Microsoft Partner Code of Conduct Update

Microsoft is set to enhance the Partner Code of Conduct (PCoC) to provide clearer guidelines for partner compliance, with the changes taking effect from August 1, 2026. 

What’s Changing 

A new clause is being added to the Governance section of the PCoC: 

Microsoft Partners may need to take part in and successfully complete anti-corruption and remediation programmes linked to this Partner Code of Conduct or other Microsoft partner initiatives. These programmes will focus on improving business controls, providing necessary training, and fulfilling assistance obligations. Notably, this additional training is separate from the standard compliance training that partners are already required to complete as part of the Partner Code of Conduct. Microsoft Partners are expected to fully cooperate with any assigned anti-corruption and remediation programmes, which might include, but are not limited to, the Remediation Standard, Remediation Extended, and MCAPS Finance Partner Compliance programmes, or any future replacements. 

What This Means for Partners 

There’s no need for immediate action; this update serves as a point of awareness and clarification. 

As a friendly reminder, Partners should: 

• Ensure effective compliance controls are in place
• Collaborate with Microsoft during any investigations
• Engage in assigned remediation programmes when requested 

Why This Matters 

This update aims to enhance how Microsoft and partners collaborate to identify compliance gaps and bolster trust, transparency, and accountability within the partner ecosystem. 

Take a moment to review the updated terms of the Partner Code of Conduct. You can also access the current version until the new terms come into force on August 1, 2026.