Settings → Accounts → Your infoTo sign in to a Microsoft account on Windows 11, open your account info in Settings and follow the prompts to enter your email address or phone number and your password. Once you are signed in, your PC is linked to that account, so you can use services such as Outlook.com, Microsoft 365 and Xbox with the same sign-in.
- Open Settings → Accounts → Your info, then follow the prompts to sign in with your Microsoft account.
- The account details at the top of that page show which account your PC is currently using, so you can confirm the sign-in worked.
- To sign in on the web instead, go to account.microsoft.com and enter the same email or phone number and password.
How to sign in to a Microsoft account on Windows 11
1. Open your account page
Press Windows + I to launch Settings. In the left navigation pane, select Accounts, then select Your info.
Alternatively, open the page directly:
Open "Your info" in Settingsor press Win+R, type ms-settings:yourinfo, and press Enter
2. Check which account your PC uses
Look at Your account info near the top of the page. It shows information about the account that is currently signed in, so you can tell whether you already use a Microsoft account or need to add one.
If your Microsoft account is already shown there, you are signed in and do not need to do anything more.
3. Start the Microsoft account sign-in
If your PC uses a local account, look on the same page for the link that offers to switch to a Microsoft account, and select it. Windows opens a sign-in window where you can identify yourself with your Microsoft account.
If you do not have a Microsoft account yet, the sign-in window includes an option for people who are new to Microsoft, which lets you create an account first.
4. Enter your email or phone number and password
Type the email address or phone number you use for other Microsoft services such as Outlook or Excel, then continue. You can use any email alias that belongs to your account, because all aliases share the same password.
Enter your password and confirm the sign-in.
5. Complete any extra prompts and confirm
Windows may ask you to verify your identity or confirm other details before it finishes. Follow the on-screen instructions until the window closes.
Then return to Your info and check Your account info again. It should now reflect your Microsoft account.
On a work or school device, an organization can manage this page, so some options may be missing or locked.
Sign in to your Microsoft account on the web
You do not need Settings to reach your account online. Open a browser and go to account.microsoft.com, then enter your email or phone number and your password, as described in the official Microsoft article on signing in. This is a quick way to confirm that your credentials work before you use them on your PC.
Work and school accounts are different from personal Microsoft accounts. If your school or employer gave you the account, you manage it at myaccount.microsoft.com, where you can set up security info and review connected devices.
If you can’t sign in
- Check the address. Make sure you type the email address or phone number that belongs to the account. An alias that is linked to the account works the same as the main address.
- Retype the password. Passwords are case-sensitive, so check that Caps Lock is off and type the password again carefully.
- Use the sign-in helper. Microsoft offers a sign-in helper tool that can identify most sign-in problems and guide you through a fix.
- Know the limits of support. To protect your account, Microsoft support agents cannot send password reset links or change your account details for you.
Related options on the same page
After you sign in, the same page lets you personalize how your account looks on the PC. Select Change your account picture to choose a new picture. You can take one with the camera by using Use the camera to create an account picture, or pick an existing image with Browse for an account picture.
Frequently asked questions
How can I sign in to Microsoft account Windows 11 from Settings?
Open Settings, select Accounts, then Your info, and follow the link to use a Microsoft account. Enter your email or phone number and password, then complete any prompts.
Can I use an email alias to sign in to my Microsoft account?
Yes. Any email address alias on your Microsoft account works for signing in, and every alias uses the same password as the main address. You can also enter a phone number that is linked to the account.
How do I check which account Windows 11 is using?
Open Your info in Settings and look at Your account info near the top. It shows information about the account that is currently signed in on your PC.
What if I don't have a Microsoft account yet?
Choose the option for people who are new to Microsoft in the sign-in window, then create an account. After it is created, use the new email address and password to sign in on your Windows 11 PC.
What should I do if I can't sign in to my Microsoft account?
Try Microsoft's sign-in helper tool, which can identify most sign-in problems. For security, support agents cannot send password reset links or change account details, so use the self-service tools.
Official Microsoft documentation
