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4/14/2014

Signing in with a Microsoft account

What is a Microsoft account?

Why do I need to sign in?

What if I have more than one account?

How do I find the account I use for my gamertag?

Why do I keep getting a password error?

Receiving email about Handheld 8.1 from Microsoft

What is a Microsoft account?

A Microsoft account (formerly Windows Live ID) is the email address and password you use to sign in to any of the following services:

  • Xbox
  • Hotmail
  • Messenger
  • SkyDrive
  • Xbox Music
  • Outlook.com
  • Windows
  • Zune
  • MSN

When you use the same account to sign in to the various Microsoft services, you get to take advantage of all the ways those services are connected. For example, you can see pictures you’ve automatically uploaded to SkyDrive on your TV when you use your Xbox. Or you can continue a Messenger conversation you’re having on the device once you get back to your computer. Your Microsoft account keeps you connected, no matter where you are.

Why do I need to sign in?

You need to sign in with your Microsoft account to do all kinds of things on your device. Use it to:

  • Download apps and games or buy music and videos from the Windows Store
  • Play Xbox games
  • Sync things to SkyDrive
  • Use Xbox Music
  • Get your Twitter or LinkedIn feeds on your People Hub
  • Find, ring, lock or erase a lost device
  • Use Messenger
  • Automatically sync your contacts and calendar to Hotmail

There are other benefits, too. While you’re setting up your device, you can turn on the service that lets you back up your stuff to the cloud. That way, you can:

  • Automatically upload your photos and videos to SkyDrive so you can see them from any device that lets you use the web, including your computer and your Xbox.
  • Sync your SMS and MMS messages to Hotmail so you have a backup, just in case.
  • Create backups of your device’s settings, including the list of apps you’ve installed, theme color, Internet Explorer favorites, accounts, and more.

Also if you lose track of your device, you can use Find My Phone to help you retrieve it. You can locate it on a map, make it ring so you can hear it if it’s nearby, lock it and display a message, or reset it to factory settings. After you sign in with your Microsoft account on your device, go to WindowsPhone.com and sign in with your Microsoft account there to use Find My Phone.

What if I have more than one account?

If you have more than one Microsoft account, you’ll need to choose which one to use when you sign in on your device. If possible, you should try to consolidate your accounts until you have only one to choose from. That way you don’t have to keep track of which one you use where, and you’ll get all the benefits of signing in with a single account from all sorts of places.

Some accounts can’t be merged, and consolidating others can be tricky. In some cases, you may lose information or things you’ve bought. But at WindowsPhone.com we can help you figure out how to consolidate your accounts, and preserve the information that’s most important to you.

To get you started, here are some tips to help choose the best option for you.

If you already have a Handheld 8.1-powered device

Your best bet is to use the Microsoft account you used on your last device running Windows Embedded 8.1 Handheld. That way you can use any apps, videos, and music you’ve already bought using that account, plus keep your gamerscore and avatar if you used them on that device.

If you’re new to Handheld 8.1 and have a gamertag or Xbox account

We recommend using the Microsoft account you use for your Xbox account. If you need help figuring out which email address and password you used to create your gamertag, we’ll walk you through it below.

If you’re new to Handheld 8.1 but have a Zune or a Zune Music Pass

We recommend using the Microsoft account you use with Zune.

If you’re new to Handheld 8.1 and have a Messenger account

We recommend using the Microsoft account you use with Messenger.

If you’re new to Handheld 8.1 and don’t have an Xbox or Zune

Then you can use whichever account has information you’re most attached to.

If you’re new to Handheld 8.1 and don’t have an Xbox or Zune

Then you can use whichever account has information you’re most attached to.

How do I find the account I use for my gamertag?

If you have an Xbox account, you should sign in on your device using the same email address you used to create that account (that’s your Microsoft account). That way you can see your gamertag, avatar, Gamerscore, and achievements on your device.

To find the Microsoft account you used to create your Xbox account:

  1. On your Xbox 360 console, sign in with your gamertag, then press the Guide button on your controller (the one in the middle that looks like the Xbox logo).
  2. In Settings, click Account Management > Microsoft account.

Tip

The setting may still say Windows Live ID.

To reset your password, go to http://accounts.live.com/ and click Forgot your password?

Not near your Xbox?

If your Xbox is not nearby and you want to finish setting up your device now, you can sign in later. Close this page you’re reading now, then tap Previous. On that page, tap Sign in later. We'll let you know the next time you need to sign in.

Why do I keep getting a password error?

If you’ve set up two-step verification, you’ll need to sign in with an app password on your device rather than your normal Microsoft account password. To get an app password, go to https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=313611, then use that password to sign in on your device.

If you haven’t finished setting up your device and you can’t get an app password right now, on the Sign in screen, tap Previous, then tap Sign in later. Once you have an app password, go to Settings > Email + accounts > Microsoft account to sign in.

Receiving email about Handheld 8.1 from Microsoft

When you're first signing in with your Microsoft account, you choose whether or not to allow Microsoft to send you information, tips, and occasional offers about Handheld 8.1.

If you choose to allow it, we'll send you the Windows Phone email newsletter and other emails periodically. With the newsletter, you'll be in the know about:

  • Free downloads
  • Popular apps
  • Helpful tips and tricks
  • New Handheld 8.1-powered devices
  • Special offers and contests

If you change your mind, you can easily unsubscribe at any time, from any Handheld 8.1 email.

If you choose to opt out of emails now, we won't send you any optional emails. Whether or not you opt out of emails, you'll still receive mandatory service communication emails from Microsoft, starting with three "Welcome" emails.