To know if you have a Microsoft account, go to the Microsoft account sign-in page at account.microsoft.com and enter your email address. If you get a password prompt, it means your email address is linked to a Microsoft account. If you see a message like "We couldn't find an account with that username" or "That Microsoft account doesn't exist," then that email is not associated with a Microsoft account. If you are using Windows 10 or 11, you can also check if your user account is a Microsoft account by:
- Opening the Start menu: If you see your email address next to your profile picture, you're signed in with a Microsoft account. If you only see the account name, it is a local account.
- Going to Settings > Accounts > Your Info: Your Microsoft account email will be shown here if you are signed in with it.
- Using Control Panel > User Accounts: Your email or "Local Account" will appear next to your profile picture depending on the account type.
If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it through the sign-in page. If unsure about your email or account sign-in, Microsoft also provides a Sign-in Helper tool online to assist.
