Microsoft has cleared up the confusion regarding the erroneous post in the Windows 10 FAQ page, which stated that users can no longer redeem Bitcoin into their Windows accounts.
What appeared to be a silently removed support for the online currency was actually a mistake, admitted Microsoft. While a lot of speculation regarding Microsoft’s suddent removal of Bitcoin support was still brewing, the Redmond-based tech giant cleared the issue up, stating that they still support the currency.
“We continue to support Bitcoin for adding money to your Microsoft Account which can be used for purchasing content in the Windows and Xbox stores.” Microsoft stated, as per Softpedia. “We apologize for inaccurate information that was inadvertently posted to a Microsoft site, which is currently being corrected.”
Earlier, the sudden change caused many to wonder. Here's what the wrong post said:
“Microsoft Store doesn't accept Bitcoin. You can no longer redeem Bitcoin into your Microsoft account. Existing balances in your account will still be available for purchases from Microsoft Store, but can't be refunded.”
During that time, however, the how to “add money to your Microsoft account with Bitcoin” is still up and running, causing more confusion. Many thought that Microsoft’s decision is because is not as widely adopted as everyone hoped it would be.
After all, Microsoft adopted Bitcoin late in 2014 with much pomp.
“For us, this is about giving people options and helping them do more on their devices and in the cloud,” says Eric Lockard, corporate vice president of Universal Store at Microsoft, said at the time of Bitcoin adoption, as per Softpedia.
Lockard added that while Bitcoin is “not yet mainstream,” its use, along with other online currencies, is growing. As such, he and the company expected the growth to continue, and they wanted Microsoft to be on the “front edge” of the online purchasing trend.
So far, Microsoft hasn't updated the FAQ page, and that is still how it reads. Despite that, this should be good news to all who are using Bitcoin as currency for their purchases.
