How to set up a Microsoft account on Windows 11

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Open the Accounts settings menu

   Press the Windows key to open the Start menu and click the Settings gear icon. Select Accounts from the left-hand navigation sidebar to access your profile management options.

   Note: Windows + I
2. 30 sec

   Initiate the sign-in process

   Click on Your info within the Accounts menu. Select the Sign in with a Microsoft account instead link located under the Account settings header.

   Note: If you are already signed in with a local account, this link migrates your local profile data to the Microsoft account.
3. 1 min

   Register a new account

   In the pop-up window, click Create one! at the bottom of the sign-in prompt. Enter your preferred email address or click Get a new email address to generate an outlook.com alias.

4. 1 min

   Define account credentials

   Create a strong password and click Next. Provide your country, date of birth, and complete the security CAPTCHA validation to verify your identity.

   Note: Use a password manager to generate a secure, randomized character string.
5. 1 min

   Confirm account identity

   Enter the security code sent to the email address or phone number you provided during the registration process. Click Next to finalize the account verification.

6. 30 sec

   Finalize Windows authentication

   Enter your current local account password when prompted to authorize the transition to a Microsoft account. Click Next to sync your profile to the new identity.

   Note: You may be asked to create a Windows Hello PIN for faster, secure sign-ins.