Anyone who has tracked the history of PCs over the last 30 years so will be well aware that Microsoft’s web browsers – first Internet Explorer, then later, Edge – were considered a bit of an inside joke. Indeed, for a vast number of us, one of the first things we would do after getting a new Windows laptop is download Chrome.
Of course, perceptions can change over time, and while Edge still trails Chrome in market share, it’s certainly taken a lot more seriously than it used to be. Indeed, we can point to recent data that suggests Edge is catching up. There are plenty of reasons to keep it as the main web browser for your laptop, including more and more AI features with Microsoft Copilot.
Yet, an interesting and arguably underrated reason for sticking with Edge is Microsoft Rewards. Technically, the rewards aren’t limited to using a browser, but you do get to maximize them while using Edge. Yet, what are Microsoft Rewards? And do they really make changing your browser worthwhile? The answer to the latter is maybe. To explain what we mean, we will break down the former below:
The Concept of Microsoft Rewards
Microsoft Rewards is a free points-based rewards system for using Microsoft products – stuff like Bing & Edge, shopping in the Microsoft Store, and so on. The most basic activity is simply using Edge/Bing to search, nothing unlike you would usually do. Microsoft, however, adds a bit of gamification to proceedings, providing daily challenges like quizzes to earn more points. You can also earn points by reading select articles.
The Important Bit: Spending the Points
Once you have earned enough points, you go to the Microsoft Rewards Store to redeem. The storefront is not dissimilar to the type you’d find in the gaming world, such as a social casino online store or in-game storefront where you buy digital items (skins). Yet, in this case, it is all about cashing in your points for rewards.
These can be vouchers for retailers like Amazon or Starbucks, entry into sweepstakes (Microsoft recently gave away a $1 million sweepstakes prize for Rewards users), or donating to charity.
Getting Bang for Your Buck
Now, let’s be clear: You aren’t going to earn a fortune by constantly using Edge and Bing. If you want a back-of-a-knapkin calculation, it would probably take a heavy internet user 2-3 months to earn enough points for a $5 Amazon gift card. That is, of course, if you are not constantly working on earning points. Those who engaged in all the challenges daily, including the quizzes, could probably do it in half that time.
Does It Offer Value?
It really depends on how you look at it. To start with, it’s worth remembering that you can earn points passively.
By that, we mean just using Microsoft’s products like Bing. So much of the activity is built into Windows laptops by default, so in that sense, it should feel like a no-brainer to pick up a voucher every few months. It’s worth remembering that the sweepstakes can deliver some awesome prizes, too. On the other hand, if you simply prefer Chrome or other browsers for work, you might consider the effort not to be worth it.
Final Word
Edge has been improving a lot in recent years, and it is no longer seemingly a mandatory obligation to change to Chrome or Firefox on your new Windows laptop. Edge can still feel a little clunky at times – certainly, it’s less nimble than Chrome – but there are many built-in extras, such as Microsoft Shopping, which can search for discount codes before you check out of an online store. Yet, if you are 50-50 on Chrome or Edge, have a look at Microsoft Rewards to see if that becomes the deal-breaker.
