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You can or must create a Microsoft account for services such as Xbox Game Pass, Outlook.com, Office.com, OneDrive or Windows 10
How to create a Microsoft account
If you already have a Windows Live ID or an Xbox Live ID, you also have a Microsoft account. If you do not yet use any of these services, create a Microsoft account as follows:
- Open the Microsoft website and click on the “Create a Microsoft account” link below.
- Now enter an existing e-mail address, use your cell phone number or create a completely new e-mail address using the “Request new e-mail address” option. These end in @outlook.de, @outlook.com or @hotmail.com.
- Select a password for your Microsoft account and enter all the required data. This includes your name, date of birth and gender.
- Finally, enter the captcha and you will be logged into your Microsoft account. You now have access to all available Microsoft services.
Which services require a Microsoft account?
You need a Microsoft account for several services. These are mainly the free services and subscriptions. You can still theoretically install a PC with Windows and set up a local account, but this will not give you the full benefits of cloud and Office integration.
- Microsoft 365, or formerly Office, is available in a subscription version that runs via your Microsoft account. With the family subscription, you can even share Microsoft Office with up to 5 other people. You also get 1 terabyte of cloud storage with OneDrive.
- Services such as Xbox Game Pass also require a Microsoft account. Here you will always receive new games that you can play on your PC or Xbox.
- You also need your Microsoft account on Bing.com if you want to use the ChatGPT API.
