox Series Digital Games Rules, Xbox Play Anywhere Rules, Xbox Game Pass for Console Rules, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Rules, as applicable. |
Your Xbox Live Gold subscription is associated with your Xbox account. Games with Gold is associated with your Xbox account. You must have an Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to be eligible for Games with Gold. |
See Terms and Conditions at: https://www.xbox.com/legal/subscription-terms |
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Xbox Game Pass for Console |
Users may access Xbox Game Pass for Console on any reasonable number of Xbox One or Xbox Series consoles. Games can only be played on one console at a time. However, when playing on a roaming console, play on the “Home” console is available if a different user is logged in to the “Home” console. |
Xbox Game Pass for Console subscription is associated with your Xbox account. |
See Terms and Conditions at: https://www.xbox.com/legal/subscription-terms |
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PC Game Pass |
Users may access Xbox Game Pass for PC on any reasonable number of compatible Windows devices. However, each game can only be played on one device at a time. |
Xbox Game Pass for PC subscription is associated with your Microsoft account. |
See Terms and Conditions at: https://www.xbox.com/legal/subscription-terms |
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Xbox Game Pass Ultimate |
Users may access Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on any reasonable number of compatible Windows devices and Xbox One or Xbox Series consoles. Games can only be played on one console at a time. Concurrent usage of other games on PC is permitted. However, each game can only be accessed on one device or console at a time. Please also see Xbox One or Xbox Series Digital Games Rules, Xbox Play Anywhere Rules, Xbox Game Pass for Console Rules, and PC Game Pass Rules, as applicable. |
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription is associated with your Xbox account. |
See Terms and Conditions at: https://www.xbox.com/legal/subscription-terms |
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Minecraft |
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Minecraft Realms |
Up to 2 players per server |
Realms is a subscription for a personal multiplayer server to be used with supported versions of Minecraft (game sold separately) on supported platforms on which you own the game (Minecraft Java Edition and Xbox360 not supported). Xbox Live Gold subscription is required to play on Xbox (sold separately). For recurring subscriptions, after any promotional period, subscription continues to be charged at the then-current regular price (subject to change) plus applicable taxes unless cancelled. Cancel in Microsoft account. If you play Minecraft through Game Pass, Realms is a separate subscription. You will need to purchase and cancel each subscription separately. If your subscription is inactive for more than 18 months, your Realms data will be deleted from the server. ISP fees may apply. Realms discounts cannot be combined with other offers and are not redeemable for cash; Requirements, features, online services, or subscription subject to change and/or retirement. Subject to the Microsoft Services Agreement (microsoft.com/msa) and Realms End User License Agreement (https://www.minecraft.net/realms/terms/). (Realms: Java Edition is a separate subscription, sold separately and requires Minecraft: Java Edition game) |
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Minecraft Realms Plus |
Up to 10 players per server |
Realms Plus is a subscription for content and Realms personal server to be used with supported versions of Minecraft (game sold separately) on supported platforms on which you own the game (Minecraft Java Edition and Xbox360 not supported); an active subscription is required to use Realms Plus content. Content varies over time and may not be available in all countries. Xbox Live Gold subscription is required to play on Xbox (sold separately). For recurring subscriptions, after any promotional period, subscription continues to be charged at the then-current regular price (subject to change) plus applicable taxes unless cancelled. Cancel in your Microsoft account. If you play Minecraft through Game Pass, Realms Plus is a separate subscription. You will need to purchase and cancel each subscription separately. If your subscription terminates or a content item is removed from the catalog, you must reactivate your subscription or buy the content separately to continue using it. If your subscription is inactive for more than 18 months, your Realms Plus data will be deleted from the server. ISP fees may apply. Realms Plus discounts cannot be combined with other offers and are not redeemable for cash; Requirements, features, online services, or subscription subject to change and/or retirement. Subject to the Microsoft Services Agreement (microsoft.com/msa) and Realms End User License Agreement (https://www.minecraft.net/realms/terms/). (Realms: Java Edition is a separate subscription, sold separately and requires Minecraft: Java Edition game) |
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Applications |
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Apps |
10 compatible Windows devices |
Despite the General Rules above, apps provided free of charge can be downloaded to devices that are not registered with your Microsoft account. |
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Additional Terms for Eligible PC Games
As an integral part of its End User License Agreement (EULA), Microsoft agrees to allow Consumers to play, solely for their personal use, Eligible Games on a Streaming Service on any device that they own, as defined in and pursuant to the Commitments entered into by Microsoft and made legally binding by the European Commission in its decision under Article 8(2) of Regulation (EC) 139/2004 in case M.10646 – Microsoft/Activision Blizzard.
