5 things Windows users need to know about online holiday shopping in 2022

Dell Xps 13 9300 Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central

Happy holidays and seasons greetings. People love to spread joy this fourth dimension of twelvemonth, and gadgets are some of the well-nigh popular gifts around. With over a billion people on Earth having Windows computers, at that place are enough of accessories, apps, and games you lot can identify under a tree, stuff into a stocking, or wrap in a lovely box.

Windows PCs cover a wide range of categories, ranging from powerful gaming PCs to budget-friendly laptops. Whether someone a large rig that tin handle Cyberpunk 2077, a thin and powerful Ultrabook, or anything in betwixt, there are some cracking gifts available. Hither are some handy tips and tricks to ensure that you get the best gift possible for you or someone else.

ane. The Microsoft Store isn't only for apps

Many people with PCs don't use the Microsoft Shop that ofttimes. With browsers becoming more useful and many apps beingness downloadable through other sources, the Microsoft Store oft goes untouched. But the Microsoft Store isn't just for apps. You can also use information technology to hire movies, purchase telly shows, and films, order accessories, and even purchase Xbox Live or Xbox Game Pass. That ways that a Microsoft gift card makes a peachy souvenir.

A versatile gift

Microsoft Gift Card

A simple way to give

These gift cards can be used on apps, games, devices, and accessories. They're a nifty souvenir for the tech-lover in your life.

2. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate isn't just for Xbox owners

Despite its name including Xbox, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate isn't merely for console gamers. It's a plan that gets you access to over one hundred games across several platforms. It besides includes an Xbox Alive Gold subscription. It'southward a fleck like a Netflix-style subscription service that lets y'all play tons of games for a flat monthly rate. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $15 per calendar month, simply you tin can get the outset month for just $1.

There are some splendid PC games as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, including Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, several Halo titles, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps.

If you're an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, you're also able to stream games to mobile devices. Correct at present, the service supports Android phones and tablets, merely iOS back up is on the way in Spring 2022.

Best of the best

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Xbox Game Laissez passer and Xbox Alive Gilded in one

Xbox Game Pass gives you lot admission to over a hundred games for i monthly fee. Xbox Game Laissez passer Ultimate likewise adds Xbox Live Gold and Game Laissez passer for PC to the package so you tin can play online with your friends.

3. Microsoft has discounts for students, teachers, and the war machine

Microsoft provides discounted services and products for people in education or the armed services. Eligible students and teachers can become Function 365 for gratuitous. You can also get discounts on hardware and other Microsoft products. Verbal offers vary, but you lot tin can save on games, apps, movies, Tv shows, software, Xbox consoles, gift cards, and many other products if eligible.

When Microsoft says student, it doesn't just mean younger children either. The conditions folio states:

Instruction disbelieve available to K-12 and higher didactics students, faculty, and parents. Military discounts bachelor to agile, sometime, and retired military members and their families.

To discover out more and to start shopping with a discount, check out Microsoft'due south page that explains the atmospheric condition of its discounts.

4. Microsoft makes it easy to manage devices for family unit safety

Microsoft has several family safety features that let you to filter and limit certain types of content. You lot can set screen fourth dimension limits, see activity reports, filter content, and even locate a member of your family. There are family prophylactic features for many unlike devices, including Xbox consoles, then you tin feel more at ease near how devices in your family unit are used.

5. You should probably prepare any gifts you purchase in advance

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Retail Boxes Source: Matt Brown | Windows Central

I know that opening gifts is an heady function of the holidays, just that excitement speedily fades if someone has to wait hours to update a device or to download content. If you buy someone an Xbox Series 10, Xbox Series S, or really whatever gadget that requires you lot to download things, you should open up it up while the recipient is away or asleep and set it upwards in advance.

To keep some suspense, you lot can cover the device up and and then have a wrapped box. The person will be excited to run into what you've given them and even more excited when you say, "and it's right here, ready to go!"

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

The Dell XPS 15 is our choice for best 15-inch laptop

Buyer's guide

The Dell XPS 15 is our choice for all-time 15-inch laptop

For a lot of people, a 15-inch laptop is a perfect size that offers enough screen for multitasking, and in a lot of cases, some extra performance from powerful hardware. We've rounded upwardly the best of the best at this size.