How to Change your Microsoft Account Primary Alias Email Address
InformationMicrosoft account lets you use a single account for many email addresses. Each of these email addresses is called an alias.
An alias is an additional email address that uses the same inbox, contact list, and account settings as the primary alias. You can sign in to your Microsoft account with any alias—they all use the same password. You can send email from an alias whether you’re using Outlook.com, a mail app like Outlook or devices such as a phone.
Your Microsoft account's primary alias appears on Microsoft devices, such as the Windows 8 PC, Xbox, or phone. While you can change your primary alias, the best option for most people is to simply add a new alias.
For Aliases FAQs, see:
This tutorial will show you how to change (rename) the "primary alias" email address of your Microsoft account.
NoteWhen you change (rename) to a new primary alias email address for your Microsoft account, you don't lose your old alias and you keep all of your data - such as your inbox, profile information, and contacts. The email address of the old primary alias will still be listed as an alias for your Microsoft account, but just no longer the primary alias. You can still use the old primary alias email address to sign in and send and receive mail.
It will take an hour or more for the email rename to be finalized. You will receive an email notification to the alternate email address in your Microsoft Account profile to notify you that the change has occurred.
It might take up to 48 hours for your new primary alias email address to appear across all devices and services. Also, some of your friends might appear offline until they sign out and sign back in.
TipFor Windows 8, see the tutorial link below instead.
How to Change the Email Address of Your "Microsoft Account" in Windows 8
Here's How:
1. Go online to the Microsoft account summary webpage, and sign in to your Microsoft account if not already.
NOTE: You will need to have cookies enabled.
2. If this PC or device is not a trusted device, then you will be prompted to enter and submit a security code sent to your phone or alternate email address. (see screenshots below)
3. In Internet Explorer, or your default web browser, click/tap on the Add or change aliases link under Account aliases. (see screenshot below)
4. Click/tap on Rename under your (primary alias). (see screenshot below)
NoteYou will not be able to use any email addresses that are currently added as an alias for your Microsoft account listed under "Account aliases" in the screenshot below.
If you wish to make one of your current aliases the primary alias, then you will need to remove it as an alias first, then use step 8 or 9 below to add it as your primary alias.
5. Click/tap on Yes, rename my primary alias. (see screenshot below)
6. Sign in to your Microsoft account with your new email address and password. You can close the web browser when finished. (see screenshot below)
7. Do step 8 or 9 below for what you would like to do.
8. To Create a New Email Address to Use as your Primary Alias
A) Select (dot) Create a new email address as your primary alias. (see screenshot below)9. To Use an Existing Email Address as your Primary Alias
B) Select if you want a new hotmail.com, live.com, or outlook.com address.
C) Type in a name you want, click/tap on Rename primary alias, and go to step 10 below.
NOTE: You can use any existing valid email address (ex: gmail, live, outlook, etc...) of yours that you like.
A) Select (dot) Use an existing email address as your primary alias, type in the email address you want to use, and click/tap on Rename primary alias. (see screenshot below)10. You have changed your primary alias email address. Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
B) Check your email. You will receive an email notification to your alternate email address in your Microsoft Account profile to notify you that the change has occurred. You do not need to do anything unless it's not correct. (see screenshot below)
C) Go to step 10 below.
That's it,
Shawn
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