How to Sign up for and Create a Microsoft Account
Information
Microsoft account is the new name for what used to be called a "Windows Live ID." Your Microsoft account is the combination of an email address and a password that you use to sign in to Windows 8 or services like Hotmail, Messenger/Skype, OneDrive, Windows Phone, Xbox LIVE, Zune, Office Live, and Outlook.com. If you use an email address and password to sign in to these or other services, you already have a Microsoft account—but you can also sign up for a new one at any time.
Over time, all Microsoft services will be switching from the old name to the new one. You might continue to see mentions of "Windows Live ID" instead of "Microsoft account" for a while—for example, on xbox.com or windowsphone.com—but the names mean the same thing, and the services will be updated soon.
For more information, see also:
This tutorial will show you how to sign up for and create a Microsoft account online to be able to sign in to all Microsoft sites and services.
Over time, all Microsoft services will be switching from the old name to the new one. You might continue to see mentions of "Windows Live ID" instead of "Microsoft account" for a while—for example, on xbox.com or windowsphone.com—but the names mean the same thing, and the services will be updated soon.
For more information, see also:
- What is a Microsoft account? - Microsoft Windows Help
- Microsoft accounts - Microsoft Windows
- How do I sign up for a Microsoft account? - Microsoft Windows Help
- What is a Microsoft account? | Windows Phone How-to (United States)
This tutorial will show you how to sign up for and create a Microsoft account online to be able to sign in to all Microsoft sites and services.
Note
You can also use a Microsoft account to sign in to any PC running Windows 8.
For more information about creating and using a Microsoft account in Windows 8, see:
For more information about creating and using a Microsoft account in Windows 8, see:
OPTION ONE
To Add a New Microsoft Account in Windows 8 and 8.1
1. For how, follow the steps in the tutorial below to add a Microsoft account instead of a local account.
How to Create and Add a New User Account in Windows 8 and 8.1
OPTION TWO
To Sign up and Create a New Microsoft Account Online
1. Go to the Microsoft account sign-up webpage.
NOTE: You will need to have cookies enabled.
2. Click/tap on the Sign up now link, and do step 3 or 4 below depending on what you want to do. (see screenshot below)
3. To use your own email address for your Microsoft account
A) Under Microsoft account name, type in your email address. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If your email provider supports POP3, you can even manage your old address in Hotmail or Outlook.com.
B) Fill out all remaining required information including the characters text. Read the Microsoft service agreement and the privacy statement. If you agree to the terms, click/tap on I accept. (see screenshot below)
C) You will now have a Microsoft account, but you will need to click/tap on Verify your email address first. (see screenshot below)
D) Click/tap on Send email. (see screenshot below)
E) Check the inbox for your email address from step 3A for this email. Open the email, and click/tap on Verify [email protected]. (see screenshot below)
F) Your Microsoft account's email address has now been verified.
4. To get a new email address for your Microsoft account
A) Under Microsoft account name, type in an email address name, and select the domain address (ex: outlook.com, Hotmail.com, live.com) you want. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: It is recommended to use outlook.com since everything will be switching to it anyways.
B) Fill out all remaining required information including the characters text. Read the Microsoft service agreement and the privacy statement. If you agree to the terms, click/tap on I accept. (see screenshot below step 3B)
C) You will now have a Microsoft account. (see screenshot below)
That's it,
Shawn
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