Microsoft accounts are for personal use, and for accessing services like Outlook.com, Xbox or Skype. Microsoft work and school accounts are for organizations that use Microsoft 365 for business. 

Choose your account type, or learn more about the differences

  1. To sign in to your Microsoft personal account, go to account.microsoft.com or select Sign in below.Sign in

    If you don't have a Microsoft account, you can select "No account? Create one! "

  2. Enter your email, phone number, or Skype sign-in that you use for other services (Outlook, Excel, etc.), then select Next.

    You can use any of the email address aliases you may have on your account - they all have the same password. 

  3. Enter your password and select Sign in.

    Select the Keep me signed in box if you want to go straight into your account next time (not recommended for shared computers).

See also

Sign in to Hotmail or Outlook.com 

Sign in to Windows

Sign in to Office

Sign in to Xbox Live

How to check if your email address is a Microsoft account

Accessing Outlook.com, OneDrive and other Microsoft services when someone has died

Can't sign in

If you can't sign into your Microsoft account, use our guided tool below to help you find the correct solution.

Start

The My Account portal helps you to manage your work or school account by setting up and managing your security info, managing your connected organizations and devices, or viewing how your organization uses your data.

To sign in to your work or school account, go to myaccount.microsoft.com or select Sign in below.Sign in

See also

Learn more about work or school accounts

Sign in to Windows

Sign in to Office

How to check if your email address is a Microsoft account

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.