How to Get a Microsoft Store Student Discount

Save money on software and computers for school

By
Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen
Writer
  • Shoreline Community College
Jeremy Laukkonen is automotive and tech writer for numerous major trade publications. When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles .
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Updated on April 9, 2021
Reviewed by
Jessica Kormos
Jessica Kormos
Reviewed by Jessica Kormos
  • Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others.
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Microsoft sells a lot of software that's useful for students, and devices like the Surface and Surface Pro 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 Microsoft's student discount to gain free access to powerful software like Office 365 and save on computers and other devices.

Who Is Eligible for Microsoft's 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.
Person accessing the Microsoft student discount on a phone.

What Does Microsoft's Student Discount Get You?

The Microsoft student discount typically provides up to 10% 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 Gold.

How Does Microsoft Verify Student Enrollment?

When you request the student discount at a physical Microsoft store, you need to show 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 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're contacted, you have to provide proof of enrollment. If you're unable to prove you're a student, you have to pay the difference between the student discount price and the full price of the items 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. 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. The site tells you you're eligible for special pricing. Select OK.

    A screenshot of the Microsoft Student Discount confirmation notice.

  3. Select Student Deals from the list of store categories.

    The Microsoft online store.

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

    Adding an item to your cart.

  5. Complete the checkout process.

    Checking out at the online 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.

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