The basic steps to sign in

To log into your Microsoft account, go to account.microsoft.com in your web browser and enter the email address or phone number linked to your account, then your password. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity — usually by sending a code to your email or phone — before letting you in. This two-step process protects your account from unauthorized access.

If you are signing into Windows on your computer instead of visiting the website, click the Windows Start button, select your profile picture in the bottom left corner, and choose "Sign in with a different account" if you need to switch users. Enter your email and password at the login screen. Windows will verify your identity the same way the website does.

On a phone or tablet, open the Microsoft Authenticator app (or the app for the service you are trying to access — Outlook, OneDrive, Teams, etc.) and tap "Sign in". Enter your email address, then your password, then complete the verification step when prompted.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft accounts use two-step verification by default, which means you will receive a code by email or text after entering your password.
  • The main website to sign in is account.microsoft.com, but you can also sign in through individual apps like Outlook, OneDrive, or Teams.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Can't access your account" link on the sign-in screen to recover it using your recovery email or phone number.
  • If you do not receive a verification code, check your spam folder, wait a few minutes for it to arrive, or choose a different verification method.

What to do if you forgot your password

Click "Can't access your account?" on the sign-in screen. Microsoft will ask you to enter your email address, then ask you to prove you own the account by sending a code to your recovery email or phone number. Enter that code, and you will be able to create a new password.

If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone number, Microsoft offers other ways to verify your identity — usually by answering security questions you set up when you created the account, or by providing a credit card number associated with the account. The process can take several minutes.

Understanding two-step verification and why it matters

Two-step verification means Microsoft sends you a code after you enter your password. You have to enter that code to finish signing in. This stops someone who knows your password from getting into your account unless they also have access to your email or phone.

The code usually arrives within seconds. If it does not, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes email providers filter Microsoft's messages by mistake. You can also choose to receive the code by text instead of email, or use the Microsoft Authenticator app to approve the sign-in with a tap instead of typing a code.

You can turn off two-step verification if you want, but Microsoft does not recommend it. Accounts without two-step verification are much easier for hackers to break into. If you are the only person using your device and you trust it completely, turning it off is less risky — but most people should leave it on.

Signing in on a shared or public computer

If you are using a computer that other people also use — a library computer, a school lab, a shared family device — do not check the "Keep me signed in" box. Always sign out when you are done. Close the browser completely rather than just closing the tab, because some browsers cache login information.

On a shared Windows computer, create a separate user account for yourself instead of sharing one account with others. This keeps your files, settings, and sign-in history separate. Each person gets their own login screen and their own desktop.

Troubleshooting common sign-in problems

If you see an error message saying your account is locked, Microsoft has temporarily blocked sign-in attempts to protect your account from unauthorized access. Wait 30 minutes and try again. If the problem continues, use the "Can't access your account?" link to verify your identity and unlock it.

If you are getting a message that your password is incorrect but you are sure it is right, make sure Caps Lock is not on — passwords are case-sensitive. If you still cannot sign in, use the password recovery process described above. Do not try the same password over and over; too many failed attempts will lock your account temporarily.

If you are trying to sign in on a new device and Microsoft keeps asking for verification, this is normal. The first time you sign in on a device, Microsoft requires extra verification to make sure it is really you. After you verify once, future sign-ins on that device will be faster.

Signing in across Microsoft services

One Microsoft account works across all Microsoft services — Outlook email, OneDrive cloud storage, Teams, Xbox, Microsoft 365, and Windows itself. You sign in once and stay signed in across all of them. If you sign out of one service, you stay signed in to the others unless you specifically sign out of your account entirely.

If you use multiple Microsoft accounts — one for work, one for personal use, one for gaming — you can switch between them without signing out. Click your profile picture and select "Switch account", then enter the email for the account you want to use. Each account keeps its own separate files, settings, and sign-in history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Microsoft account and a work account?

A Microsoft account is personal and uses an email address you control — usually @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, or your own domain. A work account is created by your employer and uses an email address they provide. Both sign in the same way, but work accounts have different security rules and your employer can see some of your activity.

Can I use a phone number instead of an email address to sign in?

Yes. During sign-in, you can enter a phone number linked to your account instead of an email address. Microsoft will send a verification code to that phone number. You can add or change your recovery phone number in your account settings at account.microsoft.com.

What should I do if I think someone else signed into my account?

Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, and look at "Recent activity" to see where and when your account was accessed. If you see sign-ins you did not make, change your password when ready using the "Security" section. You can also remove devices you no longer use from the "Devices" section to prevent future unauthorized access.

Do I need a Microsoft account to use Windows?

No. You can create a local account on Windows instead, which only works on that one computer and does not connect to Microsoft's servers. A Microsoft account is optional but recommended because it lets you sync your settings across devices and recover your account if you forget your password.

Why does Microsoft keep asking me to verify my identity?

Microsoft asks for verification when you sign in from a new device, a new location, or after a long time without signing in. This is a security measure to make sure it is really you. After you verify once on a device, you usually will not have to verify again on that same device for several months.