This number is a general customer support line for Microsoft. It is advertised on the company’s website as a support line for Microsoft Store Sales and Customer Support.

I called this number with questions about my Microsoft 365 subscription, specifically for information about a product key I was having trouble with. After a brief greeting, an automated voice asked me whether I was a home user or a business user. Note that this customer support number does not offer a menu for callers; instead, an automated voice prompts you to describe the reasons for your call.

After indicating that I was a home user, I was prompted to describe the specific issue I was calling about. I indicated that I was having trouble with authenticating my product key for Microsoft 365. At this point, the system informed me that its customer service advocates would not be able to assist me with that issue. Instead, I was given a web address where I could receive support online. Somewhat helpfully, the automated system even offered to text me the web address where I was being directed. 

Less helpfully, at this point in the call, there was no way to be connected to a live service representative. When I indicated I still wanted to speak with someone, the automated system repeated that advocates could not help with my inquiry, thanked me for calling and terminated the call. 

I was unsatisfied with my experience and wanted to see if there was another way to actually reach a Microsoft customer representative. When I called the number for a second time, I was immediately greeted by a pre-recorded message telling me that technical support for Microsoft 365 products was available online. The message then repeated the web address I’d been given during my initial call, and the call was again automatically terminated. 

I can only assume that Microsoft’s automated system is smart enough to realize that I was calling back from the same phone number. Rather than allow me to access the voice-activated help system for a second time, it assumed I was calling about the same issue and repeated the information I’d received during my first call.

Mileage may vary for this approach to customer service. I must admit to being impressed that Microsoft’s system worked so seamlessly. However, as a current Microsoft customer who wanted to speak with a human rather than interact with an online chatbot, I was quite disappointed. The system also seems mildly punitive — if you misstate your aim on your initial go-round with the automated system, you will essentially be locked out from calling back and trying again to speak with a representative.

Based on my call to Microsoft, I would only use this customer support number if I had an issue with a physical product I had purchased directly from the Microsoft Store. For technical support and other inquiries, I would be more likely to try help.microsoft.com — the web address I was directed to as a result of my call.