Yes, you can change your Microsoft account email, but the process depends on whether you want a new sign-in email or just want to add another email to the same account

Microsoft accounts let you change the email address you use to sign in, add extra email addresses to one account, or remove old ones. The steps are different for each action, and some changes take effect right away while others require you to verify a new email first. You do this through your Microsoft account settings online, not through Outlook or Office itself.

The most common reason to change your email is that you no longer use the old one or want to sign in with a different address. You can do this without losing your files, subscriptions, or settings — they all stay attached to your account. However, if you use your Microsoft account to sign in to Windows on your computer, changing your sign-in email means you will need to update that on your device too.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your Microsoft account email by going to account.microsoft.com, selecting "Your info," and choosing "Manage how you sign in to Microsoft."
  • You can add a new email address to your account without removing the old one, which is useful if you want to keep both active.
  • If you want to make a new email your primary sign-in address, you must verify that email first by clicking a link Microsoft sends to it.
  • Changing your sign-in email on your Microsoft account does not automatically update it on Windows — you must change your Windows password separately if you sign in with your Microsoft account.
  • If you forget which email is linked to your account, you can recover it by going to the account recovery page and answering security questions.

How to add a new email address to your Microsoft account

Adding an email keeps your current sign-in email active and lets you use the new one as an alternative. This is the safest first step if you are not sure whether you want to fully switch.

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with your current email and password. Select Your info from the left menu. Under "Manage how you sign in to Microsoft," look for the section showing your current email addresses. Click Add email or the plus icon next to your email list. Type the new email address you want to add. Microsoft will send a verification code to that email — open it, copy the code, and paste it back into the Microsoft website to confirm you own that address. Once verified, both emails are now linked to your account, and you can sign in with either one.

How to change your primary sign-in email

Your primary email is the one you use to sign in. Changing it means you will sign in with the new address from that point forward, but you can keep the old email linked to your account if you want.

Start at account.microsoft.com and sign in. Go to Your info and find "Manage how you sign in to Microsoft." Look at your list of email addresses — the primary one usually has a label or appears first. Click on the email you want to make your primary address. If it is not yet verified, Microsoft will send a verification code to it first. Once verified, select Make primary or Set as primary (the exact wording varies). Your account will now use that email as your sign-in address.

How to remove an email address from your account

You can delete an email from your account if you no longer need it, but you must have at least one email address remaining. You cannot remove your only email.

Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, and open Your info. Under "Manage how you sign in to Microsoft," find the email you want to remove. Click the trash icon or Remove next to it. Microsoft will ask you to confirm — click Remove again. That email is now disconnected from your account. If you ever need it back, you can add it again later by following the steps in the "How to add a new email address" section above.

What happens to your files, subscriptions, and settings when you change your email

Your Microsoft account holds your OneDrive files, Outlook inbox, Microsoft 365 subscription, Xbox profile, and Windows settings. Changing your sign-in email does not move or delete any of these — they all stay with your account.

The only thing that changes is how you sign in. Your files remain in OneDrive, your email stays in Outlook, and your subscription stays active. If you use your Microsoft account to sign in to Windows on your computer, you will need to update your Windows sign-in separately — changing your Microsoft account email does not automatically change it on Windows. To do that, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info on Windows and follow the prompts to update your sign-in method.

If you cannot access the email address you want to change to

Sometimes you want to switch to an email address you do not currently have access to, or you need to change your email but cannot receive the verification code. Microsoft has a recovery process for this situation.

Go to account.microsoft.com and try to sign in. If you cannot access your current email, select Can't access your account at the bottom of the sign-in page. Microsoft will walk you through security questions or ask you to verify your identity another way — you might need to provide a phone number, answer security questions you set up before, or use a backup email if you have one. Once you prove you own the account, you can change your sign-in email. If you are trying to add a new email but cannot receive the verification code, check your spam folder first, wait a few minutes and request a new code, or use a different email address instead.

Updating your email on Windows if you sign in with your Microsoft account

If you use your Microsoft account to sign in to Windows, changing your account email does not automatically update your Windows sign-in. You must do this separately on your computer.

On Windows 10 or 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info. Under "Your account," you will see your current sign-in email. Click Sign in with a Microsoft account instead or Change (the exact option depends on your Windows version). Enter the new Microsoft account email and password you just set up. Windows will verify the change and update your sign-in. The next time you restart your computer, you will sign in with the new email address.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my Microsoft account email?

Adding or changing your primary email takes a few minutes once you verify the new address. Verification happens when ready — Microsoft sends a code to the new email, you enter it on the website, and the change is complete. If you are removing an email, that happens right away with no waiting.

Can I have two Microsoft accounts with the same email address?

No. Each email address can only be linked to one Microsoft account. If you try to add an email that is already tied to another account, Microsoft will tell you it is already in use. You would need to remove it from the other account first, or use a different email address.

What if I change my email and then want to change it back?

You can change it back anytime by following the same steps. Go to your account settings, add your old email address if it is not already there, and make it your primary sign-in email again. As long as you still have access to the old email, you can verify it and switch back in a few minutes.

Will changing my Microsoft account email affect my Outlook inbox?

Your Outlook inbox stays the same — it does not move or get deleted. However, if your Outlook email address is the same as your Microsoft account sign-in email, you will now sign in to Outlook with the new email address. Your messages, folders, and settings remain untouched.

Do I need to update my email on my phone or tablet?

If you have the Outlook app or other Microsoft apps on your phone, you may need to sign out and sign back in with your new email address. The app will usually prompt you to do this the next time you open it. Your data will not be lost — it will sync once you sign in again with the new email.