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To create a new personal Outlook.com email address, go to Outlook.com and select Create free account. Continue through Microsoft’s signup flow to choose an available address and complete setup; the exact prompts may change. This creates a personal Microsoft account, not a work or school account.
Steps to create a new Outlook email address
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Go to Outlook.com.
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Select Create free account.
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Follow Microsoft’s live signup flow to choose an available Outlook.com address and finish creating the account. Microsoft controls the signup screens, so the fields and verification prompts may vary.
A Microsoft account gives you access to Microsoft products and services with one login, according to Microsoft Support. Microsoft also lists free online versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with 5 GB of cloud storage, as account benefits.
Important things to know
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Choose the address carefully. Microsoft says an address used for a Microsoft account cannot be reused to create another account after the original account is closed.
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New Outlook.com addresses are available, but new Hotmail addresses are not. Microsoft’s Outlook.com help information describes creating Outlook.com addresses, not new @hotmail.com addresses.
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Child accounts may need an adult to finish setup. If the account is for a child, a parent or guardian must sign in to complete the process. Microsoft’s cited guidance does not establish a minimum age.
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Work and school accounts are different. An organization administrator creates those accounts. For more information, see Microsoft’s explanation of personal and work or school accounts.
Creating an account versus adding one to Outlook
Creating a new address on Outlook.com is different from adding an existing email account to the Outlook desktop or mobile app. If you already have an Outlook.com or Microsoft 365 address and only want to use it in the app, follow Microsoft’s guide to adding an Outlook.com or Microsoft 365 account.
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In a special case, a Microsoft account created using only a third-party email address or phone number may need a Microsoft email alias before Outlook.com mail features work. See Microsoft’s Outlook.com troubleshooting guidance if this applies to your account.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Is it free to create an Outlook email address?
Yes. Microsoft’s account support page describes free online versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and lists 5 GB of cloud storage.
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Do I need to install Outlook to create an email address?
No. Start at Outlook.com and select Create free account. Adding an existing account to the Outlook app is a separate task.
Can I create a new Hotmail address?
Microsoft’s Outlook.com help information supports creating new Outlook.com addresses, not new Hotmail addresses.
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Can I reuse an Outlook address after closing its Microsoft account?
No. Microsoft says an address used for a Microsoft account cannot be reused to create another account after the original account is closed.
Who creates a work or school email account?
An organization’s administrator creates work or school accounts. The Outlook.com signup process in this guide is for a personal account.
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