MICROSOFT is doling out free Starbucks and Xbox gift cards as an incentive to get you using its Bing search engine.

Call it desperation, call it a bonus – either way, it equates to free stuff and we can all dig that.

2 Bing only has a 3.24 percent worldwide search engine market share Credit: Bing.com

It's all part of the Microsoft Rewards programme (formerly Bing Rewards), which just launched in the UK following a US release last summer.

Here's the deal: Microsoft will give you points for searching on Bing, using its Edge web browser, and for spending dosh on Microsoft's online store.

And all you have to do to start earning the prizes is to sign up with your Microsoft account – you probably have one lying around from your MSN days and this is as good a reason as any to dust it off and grab some freebies.

Just head to the Microsoft Rewards page to register and you're good to go.

2 You can net points faster by taking quizzes and online tours Credit: Microsoft

Looking to amass points quickly for that free Starbucks coffee or gift card? Here's what you need to know:

Each Bing Search will earn you three points.

This is doubled to six points if you're using Bing on Microsoft Edge.

You'll also get one point for every £1 you spend in the Microsoft Store.

You can earn a maximum of 30 points per day (60 points using Edge).

Your Rewards page is also stocked with shortcuts to activities and quizzes that can snag you quick points (like 75 points for taking a tour of the Rewards programme).

Certain items on the Microsoft store can also earn you massive points – currently buying Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle in HD nets you 2,000 points.

If you hit 500 points in a month, you'll level up to a second tier with better rewards and the ability to earn 150 points daily.

Points can be redeemed on things like a £5 Xbox Gift Card (6,300 points) or 31,500 points for a £25 gift card, a £5 Starbucks gift card (7,600 points, or 15,200 points for a £10 gift card), and Debenhams of House of Fraser gift cards for the same amount of points.

You can also exchange 100-200 points to enter sweepstakes for goodies like an Xbox One X, two Xbox Elite Wireless Controllers, and a Fitbit Ionic smartwatch.

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Microsoft Rewards is designed to poach users from the world's leading web search engine Google Chrome, which has a whopping 90.14 percent global market share.

Comparatively, Bing is in second place with just 3.24 percent.

Whether or not the free loot will convert the masses remains to be seen.

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