How to redeem Xbox and Microsoft Store codes and gift cards

Want to redeem that shiny new Xbox Gift Card code? Maybe an Xbox Game Pass time card code? Perhaps it's even a new game?!
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I replaced my Microsoft account password with a passkey - and you should, too

These days, I'm very popular in Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and even Albania. At least, that's what it looks like based on this list of recent attempts to sign in to my Microsoft ...