GPU prices have increased significantly over the past year, and it’s mainly due to the high demand for memory from AI data centers. These data centers are used to train large AI models, and they are equipped with hundreds or thousands of expensive GPUs. However, it seems that you might be able to earn some money by letting Microsoft use your GPU to train AI; at least that’s what a newly discovered patent says.

Microsoft originally filed a patent titled “Opportunistic Micro-training on Edge Devices Using Spare GPU Utilization” in April 2025, and it was published this month, on November 5. This patent focuses on a system that would allow Microsoft to use spare computing power from gaming PCs, laptops, or even smartphones to help train AI.

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How would it work?

For example, if you own a gaming PC equipped with a powerful gaming GPU, like the RTX 5080, the system could detect when you’re not using its full power. In other words, if it’s just idle, Microsoft could assign a small AI training task to your GPU. The system will also monitor different hardware details, including GPU and CPU usage, temperature, and more, to figure out if your device can handle more work.

The patent also says the AI training will not interfere with regular tasks. For instance, if you run an application or game that needs a lot of GPU power, or if the card gets too hot, the system could pause or stop the AI training. This will help free up resources and put less burden on the device.

As for what users will get, the system will track how much work each device has completed, and it will then award credits based on that contribution. These credits could be exchanged for free software or access to AI models. And for those who don’t want any of that, they could simply exchange the credits for real money.

That said, the patent does not reveal anything about when this system will launch. Microsoft could also scrap the idea, as it’s only a patent application at the moment. However, it’s worth noting that while the idea of earning money from your idle GPU may sound exciting, running AI training tasks can increase GPU usage, which could result in higher electricity bills. On top of that, running a GPU regularly under heavy pressure and high heat can reduce its lifespan.