How to Get a Microsoft Store Student Discount

Save money on software and computers for school

A girl accesses the Microsoft student discount with her phone.

T2 Images / Cultura / Getty

By
Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen
Writer
Jeremy Laukkonen is tech writer and the creator of a popular blog and video game startup. He also ghostwrites articles for numerous major trade publications.
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Jeremy Laukkonen
Updated January 13, 2020

Microsoft sells a lot of software that's useful for students, and hardware like the Surface and Surface Pro that are great for keeping productivity up while you're on the go. If you're an eligible student (or a parent of one), you can take advantage of the Microsoft student discount to gain free access to powerful software like Office 365, and save on computers and other devices.

Who Is Eligible for the Microsoft Student Discount?

The Microsoft student discount is available to a wide range of people, including students, faculty, and even parents. Here are the general requirements:

  • Enrolled as a K-12 student, and at least 13 years old
  • Parent of a K-12 student or college student
  • Enrolled at a four-year university, two-year college, or a vocational school

What Does the Microsoft Student Discount Get You?

The Microsoft student discount typically provides a 10 percent savings on hardware like desktop computers, laptops, and tablets. It also grants free access to some software, like Office 365.

Certain items are specifically excluded, including:

  • Digital games and apps
  • Xbox consoles and games
  • Personalized and customized items
  • Gift cards and subscriptions to services like Xbox Live

How Does Microsoft Verify Student Enrollment?

When you request the student discount at a physical Microsoft store, you need to prove your enrollment by showing your student ID or some another supporting document like a class schedule, transcript, or acceptance letter.

When you use the Microsoft student discount online, Microsoft doesn't require up-front verification. That means you can take advantage of the student discount without proving that you're enrolled at a qualifying school, or that you're even a student at all.

When you use the Microsoft student discount online, you agree to let Microsoft contact you at a later date for verification. If you are contacted, you will have to provide proof of enrollment. If you're unable to prove that you are a student, you will have to pay the difference between the student discount price and the full price of the items that you purchased.

How to Get the Microsoft Student Discount

To get the Microsoft student discount, all you have to do is access the online Microsoft store through the student and military discount portal, and then check out all of the student discounts on the site. Microsoft doesn't require verification at the time of purchase, so you don't even need to prove your enrollment to receive the discount.

Here's how the process works:

  1. Go to the Microsoft Student and Military Discounts site, log in with your Microsoft account, and click Shop Now.

    A screenshot of the Microsoft Student and Military Discounts site.

  2. Click OK.

    A screenshot of the Microsoft Student Discount confirmation notice.

  3. Click Student Deals.

    A screenshot of the Microsoft online store.

  4. Locate the software or device you want to buy, and add it to your cart.

    A screenshot of the Microsoft store.

    Some software, like Office 365, is free for students.

  5. Complete the checkout process.

    A screenshot of the Microsoft store.

If you choose to pick up your order at a local Microsoft store, remember to bring your student ID. Microsoft doesn't verify enrollment during online purchases, but they may ask for proof of enrollment during pickup.