Tech Reference

How to make a Microsoft account so you can access Microsoft products, apps, and services

business professional working at office on desktop computer
Creating a Microsoft account is quick and easy to do on the Microsoft website. Morsa Images/Getty Images
Read in app

If you're interested in using Outlook as your email client or want to set up your Xbox Series X more quickly, you'll need to create a Microsoft account.

Fortunately, the process is fast, free, and easy to do from Microsoft's website.

Here's how to make a Microsoft account in eight simple steps.

How to make a Microsoft account

1. Open a web browser and go to www.Microsoft.com.

2. Click on the "Account" icon, a small circle with a humanoid design inside it, located in the upper right corner of the screen. 

How_to_make_a_Microsoft_account_ _1
The "Account" icon looks like a circle with a person inside it.  Chrissy Montelli/Insider

3. Click "Create one!" to begin creating your Microsoft account. 

How_to_make_a_Microsoft_account_ _2
To begin creating your Microsoft account, click "Create one!" on the sign-in page.  Chrissy Montelli/Insider

4. Type in a pre-existing email address or click "Get a new email address" for a personal Microsoft email address. Once you've typed in the email address you want to use, click "Next." 

How_to_make_a_Microsoft_account_ _3
You can use a pre-existing email address for your Microsoft account or create a new one.  Chrissy Montelli/Insider

5. Type in a secure password to use with your Microsoft account. Click "Next" once you've done so. 

How_to_make_a_Microsoft_account_ _5
If you're using a pre-existing email address for your Microsoft account, the password doesn't necessarily need to match the one you use for your email address.  Chrissy Montelli/Insider

6. Type your first and last name into the corresponding fields and click "Next." 

How_to_make_a_Microsoft_account_ _6
Microsoft requires you to enter your name in order to create an account.  Chrissy Montelli/Insider

7. Using the dropdown menus, select your location and enter your birth date. Once you've finished, click "Next." 

How_to_make_a_Microsoft_account_ _7
You'll need to enter your birth date in order to finish setting up your Microsoft account.  Chrissy Montelli/Insider

8. On the next screen, you will be asked to solve a simple puzzle for security purposes. Click "Next" to proceed to the puzzle and follow the on-screen instructions. 

How_to_make_a_Microsoft_account_ _8
Robots aren't very good at puzzles, apparently.  Chrissy Montelli/Insider

If you successfully complete the security puzzle, you now have a Microsoft account.

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

Read next

Chrissy Montelli is a writer and content creator originally from Long Island, NY. She is the author of two poetry chapbooks, Heart Float (Bottlecap Press) and Going to Ithaca (Ghost City Press), as well as various online publications. Read more from her at chrissymontelli.wordpress.com.