Microsoft has officially joined the growing list of major corporations embracing cryptocurrency, allowing users to make payments using Bitcoin. While no formal announcement was made, the tech giant quietly updated its support pages, detailing how users in the U.S. can now add Bitcoin to their Microsoft accounts and use it to purchase digital content.
What Can You Buy with Bitcoin on Microsoft?
Customers can use Bitcoin funds to purchase:
- Xbox games, videos, and other content
- Apps and services for Windows phones
- Microsoft software
Bitcoin payments must be made in fixed amounts, and at present, the service is only available to users in the United States.
Mainstream Adoption of Bitcoin
Microsoft’s move signals a significant step toward mainstream cryptocurrency adoption. Other major companies like PayPal, Dell, Expedia, and Newegg have already integrated Bitcoin payments into their platforms.
Bitcoin operates as a decentralized digital currency, minted through a process known as “mining,” where powerful computers solve complex mathematical problems to generate new coins and verify transactions.
Bitcoin’s Market Volatility
Bitcoin’s value has seen dramatic fluctuations. It peaked at over $1,100 per coin in December 2013 but has since declined, currently hovering around $357 (£228). Despite this volatility, the growing adoption of Bitcoin by corporate giants suggests a future where digital currencies could play a more significant role in global transactions.
As Microsoft integrates Bitcoin payments, will more tech giants follow suit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.