Your Windows Live ID is your Microsoft account

A Microsoft account is the combination of an email address and a password that you use to sign in to the following Microsoft services (among others):

• Hotmail
• Messenger
• Outlook.com
• SkyDrive
• Skype
• Windows 8
• Windows Phone
• Xbox LIVE
• Xbox Music
• Zune

If you use an email address and password to sign in to these or other Microsoft services, you already have a Microsoft account.

Note Microsoft account is the new name for what used to be called Windows Live ID. These two names mean the same thing. The name change from Windows Live ID to Microsoft account doesn't affect the information or the services you use. For example, your Xbox LIVE account sign-in name and password haven't changed, but you'll be asked for your Microsoft account in places where you used to be asked for your Windows Live ID.

On some Microsoft services or websites, such as Xbox 360, you may still see Windows Live ID used instead of Microsoft account. These services and websites will be updated soon to reflect the change from Windows Live ID to Microsoft account.

When you signed up for an Xbox LIVE or Xbox Music account, you associated that account with a Microsoft account. (If you didn't already have one, you were required to create one.) You use this Microsoft account to manage your Xbox LIVE or Xbox Music account and to download your Xbox LIVE profile.

Are you a parent with a child who has an Xbox LIVE account (which has its own corresponding Microsoft account that your child uses to sign in)? If so, you also connected a Microsoft account (probably your own) to your child's Xbox LIVE account. Your Microsoft account is used to control your child's Xbox LIVE services, agree to the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use, and perform other functions. For more information about Xbox LIVE and online safety, see Xbox LIVE online safety and privacy.

On your Xbox 360 console and on some Microsoft services, you may still see "Windows Live ID" used instead of "Microsoft account," and you may be asked for your Microsoft account in places where you're used to being asked for your Windows Live ID. Keep in mind that these two names mean the same thing, and that the change does not affect the information that you use to sign in.

If you lost or forgot your Microsoft account (Windows Live ID) email address or password, see Find your Microsoft account for help retrieving it.

If you want to change the password for your Microsoft account (Windows Live ID), remove a Microsoft password from your Xbox console, or change the Microsoft account associated with your Xbox LIVE account, see Microsoft account: Frequently asked questions for help.