How to provide feedback to microsoft?

@Ashley

I have just looked at Technet and I can't find any way to provide feedback through that site. There is a link to "provide suggestions for microsoft products" on this technet page:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/cc512759.aspx

But that links to microsoft connect

http://connect.microsoft.com/

So I guess microsoft connect is supposed to be the central hub for providing feedback on microsoft products.

However, microsoft connect does not seem to accept feedback for all microsoft products, all of the time (e.g., you can't provide feedback on windows 8). I have also realised there are separate feedback sites for Windows Phone 8 and Windows 7 (but not Windows 8):

http://windowsphone.uservoice.com/forums/101801-feature-suggestions

http://support.microsoft.com/common/survey.aspx?scid=sw;en-us;2310&altStyle=MFE&renderOption=OverrideDefault&showpage=1&fr=1&nofrbrand=1

This haphazard approach to feedback options is extremely irritating and contrasts to the elegant and simple site Apple have for gathering feedback

http://www.apple.com/feedback/

Thank you Ashley. I eventually did find the email tool although it is very difficult to find. I filled it out three times and each time received an 'Unable to process your request' message. Guess what? The chat option was unavailable. The only conclusion one can objectively make is that they do not wish to be contacted. Very lame. They should fix this and make their email address easy to find if they wish to cease being lame. Maybe the new CEO will help.

Apple, you have a new customer coming.

Not true, there is no 'E-mail Us' field on that page. E-mailing a support person puts you through the support gauntlet. I don't even want support, I just want to communicate with Microsoft. Is that impossible?

@Jon Choppelas

You are incorrect in your statement,

 "E-mail Us" is very clearly listed under the "Contacts" section. It's the base's for "All" Customer Service issue's/feedback. When you speak/e-mail to the customer service assistant he/she will have a clearer idea of your concern and direct you on which department is relevant for you. Or you can call directly using the phone number supplied on the same page. (already provided to you, see above posting)

How much contact do you wish?

There are Forums, Live Chats, E-mail and Phone numbers as well as feedback hypertext options on all pages (even this one) Not to mention joining/enrolling into one of our seminars which you can do from your own home (so no need to travel) thanks to the use of video chat/conference calling. With feedback taken live and instantly. Look out for links for these within the newsletters. (See your subscription settings to add more newsletters.) Then we also have Connect/TechNet were feedback and beta testers can provide feedback for a specific product.

Like I have already said in earlier postings on this board, It's far easier to address your feedback suggestions if your clear on which product(s) you are wishing to add/contribute feedback for.

As Microsoft is a very vast and highly advanced community of technology/engineering/development (amongst other fields) and is constantly evolving. This is why I also suggested for replies to be made from the home page of the product of your choosing. As you have not said what type of feedback or what product your feedback is for, then your best option is starting with Customer Service and build from there.

Hope this helps.

Have a great day!

Not true, there is no 'E-mail Us' field on that page. E-mailing a support person puts you through the support gauntlet. I don't even want support, I just want to communicate with Microsoft. Is that impossible?

Hi osm101,

To provide any type off feedback ( as all feedback is valued) Just Bing onto the Microsoft Support site, (make sure you are signed in) Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see the "Contact Us" option. Please then expand the "Microsoft customer support- help for general enquiries", option and select the "Product sales and licensing section". There you will see the "E-mail Us" field, please select this and complete all area's. Or just click- http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cu_sc_prodinfo_master/en-gb

I take it you wish to give feedback regarding Windows 8, While suggestions are still being taken on board the best time for this was during the Beta versions when all feedback was more or less on a live response. 

Also, when if you locate the page similar to the topic/subject that you are using on http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/home by using any of the "Was This Helpful" is a great way for feedback.

Once you find an area subject within the Microsoft family and sign up to the news boards and relevant communities, you will know and here all about the new products that needs testers to use and provide feedback, as it sounds like this is something you have a great interest in, this would be a great option for you!

Also, please do not ignore the features of the Microsoft Community as within all the Communities is were the biggest options to gain assistance and provide feedback regarding all products are. Share and post!

After all, it was here in this same area (That you posted your question) that some of the testing and feedback was and has been taking place for Windows 8 (amongst others).

Microsoft is a very large and complex family and as such can not just give one support address like Apple can.(Could you imagine the nightmare of sorting and locating valuable feedback, so much would get lost or go un-noticed.) This is why Microsoft prefer to get you the right address and not just a common one. All you have to do is decide what product you are testing/using/building or developing. Then just locate the community to join from here-  http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/Page/forums 

Or just use one of the other options I have already listed above in my other posting, there are countless ways to get in touch and if it is that urgent then just call.

Hope this helps!