Xbox LIVE is a realm where gaming is king. Something is always going on: you can find people to play with and talk to 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You use a single, persistent identity—your Gamertag—across all games, and you can download new stuff for your games any time you feel like it.

To create a child membership for Xbox LIVE, see Join Xbox LIVE: Child Membership.

To join Xbox LIVE:

1. Go to My Xbox and open your profile.
2. Select Join Xbox LIVE.
3. Follow the directions on the screen. Here are some tips to help you out:
   • You need an e-mail address to create an account. If you already have a Windows Live Hotmail account, Live.com account, Xbox.com, Zune, or Games for Windows – LIVE account, pick one of those. If you don't have an e-mail account, you can get a Windows Live Hotmail account for free.
   • Use your real date of birth; we use it as part of the verification process when creating your account.
   • When you enter info like your address and name, you can use your Xbox controller or a USB keyboard.
   • If you choose a Gold membership, we'll charge the credit card number you give us. If you sign up for a Silver membership (which is free), we won't ask for your credit card information..