Don’t panic. The message usually means Microsoft’s automated systems detected search behavior that looks like automation, bots, or unusually concentrated activity.
First stop any bulk or automated searching. Do quick local checks (password, 2FA, device malware, browser extensions).
If the message persists or your Rewards account is suspended, submit an appeal to Microsoft Rewards Support (use the Rewards support form) and, if necessary, the Microsoft Digital Safety appeal process. Be patient and provide clear evidence (dates, screenshots, description) in your appeal.
1) What the alert means (quick background)
When Bing shows “Unusual search activity may limit your ability to earn points” it is a signal from Microsoft’s automated enforcement systems. Possible causes include:
- Very fast repeated searches or completing many Tasks in a short time (looks like automation/bots).
- Searches from multiple IPs or devices in quick succession (VPNs, proxies, shared ISPs).
- Use of scripted/automated tools, browser extreensions, or third-party services that simulate searches.
- Compromised account activity or device malware producing unusual traffic.
This detection can limit point-earning or result in an account suspension. Microsoft’s support guidance and community reports consistently recommend pausing activity and contacting Rewards support for review.
2) Immediate actions (what to do right now)
Do these first — they’re fast and often resolve false positives:
Stop all bulk/search automation right away. If you use scripts, macro tools, or third-party “automated search” helpers, turn them off. Automated searching is commonly flagged.
Pause searching for a few hours. Several users and Microsoft advisers report the block sometimes clears after normal, paused usage.
Sign out and sign back in to your Microsoft account on the device where you see the message.
Change your Microsoft account password immediately if you suspect compromise. Enable 2-step verification (2FA) if not already enabled. This both secures the account and is recommended in Microsoft help forums.
3) Device & browser checklist (fix local causes)
Run through these device checks to eliminate client-side triggers:
- Clear browser cache/cookies and remove suspicious extensions/add-ons.
- Disable VPNs/proxies temporarily and try from your normal home/office network. Rapid IP changes can trigger flags.
- Check other devices on the same network (e.g., family devices) that might be generating high search volume.
- Run an anti-malware scan (Windows Defender / Malwarebytes) to ensure no bot/malicious software is generating traffic.
- If you use multiple Microsoft accounts, make sure you’re signed into the correct one on the device.
- Try another browser or the Bing mobile app (but only after pausing activity and securing account).
If local fixes remove the message, resume normal searching slowly—don’t immediately do a large batch of searches.
4) When to contact Microsoft (and how)
If the alert persists after the immediate and device steps, or your Rewards account is suspended, contact Microsoft Rewards Support and (if needed) use Microsoft’s formal appeals. Key points from official guidance and community solutions:
1. Use the Microsoft Rewards Support form on the Rewards site to report the issue and request review. Provide a clear explanation and evidence (screenshots, approximate times when you saw the message).
2. If the Rewards support form is blocked (fields greyed out), one workaround reported by users is signing in with a different Microsoft account to access the form and explain the issue referencing the affected account.
3. For broader account suspensions, Microsoft Digital Safety has an Appeal process for account decisions — use that if Microsoft indicates a policy enforcement/suspension that requires formal appeal. Include the same evidence and timeline.
What to include in any support/appeal message (the clearer, the faster teams can triage):
- The exact alert text and a screenshot.
- Dates/times (with timezone) when you saw it.
- A short explanation of your normal usage pattern (e.g., “I only search from home with one device, no automation”).
- Any unusual events (recent travel, VPN use, new browser extension, shared computer).
- If you believe you were wrongly flagged, say so and state you’ll stop any behaviour that could be misinterpreted.
- Contact email and the Microsoft account (email) affected.
Microsoft support staff and community answers note that appeals may take time; submit once with complete information rather than repeatedly. (Microsoft Learn)
5) Sample appeal / support message (copy & paste, edit before sending)
Subject: Request to review “Unusual search activity” alert — [your Microsoft account email]
Hello Microsoft Rewards team,
I received the message “Unusual search activity may limit your ability to earn points” on [DATE, e.g., Oct 7, 2025, IST]. I believe this is a false positive. My normal usage is only from [home/work], using [browser name] on one device. I do not use automation scripts, third-party search tools, or shared accounts.
Attached is a screenshot of the alert. I have already: changed my account password, enabled two-step verification, cleared browser cache, disabled extensions, and run a malware scan. Please review my account and remove any restrictions so I can continue earning Rewards.
If you need more information (IP addresses, activity timestamps), I can provide them. Thank you for reviewing this.
— [Your full name] | [Microsoft account email] | [Preferred contact email/phone]
Send this via the Rewards support form (or the Digital Safety appeal if told to do so).
6) Timelines & expectations
Immediate fixes (clearing cache, pausing activity) sometimes resolve the warning within hours. Community posts often report temporary resolution after pausing.
Formal support/appeal reviews can take several days to a couple of weeks depending on the case complexity. Microsoft’s Digital Safety appeal page states you’ll generally get a response within approximately 14 days, though community experience varies.
Be patient but persistent: If you don’t get a reply in the expected time, follow up once with the same support channel (keep replies polite and add any extra logs/screenshots).
7) How to prove it was a false positive — useful logs/evidence
If you can provide any of the following, the support team can better judge your case:
Screenshots of the alert and any “account suspended” messages.
Approximate timestamps when you performed searches (date/time + timezone).
IP addresses (if known) or a note whether you were on mobile data/home Wi-Fi.
List of devices and browsers you used that day.
Statement that you do not (and did not) use third-party automation tools.
A concise, chronological timeline often helps more than long, vague descriptions.
8) Prevention: how to avoid being flagged again
Never use automation or scripted search tools to farm points. That’s the #1 trigger.
Spread searches across the day instead of doing hundreds in a short burst — automation detectors look for rapid, repetitive behavior.
Avoid frequent IP switching (don’t alternate VPNs or mobile data rapidly when earning points).
Use one primary device/account for Rewards rather than sharing across household accounts on the same device.
Keep your PC/phone clean from malware and suspicious extensions.
Enable 2FA and keep your account recovery information up to date.
9) Common FAQs (short)
Q: If my account is suspended, will I lose my points?
A: If Microsoft confirms a violation, they can remove points or suspend accounts. If it’s a false positive and the appeal succeeds, points/earning ability are typically restored—explain clearly in your appeal.
Q: Can I create a new Microsoft account to continue earning?
A: Creating new accounts to evade suspensions can itself violate Microsoft’s terms—don’t create accounts just to bypass enforcement. Use appeals first. If you must create a new account, do so following Microsoft’s terms and without relying on banned behavior.
Q: Support form fields are greyed out—what do I do?
A: Many community posts suggest signing in with a different Microsoft account to access the support form and then explain the affected account’s details. Include complete evidence so support can link the issue to the correct account.
10) Quick troubleshooting checklist (one-page)
- Stop automated tools and bulk searches.
- Pause searches for several hours.
- Change MS account password + enable 2FA.
- Clear browser cache/cookies; remove suspicious extensions.
- Turn off VPN/proxy; use normal network.
- Run anti-malware scan.
- If message persists, prepare screenshots and timestamps.
- Submit one clear support ticket via Microsoft Rewards Support form.
- If suspended and support directs you, use Microsoft Digital Safety appeal.
Final notes & realistic expectations
- Microsoft’s enforcement errs on the side of stopping fraudulent behavior; sometimes legitimate users are caught in false positives. Clear, factual communication and securing your account are the fastest ways to get a review.
- Do not try to “game” the system with automation or rapid IP changes. That’s the main cause of detection and of irreversible penalties.
Useful links (for starting your appeal)
- Microsoft Rewards Support (submit issue / support form): use the Rewards site’s Support page. (Microsoft Learn)
- Microsoft Digital Safety — Account suspension & Appeal: the Microsoft appeals page for suspended accounts. (Microsoft)
