How to Add a Microsoft Account to Your PC

Adding a Microsoft Account: The Basic Steps

To add a Microsoft account to your PC, open Settings, select Accounts from the left menu, then choose Email & accounts. Click Add a Microsoft account, enter your email address or phone number, and follow the prompts to sign in. If you don't have a Microsoft account yet, you can create one during this process by selecting the option to sign up instead.

The whole process takes about five minutes. Your PC will ask you to verify your identity — usually by entering a code sent to your email or phone — before the account is fully linked. Once verified, your Microsoft account becomes available on your PC, and you can use it to sign in, access OneDrive cloud storage, and read apps from the Microsoft Store.

Key Takeaways

You can add a Microsoft account through Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts, then click Add a Microsoft account.
Microsoft will send a verification code to your email or phone to confirm the account is yours before linking it to your PC.
A Microsoft account gives you access to OneDrive storage, the Microsoft Store, and syncs your settings across devices you own.
You can have multiple Microsoft accounts on one PC, and each person can sign in with their own account to keep files and settings separate.

Why You Might Want a Microsoft Account on Your PC

A Microsoft account does three main things for your PC. First, it connects you to OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud storage service, so files you save there are backed up and available on other devices. Second, it lets you read apps and games from the Microsoft Store. Third, it syncs your settings — like your desktop background, browser favorites, and installed apps — across any Windows PC you sign into with that account.

If you use other Microsoft services like Outlook email, Office 365, or Xbox Game Pass, a Microsoft account ties them all together. You sign in once and your subscriptions and preferences follow you. This is different from a local account, which only exists on that one PC and doesn't connect to any cloud services or Microsoft apps.

The Difference Between a Microsoft Account and a Local Account

A local account is stored only on your PC. You create a username and password, and that account works only on that machine. A Microsoft account is stored on Microsoft's servers and can be used to sign into any Windows PC, tablet, or Xbox console. When you sign in with a Microsoft account, your PC downloads your settings and connects to your OneDrive and Microsoft Store.

Most new PCs come set up with a Microsoft account already, but some people prefer a local account for privacy reasons or if they don't use Microsoft services. You can switch from a local account to a Microsoft account later, or add a Microsoft account as a second account on your PC while keeping your local account. Both can exist on the same computer.

What Happens After You Add the Account

Once your Microsoft account is verified and linked to your PC, it appears in your list of user accounts. You can switch to it by clicking your name in the bottom left corner of the lock screen, or by going to Settings > Accounts > Your info to see which account you're currently signed into. If you're adding it as a second account, both accounts will be available at the sign-in screen.

Your PC will begin syncing your settings to OneDrive in the background. This can take a few minutes depending on how many files and settings you have. You'll see a OneDrive folder appear in File Explorer, and you can start saving files there. Any apps you've installed on other PCs with this Microsoft account may also start downloading automatically, depending on your settings.

Creating a New Microsoft Account During Setup

If you don't already have a Microsoft account, you can create one during the linking process. When you click Add a Microsoft account in Settings, you'll see an option that says I don't have a Microsoft account or Create one. Select that option and you'll be guided through creating a new account with an email address or phone number.

Microsoft will ask you to create a strong password — one with uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You'll also set up security information like a backup email address or phone number. This backup information helps you recover your account if you forget your password. The whole setup takes about ten minutes, and you can use your new account when ready after verification.

Signing In With Your Microsoft Account

Once your Microsoft account is added, you can sign in at the Windows lock screen by clicking your account name and entering your password. If you have multiple accounts on your PC, all of them will appear on the lock screen. You can also change which account is the default by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and selecting Use my sign-in info to automatically finish setting up my device.

If you forget your Microsoft account password, click I forgot my password on the sign-in screen. Microsoft will send a code to your backup email or phone number, and you can reset it without losing access to your files or settings. This is why setting up that backup information during account creation is important.

Managing Multiple Accounts on One PC

Your PC can have as many accounts as you need. Each person who uses the computer can have their own Microsoft account, and their files, desktop, and settings stay separate. This is useful for families or shared computers — one person's downloads don't clutter another person's desktop, and each person's OneDrive is private.

You can switch between accounts by clicking your name on the lock screen, or by going to Settings > Accounts > Other people to see all accounts on your PC. From there, you can also remove an account if someone no longer needs access. Removing an account deletes the local files associated with it, though files stored in that account's OneDrive remain in the cloud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Microsoft account to use Windows?

No. You can create and use a local account instead, which doesn't require a Microsoft account. However, a Microsoft account gives you access to OneDrive, the Microsoft Store, and automatic settings sync across devices. Most people find a Microsoft account more convenient, but it's not required.

Can I add a Microsoft account if I already have a local account?

Yes. You can add a Microsoft account as a second account on your PC without removing your local account. Both will appear on the sign-in screen, and you can switch between them whenever you want. You can also convert your local account to a Microsoft account later if you decide to.

What if I use the same email for multiple Microsoft accounts?

Microsoft doesn't allow the same email address to be used for more than one account. If you've already created a Microsoft account with an email address, you can't create another one with that same email. You can add the existing account to your PC instead, or use a different email address to create a new account.

Will adding a Microsoft account affect my existing files?

No. Adding a Microsoft account doesn't change or delete any files on your PC. Your existing files stay where they are. If you want to back them up to OneDrive, you can move or copy them into your OneDrive folder, but nothing happens automatically unless you choose it.

Can I remove a Microsoft account from my PC later?

Yes. Go to Settings > Accounts > Other people, select the Microsoft account you want to remove, and click Delete. You'll be asked whether to keep or delete the files associated with that account. The Microsoft account itself still exists and can be used on other devices — you're only removing it from this PC.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.