Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage policy for Microsoft Q&A

Using Artificial Intelligence tools on Microsoft Q&A

AI tools have become widely accessible and increasingly popular, making it easier than ever for individuals to generate and consume information.

Many Microsoft Q&A contributors use these tools to help with the questions that are posted.

In November 2025, we launched AI First Answers for Microsoft Q&A. AI First Answer uses AI to help you get answers from Microsoft Learn documentation.

These tools are focused on assisting question authors, and there isn't an option to use these tools to help answering questions.

This document explains the policy for using AI tools to answer questions on Microsoft Q&A. It also describes how the platform moderators handle violations of these guidelines.

AI usage policy for Microsoft Q&A

Follow these steps when using AI to generate an answer on Q&A:

• Cite your sources: Mention the AI service name that generated the answer, fully or partly.
• Review before posting: All AI-generated content must be reviewed and validated. Unverified or hallucinated responses are not allowed and may be removed or lead to suspension. Community members are encouraged to report AI-generated responses that appear inaccurate or misleading.
• Share one solution at a time: The community is built around collaboration and step-by-step problem solving. Posting long lists of possible solutions at once does not support effective discussion. Additional solutions should be introduced gradually, based on user feedback and progress.
• Engage in the discussion: Responses should provide context, ask follow-up questions, and offer clear guidance. AI-generated content that lacks engagement or does not adapt to the discussion does not meet community standards.
• Avoid generic responses: Vague or surface-level AI input that adds no value beyond what a user could easily generate is not acceptable.
• Respect the community’s purpose: Members come here seeking real expertise from real people, often after trying other tools, including AI. Misusing AI undermines trust and the quality of support across the community.

Using AI to help with answers on Microsoft Q&A requires following these steps. Otherwise, moderators might delete the content and suspend your account.

Moderator actions for AI-generated content on Microsoft Q&A

If a moderator finds AI-generated content on the platform that violates the requirements, they may take the following steps:

• Reply to the content with a comment including information the platform's AI policy.
• Delete the content that violates the policy, if the user doesn't respond to the notice or fails to make the necessary changes.
• Suspend the user's account, if the user repetitively fails to make the necessary changes.

Use of alternative accounts to circumvent a suspension, would be considered in violation of our Code of Conduct for Microsoft Q&A.

Appeals process for deletions or suspensions due to AI usage on Microsoft Q&A

You can appeal the removal of your content from Q&A or the suspension of your account at this email address.

Next steps

To ask anything about this policy, use the Microsoft Q&A tag.