How to add a Microsoft account to your Windows PC

To add a Microsoft account to your PC, go to Settings > Accounts > Other users, then click Add account. You can sign in with an existing Microsoft account email address and password, or create a new one during the process. Windows will then set up a user profile linked to that account, giving you access to OneDrive, Microsoft Store, and other Microsoft services tied to that email.

The whole process takes about five minutes. You need to know the email address and password for the Microsoft account you want to add, or be ready to create one. If you are adding an account for someone else on your PC, they can do this themselves, or you can start the process and they can finish signing in when they first use their profile.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, navigate to Accounts, select Other users, and click Add account to begin linking a Microsoft account to your PC.
  • You can use an existing Microsoft account email (Outlook, Hotmail, or any email registered with Microsoft) or create a new one during setup.
  • A Microsoft account gives you access to OneDrive cloud storage, the Microsoft Store, and synced settings across devices signed in with the same account.
  • If you forget the password, you can reset it through the Microsoft account recovery page before attempting to add it to your PC.
  • Local accounts (non-Microsoft) can be converted to Microsoft accounts later without losing files or programs.

Step-by-step: adding a Microsoft account through Settings

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings," then pressing Enter. Once Settings opens, click Accounts on the left sidebar. If you do not see it, scroll down the left menu until you find it.

In the Accounts section, click Other users on the left side. You will see a button that says Add account. Click it. A window will open asking how you want to sign in. Select I don't have this person's sign-in information if you are adding someone else, or enter the email and password if you are adding your own existing Microsoft account.

If you are creating a new Microsoft account, click Create one and follow the prompts to set up a new email address and password. If you already have a Microsoft account, type the email address and password, then click Next. Windows will verify the account and create a user profile. You may be asked to set up a PIN or password for local sign-in as well.

What you need before you start

You need either an existing Microsoft account or the ability to create one. A Microsoft account is any email address registered with Microsoft — this includes Outlook.com, Hotmail.com, or any other email address you have linked to a Microsoft service like OneDrive, Xbox, or Office 365.

If you are adding your own account, have your email address and password ready. If you do not remember the password, visit account.microsoft.com, click Sign in, then click Can't access your account? to reset it before you begin adding the account to your PC. If you are adding an account for someone else, you will need their email address, or you can let them create a new account during the setup process.

Your PC must be connected to the internet to add a Microsoft account. The connection is needed to verify the account with Microsoft's servers.

The difference between a Microsoft account and a local account

A local account is a user profile stored only on your PC. It does not connect to Microsoft's servers and does not give you access to OneDrive, the Microsoft Store, or cloud sync. A Microsoft account is linked to an email address and password managed by Microsoft, and it connects your PC to Microsoft services.

With a Microsoft account, your settings, browser bookmarks, and some app data sync across any Windows PC you sign into with the same account. You get 5 GB of free OneDrive storage, can read apps from the Microsoft Store, and can use services like Xbox Game Pass if you subscribe. A local account does not offer any of this.

If you already have a local account on your PC, you can convert it to a Microsoft account without losing any files or programs. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info, click Sign in with a Microsoft account instead, and follow the prompts. You will need a Microsoft account email and password to complete the conversion.

Troubleshooting: common problems when adding a Microsoft account

If you see an error saying "Something went wrong," check that your internet connection is working and that you typed the email address and password correctly. Microsoft accounts are case-sensitive for passwords, so make sure Caps Lock is off. Wait a few seconds and try again.

If you see a message that the account already exists on this PC, that email address is already linked to a user profile on your computer. You cannot add the same Microsoft account twice. If you need to use that account, sign out of the existing profile and sign in with it instead.

If you forgot the password for the Microsoft account you want to add, go to account.microsoft.com on another device or PC, click Sign in, then click Can't access your account? Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number. Once you reset the password, return to your PC and try adding the account again with the new password.

If your PC is not connected to the internet, you will not be able to add a Microsoft account. Connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet and try again. Some corporate networks block Microsoft account sign-in — if you are on a work network, contact your IT department.

What happens after you add a Microsoft account

Once the account is added, a new user profile appears on your PC's sign-in screen. The next time you or the account owner signs in, Windows will read OneDrive and set up cloud sync. The first sign-in may take longer than usual because Windows is configuring the account.

The account owner can then personalize their profile by changing the profile picture, adding a background, and adjusting settings. Any Microsoft services they use — like Outlook, OneDrive, or Xbox — will recognize this account and pull in their existing data.

If you want to remove the account later, go to Settings > Accounts > Other users, select the account, and click Remove. Windows will ask whether you want to keep or delete the files in that profile's folder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a Microsoft account if I do not have an email address?

You need an email address to create or use a Microsoft account. If you do not have one, you can create a free Outlook.com email address during the account setup process on your PC. You will need to provide a phone number or recovery email to find the new account.

What if I want to add a Microsoft account but keep using my local account?

You can have both. Add the Microsoft account as a separate user profile through Settings > Accounts > Other users. Your local account will remain unchanged, and you can switch between profiles at the sign-in screen. Both profiles can exist on the same PC.

Will adding a Microsoft account delete my files or programs?

No. Adding a new Microsoft account creates a separate user profile. Your existing files, programs, and settings remain in your current profile. If you convert an existing local account to a Microsoft account, all files and programs stay in place.

Can someone else add a Microsoft account to my PC without my permission?

Yes, if they have physical access to your PC and know how to open Settings. To prevent this, set up a password or PIN for your own account and enable Windows Hello or BitLocker encryption. You can also restrict who can add new accounts through Group Policy (on Windows Pro and higher editions).

What if I add a Microsoft account but never use it?

The account will remain on your PC until you remove it. Unused accounts do not affect your PC's performance. If you want to delete it, go to Settings > Accounts > Other users, select the account, and click Remove. You can choose whether to keep or delete the files in that profile's folder.