One of the benefits of having a Microsoft licensing program for your organization is that your employees can enjoy discounts on Microsoft products. Through the Microsoft Home Use Program, you and any other employee can purchase Microsoft 365 and other products at a low rate. The major requirement is that you all would need your own personal Microsoft account in order to sign in and shop. Here’s how it works.
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First, you or any co-worker can check to see if all of you qualify for the program. Browse to the Microsoft Home Use Program website. Enter your work email address and click the Get Started button (Figure A).
Figure A
In response, you should receive an email from Microsoft confirming your eligibility. In the email, click the Sign In And Shop button. You’re then prompted to sign into the Microsoft Home Use Program website using your personal Microsoft account (Figure B).
Figure B
At the website, you can opt to enter your Microsoft account email address and confirm your location if you wish to receive emails about special deals and new products from the Microsoft Store. Otherwise, close this initial window. The Microsoft Home Use website appears (Figure C).
Figure C
Scroll down to the bottom of the page to view the FAQ with details on the program (Figure D).
Figure D
You can now shop for certain products, including a Microsoft 365 subscription, Surface devices and Surface accessories. As one example, a subscription to Microsoft 365 Family costs $59.99 per year for the first year, while one for Microsoft 365 Personal costs $41.99 a year for the first year. That’s a discount of 40% for the first year. After the year is up, the discount price changes to 30% off, still a healthy savings. To purchase a product, click the Buy Now button and follow the prompts to check out and pay via your default Microsoft payment system (Figure E).
Figure E
If you purchase an application such as Microsoft 365, you can immediately download it and install it on your computer. If you purchase a physical item, such as a Surface laptop or tablet, you receive two- to three-day shipping for free. You can return items in their original packaging for up to 30 days, with certain Surface devices returnable for up to 60 days. If you have any questions or run into trouble, Microsoft reps are available through phone or online chat.
