The basic steps to sign in

Go to account.microsoft.com in your web browser. Enter the email address or phone number connected to your Microsoft account, then select Next. On the next screen, enter your password and select Sign in. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you will be asked to verify your identity using a code sent to your phone or email, or through an authenticator app.

If you are signing into Windows on your computer instead, select the Windows logo in the bottom left corner, then select your account picture or the user icon. Choose Sign in with a Microsoft account if you are not already signed in, and enter your email and password on the screen that appears.

For Outlook, Office, or OneDrive, you can sign in directly on those websites or apps. Go to the service you want to use, select Sign in, and enter your Microsoft account email and password. You will only need to do this once per device — the system will remember you unless you sign out.

Key Takeaways

  • The main sign-in page is account.microsoft.com, where you enter your email or phone number first, then your password on the next screen.
  • If two-factor authentication is on, you will need to confirm your identity with a code or through an authenticator app after entering your password.
  • On Windows, you can sign in through your user account settings without visiting a website.
  • Once you sign in on a device, you usually stay signed in unless you manually sign out.

What to do if you forgot your password

Go to account.microsoft.com/password-reset or select Can't access your account on the sign-in page. Enter the email address or phone number for your account. Microsoft will send a code to the email or phone number on file — select which one you want to use if both are available.

Enter the code you received, then create a new password. Your new password must be at least eight characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Once you have set your new password, you can sign in normally.

Signing in on your phone or tablet

On an iPhone or Android phone, open the Microsoft Authenticator app or the app for the service you want to use — Outlook, OneDrive, or Office. Select Sign in and enter your email address. You will then enter your password on the next screen.

If you do not have the Authenticator app installed, you can sign in through the web browser on your phone by going to account.microsoft.com and following the same steps as on a computer. Some apps will also let you use biometric sign-in — your fingerprint or face — if you have set that up in your phone's settings.

Two-factor authentication and security keys

Two-factor authentication adds a second step to sign-in to protect your account. After you enter your password, you must confirm your identity using a code sent to your phone or email, or by approving a notification in the Microsoft Authenticator app. You can also use a physical security key — a small device you plug into your computer or phone — instead of a code.

To turn on two-factor authentication, go to account.microsoft.com, select Security, then Advanced security options. Choose Two-step verification and follow the steps to add a phone number or set up the Authenticator app. You can add multiple ways to verify your identity so you have a backup if you lose access to one method.

Staying signed in across devices

When you sign into your Microsoft account on a new device, Windows will sync your settings, files, and preferences if you are using OneDrive. This means your desktop background, browser bookmarks, and documents will appear on the new device automatically. To turn this on, go to Settings on Windows, select Accounts, then Sync your settings.

If you sign into multiple devices, you can see all of them in your account security settings. Go to account.microsoft.com, select Security, then Your devices. You can sign out of any device from this page if you lose a phone or computer, or if you want to remove access from a device you no longer use.

Troubleshooting common sign-in problems

If you see an error message that says your account or password is incorrect, check that you are typing your email address or phone number exactly as it appears in your account. Microsoft accounts are case-sensitive for passwords, so make sure Caps Lock is not on. If you still cannot sign in, use the password reset page to create a new password.

If you are locked out of your account after too many wrong password attempts, wait a few minutes and try again. If you see a message asking you to verify your identity, Microsoft detected unusual activity on your account. Follow the prompts to confirm it is really you — you will usually need to enter a code sent to your phone or email.

If an app says you are not signed in even though you signed in on your device, try signing out and signing back in. On Windows, go to Settings, select Accounts, then Sign in options, and choose Sign out. On a phone, open the app's settings and select Sign out, then sign back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. When you reach the sign-in page at account.microsoft.com, you can enter either the email address or phone number connected to your account. Both work the same way — enter it, select Next, then enter your password.

What should I do if I do not recognize a device in my account?

Go to account.microsoft.com, select Security, then Your devices. Find the device you do not recognize and select it. Choose Remove this device to sign out of that device and prevent anyone using it from accessing your account. If you see suspicious activity, you can also change your password.

Do I need to sign in every time I use my computer?

No. Once you sign in on a device, you stay signed in unless you manually sign out or your session expires. If your computer goes to sleep, you may need to enter your password again when you wake it up, depending on your settings.

Can I sign in without two-factor authentication?

Yes, but it is not recommended. Two-factor authentication protects your account from unauthorized access. You can turn it off in your security settings, but Microsoft suggests keeping it on, especially if you use your account for email, files, or payments.