How do I create a Microsoft account?

A Microsoft account allows you to access many of Microsoft’s services such as Office 365, OneDrive & Skype. You can also use it to sign into Windows 10 or create a profile in Microsoft Edge.

If you need to create an account, one of the easiest ways is via Microsoft’s website. However, as with all online accounts, it’s helpful to know the various steps and options, and this article will show you the way.

Where do I start?

To start creating an account, click here to go to Microsoft’s website. Once on the webpage, click the link Create a Microsoft account.

A small Window will now appear, and you’ll have the option to create the account with an email address you currently use, a phone number or a new Microsoft email.

Let’s take a look at each in turn.

I want to use my email address

If you have a current email address, you can use this as your login. However, It needs to be from an email provider other than Microsoft, i.e. Gmail, Btinternet, Sky, etc.

To get started, enter your email address in the space provided and click Next.

The next step is to create a password. The password must be a minimum of eight characters long and contain at least two of the following: uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. As with all passwords, try to make it as complicated as possible.

Once you have typed your password, click Next.

As with most companies, Microsoft would like to know a little more about you, so the next part asks for your country of residence and date of birth. Once you’ve entered those details, click Next.

At this stage, Microsoft needs to verify the email account you entered. Check your email and enter the security code Microsoft sends you.

If you don’t want to receive general information from Microsoft, you can also untick the box that asks if you do. Once you’ve done that, click Next.

It’s now possible you’ll need to solve a puzzle to ensure you’re not a robot. If so, click Next.

To solve the puzzle, click the arrows to move the object until it ‘s the right way up. Once you have, click Done.

You’ve now created your account, and can use it to sign into Microsoft’s various services. Enjoy!

If you’d prefer to create your account using your mobile number or need to create a new Microsoft email, please read below.

I want to use my Phone Number

If you wish to use your mobile phone number as your login, click Use a phone number instead on the first part of creating the account.

Enter your mobile phone number in the space provided and click Next.

The steps are now the same as creating an account using your email address. The only difference is that Microsoft will verify your phone number by text.

I want to create a new Microsoft email address

If you don’t want to use your email address or mobile number – or don’t have one – you can create a new Microsoft email instead. Once created, it will serve as both an email address and a Microsoft account login.

To start this option, click Get a new email address in the first section of creating an account.

You’ll now need to think of a suitable email address; type in the first part of the address and then select either @outlook.com or @hotmail.com. Once completed, click Next.

If the email address you create already exists, Microsoft lets you know, and you’ll have to think up something else instead.

The steps are now the same as creating an account using a current email, except you won’t need to verify the address.

The last thing you may want to do is add your name on the website. Your name will then be displayed instead of your email address when using Microsoft services, such as signing into Windows 10.

Conclusion

You can create a Microsoft account in many ways, but using the Microsoft website is one of the easiest. However, it still requires various steps and security hoops to get there.

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