Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsShort answer: Microsoft Rewards did reverse specific point cuts, but the claim that it is universally “back to its original point numbers” is too broad. In January 2024, users reported that some daily homepage activities returned to approximately 5, 10, and 30 points. Separately, in March and April 2026, the three Daily Set tiles reportedly went from 10 points each down to 5, then back to 10 each in affected accounts and regions.
That later reversal restored the reported Daily Set total from 15 points per day to 30. It did not restore every old search bonus, Edge benefit, Xbox activity, streak reward, dashboard feature, search limit, or redemption price. Microsoft also did not publicly confirm that user backlash caused either reversal or promise that the restored values would remain permanent.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
As of August 10, 2026, Microsoft Rewards is also being reshaped around Member, Silver, and Gold levels. The reliable way to know what you can earn is to check your signed-in Microsoft Rewards dashboard and the redemption catalog for your market—not an old screenshot or a point table from another country.
What was actually restored?
The phrase “original point numbers” describes more than one Microsoft Rewards event, which is why the headline can be misleading.
#1 Best Overall
- Move and glide effortlessly: The Studio Series mouse pad features a smooth, comfortable cloth surface with a fine weave for effortless, silent gliding on any surface whether in the office or at home
- Spill-repellent, easy to clean: The desk pad's coated surface lets you easily wipe away any accidental mishaps; wipe liquids clean with a damp cloth
- Crafted with precision: Say goodbye to fraying thanks to the anti-fray, durable flat-stitch edges; plus, get added stability from the anti-slip, rubber base (contains latex)
- Carefully chosen materials: Travel mouse pad made from comfortable surface fabric and inner layer(2) using recycled polyester, giving a 2nd life to PET bottles, anti-slip base from natural rubber
- Pair with your Logitech Mouse: Fresh color and modern design make Logitech Mouse Pad a suitable accomplice for your wired, wireless or Bluetooth mouse, taking your work setup to new heights
For the 2026 reversal, the specific change concerned the three tiles in the Daily Set:
| Period | Value per Daily Set tile | Reported Daily Set total |
|---|---|---|
| Before the March 2026 cut | 10 points | 30 points |
| March 2026 reduction | 5 points | 15 points |
| Reported rollback on March 31–April 1, 2026 | 10 points | 30 points |
This table applies to the reported Daily Set configuration. It is not a promise that every Microsoft Rewards account, country, or current dashboard shows those values.
The earlier January 2024 event was broader in description but separate in timing. Users and technology publications reported that some daily homepage activities that had fallen during late 2023 were again worth approximately 5, 10, or 30 points. That did not mean every Rewards earning method had returned to its earlier level.
Recommended Free Tools
In practical terms, a restored Daily Set is good news for someone who completes it every day. But it should not be interpreted as a blanket restoration of Microsoft Rewards.
The timeline: two reversals, not one
November 2023: major cuts trigger criticism
In late 2023, Microsoft removed the Edge-search bonus in several markets and reduced the value of some daily activities from roughly 5–10 points to 1–2 points. The changes led to substantial criticism from Rewards users, including people who used Bing, Edge, Xbox, and daily quizzes as a regular way to accumulate points.
Microsoft characterized the changes as part of the normal evolution of the program and said it evaluates earning methods for consistency and fairness. Its explanation did not promise to restore the removed values. Microsoft said the program would continue evolving and that it would monitor member feedback. See the contemporaneous reporting from Windows Latest and PCWorld.
January 15, 2024: some homepage values return
On January 15, 2024, users reported seeing activity values of 5, 10, and up to 30 points again on the Rewards homepage. Windows Central and Neowin described the change as a return toward the previous amounts.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →However, Microsoft did not publish a clear explanation for the reversal. The timing led users to connect it with the backlash, but that is an inference—not a confirmed statement from Microsoft. The careful description is that the values appeared to return after widespread complaints, not that Microsoft admitted it reversed the cuts because of those complaints.
October 30, 2025: a later article creates a date problem
The exact wording of the supplied headline closely resembles an MSPowerUser article updated on October 30, 2025. That page, however, relies on a user post dated January 15, 2024 and discusses the earlier 2023–2024 changes.
The update date can make the story appear to be a new 2025 development even though its central evidence comes from January 2024. It is therefore important to distinguish the date an article was updated from the date when the underlying Rewards change was reported.
Rank #2
- Classic Black, Standard Size: This 8.5” x 11” letter-size mouse pad fits almost any workspace. At 3mm thickness, it smooths uneven surfaces, providing a balanced combination of speed and control for your mouse, ideal for work or gaming.
- Moderate Surface Friction: Performance-tuned surface ensures precise and consistent tracking. Optimized for all mouse types, including wired, wireless, optical, and mechanical devices.
- Reinforced Stitched Edges: 360° precision stitching protects the edges against fraying and surface peeling, extending the pad’s durability.
- Stable Rubber Base: Dense, non-slip rubber grips flat tabletops firmly, preventing unwanted movement for uninterrupted control.
- Shields Up: Waterproof and stain-resistant coating allows liquids to slide off easily, preventing accidental damage. Our 18-month satisfaction assurance instills confidence in your purchase.
March 5–6, 2026: the Daily Set is cut in half
In early March 2026, users in multiple regions reported that the three Daily Set tasks fell from 10 points each to 5 points each. That reduced the normal Daily Set total from 30 points to 15 points. Pure Xbox covered the regional reports, while a Microsoft Q&A thread documented user complaints.
The annualized difference illustrates why users noticed the change:
- 30 Daily Set points per day × 365 days = 10,950 points
- 15 Daily Set points per day × 365 days = 5,475 points
- Annualized difference = 5,475 points
Those figures are an illustration, not a guaranteed annual earning total. They exclude missed days, streak bonuses, regional differences, account-specific offers, and any future program changes.
March 31–April 1, 2026: the Daily Set reportedly returns to 30 points
At the end of March and beginning of April 2026, users reported that each of the three Daily Set tiles was again worth 10 points. Reports appeared in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Vietnam, Australia, and other markets. Windows Report covered the reversal, and users posted reports from several markets in a Reddit discussion.
That is evidence of a reported rollback, not a universal Microsoft announcement. Rollouts may be staggered, and individual accounts can receive different Rewards experiences. Microsoft did not clearly explain why the Daily Set value changed or guarantee that it would stay at 10 points per tile.
Did user backlash cause Microsoft to reverse the cuts?
The chronology supports saying that the reversals occurred after users criticized the reductions. It does not support stating that Microsoft restored the points because of the backlash as an established fact.
The available evidence shows:
- Users complained publicly about reduced daily activity values, lost Edge bonuses, search limitations, and later Daily Set cuts.
- Technology publications and users observed that some point values subsequently returned.
- Microsoft did not publicly confirm that the criticism caused either reversal.
- Microsoft did not provide a detailed public explanation for either the January 2024 change or the March–April 2026 Daily Set change.
So “after backlash” is defensible as a description of timing. “Microsoft gave the points back because users complained” goes beyond the evidence.
What did not necessarily come back?
A Daily Set restoration does not automatically restore the older Microsoft Rewards economy. The following may still differ from the pre-cut or pre-redesign experience:
- Edge-search bonuses: The bonus removed in several markets in 2023 should not be assumed to have returned.
- Search limits and cooldowns: The number of qualifying searches and the way activity is credited can change by account, level, and region.
- Xbox Rewards activities: The Xbox app structure, quests, and game-related earning opportunities may not match older screenshots.
- Streak bonuses: A Daily Set tile returning to 10 points does not necessarily restore older streak payouts.
- Redemption prices: A reward can require more points even when daily earning values rise.
- Level 2 benefits: The former Level 1/Level 2 structure is being replaced in some markets by Member, Silver, and Gold.
- Dashboard design: The old homepage and activity layout may no longer be available to an account that has received the redesign.
- Regional offers: An earning method or reward available in one country may not be available in another.
The most accurate interpretation is therefore: Microsoft restored particular activities at particular times, not the entire old program.
Redemption prices matter as much as earning rates
Whether Rewards is “more generous” depends on both sides of the calculation:
Rank #3
- ERGONOMIC WRIST SUPPORT: Black mouse pad with wrist rest features unique comfort gel-filled cushion that conforms to your wrists for maximum comfort and support during extended use
- SMOOTH TRACKING SURFACE: Excellent tracking surface provides smooth and precise mouse tracking for accurate cursor control and productivity
- SECURE GRIP: Rubber undersurface firmly grips the desktop to prevent sliding; special wave design offers ergonomic support for proper hand and wrist movement
- PAIN RELIEF DESIGN: Irregular shape with integrated wrist support promotes proper hand positioning to help reduce strain during computer use
- COMPACT SIZE: Measures 10.1L x 8.1W inches; ideal ergonomic mouse pad for desktop workstations and laptop setups
- How many points you can realistically earn.
- How many points Microsoft requires for the reward you want.
A simple measure is:
Effective reward value = cash value of the reward ÷ points required
For example, if a $10 gift card costs 10,000 points, each point represents $0.001 of redemption value before considering your time. If that same gift card previously cost 9,500 points, the earning rate would need to improve enough to offset the higher price before your overall value returned to its former level.
In February 2026, reporting indicated that a $10 Xbox gift card in the United States rose from 9,500 points with the Level 2 discount to 10,000 points. Windows Central reported that the United States, United Kingdom, and other markets were affected by redemption-price changes.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
That means the April Daily Set restoration improved earning potential compared with the March cut, but it did not necessarily restore the previous purchasing power of every point. Check the current redemption catalog for your market before relying on prices quoted in an older article. Microsoft says redemption options can vary by region and can change.
The 2026 Rewards redesign changes the comparison
By July 2026, reports indicated that the United States was receiving a redesigned Rewards dashboard and a new membership structure. A Microsoft Q&A thread dated July 16, 2026 described the transition from Level 1 and Level 2 to Member, Silver, and Gold. The response was from an independent advisor rather than a formal Microsoft announcement, so the signed-in account dashboard remains the better authority.
Microsoft’s current Rewards About page publishes the following structure:
| Level | Monthly points needed | Bing daily points limit | Monthly level bonus | Default-search bonus | Bing Star bonus, maximum | Redemption coupon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member | — | 25 points | 100 | 50 | 500 | — |
| Silver | 500 | 50 points | 300 | 150 | 1,500 | 100 points |
| Gold | 750 | 100 points | 700 | 350 | 3,500 | 200 points |
The same page states that Bing searches earn 5 points per search under this table, which corresponds to 5, 10, and 20 qualifying searches respectively if the listed limits are reached. The table is a published overview, not a guarantee that every activity, Daily Set tile, or account will have identical values. Microsoft also notes that availability can vary by country and that some Game Pass-related earning rates depend on subscription status.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
There is an important documentation conflict. Microsoft’s older U.S. Rewards support FAQ still describes Level 1 and Level 2 and says users can earn from up to 10 or 30 searches per day. The newer Rewards About page lists Member, Silver, and Gold. That likely reflects transitional or stale documentation, so readers should not silently treat the older FAQ as the current rate card for every U.S. account.
Is Microsoft Rewards worth using now?
It can be worthwhile if you already use Bing, Edge, Xbox, or Microsoft services and can complete the available activities without spending much extra time. It is less attractive if you must change your normal habits, repeatedly troubleshoot missing credits, or chase activities whose value is too small for the time involved.
Evaluate your own account using these criteria:
- Daily earning rate: Are your three Daily Set tiles worth 5 or 10 points?
- Search cap: What limit does your current level and dashboard actually show?
- Bonuses: Are monthly, default-search, Bing Star, streak, or Game Pass bonuses available and realistically attainable?
- Redemption price: How many points does your desired gift card, subscription, or other reward cost today?
- Time cost: How many minutes does the complete daily routine take?
- Reliability: Do your points credit consistently, or do you regularly need support?
- Regional availability: Is the activity or reward actually offered in your market?
- Account risk: Are your search and redemption habits consistent with Microsoft’s rules?
The 2026 structure may create more opportunities for highly engaged users through tiered bonuses and additional categories. It may be less appealing to someone who only wants a short, predictable daily checklist. That is a practical trade-off, not a universal measurement of value.
Rank #4
- EFFECTIVE RELIEF OF WRIST STRAIN: This is a wrist support mouse pad with a unique comfort gel padded cushion that moulds to the wrist for maximum comfort and support. Featuring an ergonomic design, it effectively relieves wrist fatigue from prolonged mouse use and reduces wrist pressure and discomfort.
- MOVE THE MOUSE WITH SILLKY SMOOTHNESS: The surface of the mousepad is made of soft lycra fabric, which feels delicate and smooth, you can hardly feel any friction when moving the mouse, and move the mouse accurately and smoothly, and this smooth operation will undoubtedly greatly improve your work efficiency and gaming experience!
- NON-SLIP AND STABLE: The bottom of the computer mouse pad is made of non-slip PU material, even when operating the mouse in the most intense and frequent games, our ergonomic mouse pad can firmly grasp the desktop is not easy to slide.
- DURABLE WITHOUT CRACKING: The wrist support of the mouse pad is filled with high quality silicone, which is not easy to deform after long time use. The sides are made of high quality adhesive to ensure that it will remain stable and not easy to crack during use. This mouse pad with wrist support is especially suitable for office use!
- RELIABLE AFTER-SALES SERVIVE: If you are not satisfied with our products after purchase, please contact us at the first time, our after-sales service is online 24 hours a day, unconditionally provide you with return and exchange services to solve your worries.
How to check your current Microsoft Rewards rates
Use this process instead of relying on a 2024 or early-2026 point chart:
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute- Open the Microsoft Rewards dashboard.
- Confirm that you are signed in to the Microsoft account you intend to use.
- Open the current earning, activity, or points-breakdown area.
- Record the values shown for Daily Set tasks, Bing searches, mobile or Edge offers, Xbox and Game Pass activities, and streak bonuses.
- Note your current membership level and the applicable search or activity limits.
- Open the redemption catalog for your actual country or region. Do not use the U.S. catalog as a universal price list.
- Compare your realistic daily or monthly earnings with the current cost of the reward you want.
Microsoft says daily opportunities are updated regularly and that earning methods and limits vary by region. Its guidance on how to earn Rewards points is useful for general rules, but your signed-in dashboard is more specific to your account.
What to do if points do not credit
A missing point does not necessarily prove that Microsoft has reduced the rate for everyone. Microsoft lists several possible causes:
- Give Mode is enabled. Searches made while Give Mode is active may be directed differently from ordinary Rewards earning.
- You are signed in to the wrong account. Check the account shown in the Rewards dashboard and Bing or Edge profile.
- Browser data is not syncing. Confirm that the browser profile and Rewards account are connected correctly.
- You reached the search limit. The counter can stop crediting searches after the account’s daily cap.
- Queries appear automated or bot-generated. Repetitive, nonsensical, or automated searches may not qualify.
- Microsoft detects activity from outside your current market. Location masking or inconsistent regional activity can create account problems.
Before assuming a system-wide cut, check the account, points breakdown, search counter, Give Mode, and current-market status. If the dashboard shows that an activity was completed but the points remain missing, use Microsoft’s Rewards FAQ and support guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why can a Daily Set streak reset?
Microsoft says a Daily Set streak can reset when:
- You did not complete the daily activities within the required time.
- You used a VPN or a device configured to a different time zone.
- You were signed in to a different Microsoft account.
Microsoft separately documents Streak Protection. When enabled, it provides 14 protection days, renews them each calendar year, and does not allow users to earn additional protection days beyond that allocation. Check whether the feature is available and enabled on your account rather than assuming every missed day will be protected.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Do not use a VPN or automation to recover old rates
Changing your apparent location or automating searches is not a legitimate way to regain a higher Rewards rate. Microsoft’s Services Agreement says:
- Only one Rewards account may be used per person.
- A household may have up to six Rewards accounts.
- VPN use or location masking may result in account cancellation and forfeiture of points.
- Searches must be genuine, manually entered searches for personal research.
- Bots, macros, and automated or fraudulent searches do not qualify.
Do not recommend or rely on methods intended to bypass regional limits, search caps, or anti-abuse systems. The possible loss of an account and its unredeemed balance can outweigh any short-term points gain.
What if a redemption fails?
Microsoft lists several potential causes of a failed redemption:
- Using a VoIP phone number.
- Using a VPN.
- Entering an incorrect verification code.
- Reaching phone-number usage limits.
- Redeeming points across multiple regions.
Confirm that your account, phone verification, location, and catalog are consistent before trying again. Microsoft’s Rewards refund and exchange policy says orders are generally final and are not eligible for return or exchange, except for defective products, unavailable rewards, or situations required by law.
Other account details worth knowing
Travel and regional changes
Microsoft says Rewards offers, earning methods, limits, and redemption catalogs vary by country or region. Traveling to another supported country does not necessarily change the Rewards experience, but consistently earning across multiple markets can create problems. Review Microsoft’s supported regions guidance and keep your activity consistent with your actual location.
Best Value
- ✔【Durable Mouse Pad】The mouse pad is made of natural rubber to avoid the trouble of choosing poor product quality and material, designed to provide you a great product that cares about your living
- ✔【Cheap and Cheerful】 It's time to Get Your Money's Worth! Our mouse pad is more comfortable and durable,10.2x8.3x0.12inch, it is not too large or small, standard size is perfect for macbook bags, designed for placing it in your bag without worrying about it warping. And it is available for all types of mouse, wired, wireless, mechanical, laser & optical
- ✔【Ultra-smooth Surface】Made of Premium-textured and smooth cloth surface that the mouse glides over nicely, it is optimized for fast movement while maintaining excellent speed and control, great for daily work or gaming
- ✔【Durable Stitched Edges】This computer mouse pad has delicate edges which can prevent wear, deformation and degumming in prolonged use. And the edge even the seams at the edge are flat, comfortable for your wrists and hands
- ✔【Anti-slip Rubber Base】Dense anti-slip rubber base provides heavy grip preventing sliding or movement of mouse pads, available for any flat, hard, tabletop surface. Low-friction top-material for accurate tracking the movement of cursor
Points can expire
Under the current Services Agreement, unredeemed points expire after 12 consecutive months without earning or redeeming points. If you use Rewards only occasionally, redeem or earn often enough to avoid leaving a balance inactive for that period.
Bottom line: Microsoft Rewards is only “back” in a narrow sense
Yes, Microsoft Rewards reportedly reversed particular point cuts. In January 2024, some daily homepage activities returned to approximately 5, 10, and 30 points. In March–April 2026, the three Daily Set tiles reportedly returned from 5 points each to 10 points each, restoring the Daily Set total from 15 to 30 points in affected accounts.
No, Microsoft Rewards did not return wholesale to its old state. Microsoft did not confirm that backlash caused the reversals, and the program has since changed search benefits, redemption prices, dashboard features, regional offers, and membership levels. As of August 10, 2026, judge the program by your current dashboard, your actual earning limits, the time required, and the current price of the reward you want.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Microsoft officially confirm that user backlash restored Microsoft Rewards points?
No. The reversals followed substantial user criticism, and users widely interpreted the timing as a response. Microsoft did not publicly confirm that backlash caused either the January 2024 activity restoration or the March–April 2026 Daily Set restoration.
Are Microsoft Rewards Daily Set tasks currently worth 10 points each for everyone?
Not necessarily. Users reported that the three Daily Set tiles returned to 10 points each in multiple markets in late March and early April 2026, but Microsoft Rewards varies by region, account, level, offer, and rollout. Check the values displayed on your signed-in dashboard.
Did Microsoft restore the Edge-search bonus and old Xbox Rewards benefits?
There is no basis for assuming that all of those benefits returned. The Daily Set reversal concerned specific Daily Set activities. Edge bonuses, Xbox quests, search limits, streak bonuses, dashboard features, and redemption prices may have changed separately.
Why does my Microsoft Rewards account show different point values from an article?
Microsoft says Rewards offers, earning methods, limits, and redemption catalogs vary by country or region. Your account may also be on a different membership level or dashboard rollout. The current signed-in Rewards dashboard is more authoritative for your account than an old screenshot or a report from another market.
Recommended Free Tools
Can I use a VPN, bot, or automated searches to earn the old number of points?
No. Microsoft’s Services Agreement requires genuine, manually entered searches for personal research and prohibits bots, macros, automated searches, and location masking. VPN use can lead to account cancellation and loss of points.
How long do Microsoft Rewards points remain valid?
Microsoft’s current Services Agreement says unredeemed points expire after 12 consecutive months without earning or redeeming points.
The Bottom Line
Microsoft Rewards did reverse specific cuts, but it is not universally back to its old point system. The January 2024 and March–April 2026 reversals were separate events, and neither proves that every earning method or redemption benefit was restored. Compare your current Daily Set values, search limits, membership bonuses, and redemption prices before deciding whether Rewards is worth your time.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
