Microsoft Services Agreement: 13 Clauses Fine Print Flagged

Binding arbitration clause detected. Content licensing clause detected.

We ran Microsoft's Services Agreement through Fine Print and the scanner flagged 13 clauses across 13 categories. The first finding: tracking and analytics clause detected.

5 Warning 4 Caution 4 Info

What we found

Caution

Tracking and analytics clause detected

Fine Print flagged the following text under tracking_analytics:

We use optional cookies to improve your experience on our websites, such as through social media connections, and to display personalized advertising based on your online activity.
Info

Cookie usage clause detected

Fine Print flagged the following text under cookies:

We use optional cookies to improve your experience on our websites, such as through social media connections, and to display personalized advertising based on your online activity.
Warning

Binding arbitration clause detected

Fine Print flagged the following text under binding_arbitration:

The Microsoft Services Agreement contains binding arbitration and class action waiver terms that apply to U.S. residents. You and we agree to submit disputes to a neutral arbitrator and not to sue in court in front of a judge or jury, except in small claims court.
Caution

Liability limitation clause detected

Fine Print flagged the following text under liability_limits:

MICROSOFT, AND OUR AFFILIATES, RESELLERS, DISTRIBUTORS, AND VENDORS, MAKE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, GUARANTEES OR CONDITIONS WITH RESPECT TO YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES.
Warning

Content licensing clause detected

Fine Print flagged the following text under perpetual_license:

To the extent necessary to provide the Services to you and others, to protect you and the Services, and to improve Microsoft products and services, you grant to Microsoft a worldwide and royalty-free intellectual property license to use Your Content, for example, to make copies of, retain, transmit, reformat, display, and distribute via communication tools Your Content on the Services.
Info

Data collection clause detected

Fine Print flagged the following text under data_collection:

Please read the Microsoft Privacy Statement as it describes the types of data we collect from you and your devices ("Data"), how we use your Data, and the legal bases we have to process your Data.
Info

Age requirement clause detected

Fine Print flagged the following text under age_requirements:

...By creating a Microsoft account or using the Services, you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms and represent that you have either reached the age of "majority" where you live or your parent or legal guardian agrees to be bound by these Terms on your behalf...
Warning

Account termination clause detected

Fine Print flagged the following text under account_termination:

You can cancel specific Services or close your Microsoft account at any time and for any reason. To close your Microsoft account, please visit https://account.live.com/closeaccount.aspx...
Warning

Data sharing with third parties detected

Fine Print flagged the following text under data_selling:

...Many of our Services also help you find, make requests to, or interact with Third-Party Apps and Services and may allow or require you to share Your Content or Data with such Third-Party Apps and Services, and you understand that by using our Services you are directing them to make Third-Party Apps and Services...
Warning

Unilateral terms-change clause detected

Fine Print flagged the following text under unilateral_changes:

We may change these Terms at any time, and we'll tell you when we do. Using the Services after the changes become effective means you agree to the new terms.
Caution

Automatic subscription renewal clause detected

Fine Print flagged the following text under auto_renewal:

...We may bill you (a) in advance; (b) at the time of purchase; (c) shortly after purchase; or (d) on a recurring basis for subscription Services. Also, we may charge you up to the amount you have approved, and we will notify you in advance of any change in the amount...
Caution

Price change clause detected

Fine Print flagged the following text under price_changes:

We may change the price of the Services at any time and if you have a recurring purchase, we will notify you by email, or other reasonable manner, at least 15 days before the price change.
Info

Governing law clause detected

Fine Print flagged the following text under governing_law:

...the Federal Arbitration Act governs all provisions relating to arbitration. You and we irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state or federal courts in King County, Washington, for all disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services...

How we found this

Fine Print runs entirely in your browser. It uses pattern matching (regular expressions with negation awareness), not an AI model. Nothing is sent to a server. Every match is verified against a 318-test regression suite with zero false positives and zero false negatives at the time of release.

The full methodology and accuracy report for this scan is on the Microsoft audit page.

Fine Print is free, private, and runs entirely in your browser.

Get Fine Print