check before: 2026-02-17
Product:
Entra, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft Search
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
User impact, Admin impact, Retirement
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft is retiring the Azure AD Account Linking feature for Microsoft Rewards by March 19, 2026. Users can no longer link work accounts to earn Rewards points. Existing points remain unaffected, personal accounts work as usual, and no admin actions are required.
Details:
[Introduction]
Microsoft is retiring the Azure AD Account Linking feature that allowed users to connect a work (Azure AD) account with a personal Microsoft account (MSA) to earn Microsoft Rewards points for Bing search activity performed while signed in with a work account.
[When this will happen:]
February 17, 2026: the feature is retired.
March 19, 2026 (30 days from this notice): the capability will be fully removed.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-02-19
updated:
2026-02-19
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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summary for non-techies**
Microsoft is retiring the Azure AD Account Linking feature from its Rewards program by March 19, 2026, meaning users will no longer be able to earn rewards points through work accounts, only personal accounts, although previously earned points will remain unaffected.
Direct effects for Operations**
Loss of Rewards Points Earning
Users will no longer be able to earn Microsoft Rewards points through their work accounts, impacting their ability to benefit from rewards programs.
- roles: End Users, Helpdesk Teams
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/announcing-the-retirement-of-azure-ad-account-linking-for/ba-p/3851230
User Experience Disruption
The removal of account linking may lead to confusion among users who previously utilized this feature, affecting their overall experience with Microsoft services.
- roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/announcing-the-retirement-of-azure-ad-account-linking-for/ba-p/3851230
Increased Helpdesk Inquiries
Helpdesk teams may experience an increase in inquiries related to the change, as users seek clarification on how to earn rewards post-retirement.
- roles: Helpdesk Teams, IT Support Staff
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/announcing-the-retirement-of-azure-ad-account-linking-for/ba-p/3851230
Documentation Updates Required
Internal documentation referencing the Azure AD account linking feature will need to be updated, requiring time and resources from IT teams.
- roles: IT Support Staff, Documentation Teams
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/announcing-the-retirement-of-azure-ad-account-linking-for/ba-p/3851230
Potential User Frustration
Users may feel frustrated or dissatisfied due to the sudden removal of a feature they relied on, potentially impacting their perception of the organizationâs IT services.
- roles: End Users, Management
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/announcing-the-retirement-of-azure-ad-account-linking-for/ba-p/3851230
Configutation Options**
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Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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