Your Microsoft account is the key to so many of your digital activities, from Windows and Office to Outlook and Xbox. But what happens when the email address you used to create it is an old one you no longer check? The good news is you can update it, ensuring you never miss an important notification or get locked out.
Changing the primary email address for your Microsoft account is a straightforward process that gives you control. You can add a brand new email or promote an existing alias to take over as the main way you sign in. Let’s walk through how to make the switch.
Getting Ready to Make the Change
Before you start, it’s helpful to have a few things ready. First, you’ll need access to the new email address you want to use, as Microsoft will send a security code to verify it. It’s also a good idea to ensure you know the password to your current Microsoft account and have access to the security information you set up, like a phone number, just in case.
Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Your Email
The entire process is managed from your Microsoft account dashboard online. Begin by signing in to your account on the Microsoft website. Once you’re in, navigate to Your Info at the top of the page. Look for the option that says “Manage how you sign in to Microsoft.”
On this page, you’ll see all the email addresses and phone numbers associated with your account. If the new email isn’t listed yet, click Add email and follow the steps to verify it. Once it’s there, find the new address and select Make primary. Microsoft will guide you through confirming your choice, and just like that, your sign-in information is updated.
What to Expect After the Update
After you change your primary email, you will use that new address to sign in to all Microsoft services from that moment forward. Don’t worry, all your files, data, and subscriptions linked to your account will remain perfectly intact. Your account is the same; only your login “username” has changed. You’ll also start receiving all future account communications at your new primary email.
Taking a few minutes to keep your Microsoft account information current is a simple way to maintain your digital security and access. By following these steps, you can ensure your account always reflects your current contact details, keeping you connected to what matters.
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