accidental purchase

Question

How can I get a refund for an accidental purchase of Windows 11

Answer 1

Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

According to this Microsoft article, digital downloads like apps, games, subscriptions, movies, and books are not refundable unless the offer or applicable law states that you qualify for a refund. Since Windows 11 is a digital product, you cannot return it directly from your Microsoft account order history page.

Get a refund for apps and games purchased from Microsoft Store

In this situation, you will need to contact Microsoft Support directly to request a return. They will help initiate the refund process for the product you purchased.

1. Go to this page: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/home/contact
2. Type Talk to an agent, then click Get Help.
3. At the bottom of the page, click Contact Support. Sign in to your Microsoft account if needed.
4. Select Other Products, then Billing and Account Profile questions, then Confirm.
5. Click Chat with a support agent in your web browser.

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Answer 2

For an accidental Windows 11 purchase made through Microsoft Store, request a refund using the Microsoft account that was used to buy it.

For digital purchases (apps, games, software keys):

1. Go to the Xbox/Microsoft Store refund page to Request a refund for digital games and sign in with the account that made the purchase.
2. Select the relevant Windows 11 (or related) item and choose Request a refund.
3. Provide the reason (accidental purchase) and select Next.
4. Review the details and select Submit.
5. Refund requests are typically processed within 72 hours; status can be checked on the Refund status tab.

If the purchase was a device (for example, a PC with Windows 11 or packaged software):

1. Open the Microsoft account Order history page: Open Order history.
2. Find the relevant order and select Request a return.
3. Follow the instructions to get a prepaid shipping label if a return is required.
4. After the item is received and found eligible, a refund is issued to the original payment method, usually within 3–5 business days.

If the accidental purchase shows as an order but no online Request a refund/return option is available, contact Sales support using the links in the referenced articles.

To help prevent future accidental purchases on Windows 11:

1. Open the Microsoft Store app.
2. Select Profile (top-right) > App settings.
3. Turn off Purchase sign-in so a password is required for purchases on that device.

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References:

• Get a refund for apps and games purchased from Microsoft Store
• Get an exchange or refund on devices bought from Microsoft
• Cancel an order or pre-order from Microsoft Store
• Prevent unauthorized purchases from Microsoft Store