Microsoft Rewards will have a major overhaul in January 2026: here is a review of all the changes

Microsoft is preparing a deep redesign of Rewards with new levels and a drastic reduction in daily points for searches.

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Microsoft Rewards is back in full restructuring mode. In recent days, several users have started receiving an email in which the company announces significant changes for January 2026, changes that directly affect the way points are earned every day. For now, these modifications have only been communicated in some countries, but everything suggests that they could be expanded later.

The most striking aspect is the new level system and the reduction of the point limit for searches, one of the most used methods to quickly add balance. For part of the community, this represents a considerable cut compared to the current system.

Microsoft Rewards will change its system in January 2026: new levels and reduced point limit

The email sent by Microsoft details that Rewards will be divided into three levels:

• Member

• Silver

• Gold

Each level will have its own benefits and a different daily point limit obtained through searches. This is how the system will work:

• Member: 15 points/day

• Silver: 30 points/day

• Gold: 60 points/day

The difference is huge when compared to the current model. For example, in countries like the United Kingdom, a user in Level 2 can earn 150 points per day just by searching, while with the new system, even the highest level is limited to 60 points.

Regional changes and level-up requirements

For now, this email has only been sent to users in Canada, Australia, and the Philippines, although the same system has been in place for some time in New Zealand, Mexico, Colombia, and India, so it wouldn’t be surprising if it eventually reaches more territories.

In these countries, to reach the Gold level, you need:

• Earn 750 points per month, and

• Complete two progression activities, such as:

  • Being subscribed to Game Pass Ultimate

  • Searching on Bing for seven days

  • Checking in on the Bing app for seven days

  • Maintaining a daily streak for a week

  • Using Bing as the default search engine for 14 days

New ways to earn extra points

Microsoft announces that there will be “opportunities to earn additional points.” In regions where the system is already active, there is the Bing Star Bonus, which offers:

• 300 points per month for Member

• 900 points per month for Silver

• 2,100 points per month for Gold

However, the bonus only applies when searches are considered “genuine,” something that several users claim can be difficult to optimize.

Changes in Microsoft Rewards (January 2026)

The community is already reacting to the change, and although it doesn’t affect all countries yet, the trend seems clear: a restructuring that cuts daily points and conditions their earning to new requirements. We’ll be keeping an eye on whether Microsoft expands this new model to more regions in the coming months.