Microsoft Rewards

I don't if this is malware or just an advertising gimmick from Windows.

I just noticed today that on my Windows 10 laptop, when I click on the search (magnifying glass) button, at the top is a medal icon. There is a also a message stating 'Search and Earn' regarding Microsoft Rewards.

I don't know when it was installed. I ran scans using Malware Bytes, AVAST Antivirus, Rougekiller, AdwCleaner on my laptop and they all come out clean. How can I get rid of this?

 

Magnifying glass and medal. Admittedly you do need the ability to see what no one else sees

@roboman - it's just Win 10

 

I just clicked in the Search box. There is no button of course.

 

Tim your pic has cut off the top of the panel, the part that has the All, Apps, Documents etc menu. The Microsoft Rewards bit with the 'medal' icon is at the right end of that row, but while that's the case on my laptop it doesn't appear on the desktop system. Can't explain that but at least we can assure the OP that what he is seeing is normal.

 

Tim,
On the bottom strip, there is a Windows box (Start) that shows all the programs on my laptop. To the right of that is the magnifying glass. I've included a couple of pictures to help clarify this.
Rob

 

Microsoft started being more aggressive with advertising their rewards program recently. It is advertising for some users but it's not malicious and for some users it is annoying. More info on Microsoft Rewards.

@TimW - What version of Windows are you using? I believe the Rewards advertising started with a Windows 10 version 1809 update. I'm also not sure if being logged in to a MS account will make it appear/disappear so that may also be a reason you do or don't see it.

 

That's probably why you don't see the Rewards.

Because he has it set that way. (right click on the Task bar for options.

 

This has been puzzling me too. I see the Rewards on my laptop but not on my desktop yet both are connected to my Microsoft account.

 

I'm really not sure why. Seems like it would show as long as you are signed in. Do you have the same settings in your Search options? All settings > Search

 

I think the answer must be no but I'm not fussed enough to spend time proving it. Agree with you that it depends on being connected to a MS account.