When you initially setup your Windows device, you might have opted to use a local account instead of a Microsoft account. The main difference between a local account and a Microsoft account is that a local account is specific to one device, while a Microsoft account can be used across multiple devices and Microsoft services.

Step 2: Back up your folders. Windows Backup is an easy, single stop for all of your backup needs. Your free Microsoft account comes with 5 GB of OneDrive cloud storage (and more storage is available if you need it), and backing up your folders syncs the folders you specify to your OneDrive account, making them instantly accessible on all computers that you use with this Microsoft account.

Tip: Creating an Outlook.com email address gives you a brand-new email address that is attached to your existing Microsoft account.This makes several benefits and features available to you within the Microsoft suite of products, particularly within Outlook. You might want to do this if your Microsoft account is not currently tied to an Outlook.com email address.

Sign in using two-step verification or security info; Create app passwords in Security info (preview) Set up a phone call as your verification method

Microsoft Defender is a security app that helps people and families stay safer online with malware protection, web protection, real-time security notifications, and security tips.Microsoft Defender is included in a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription and works on your phone (Android or iOS), PC, and Mac.

Microsoft account help and support. Get help with signing in, locked or compromised accounts, linked accounts, closing, reopening, and updating your security info and account profile.

Track your tasks in My Tasks. Planner offers a purpose-built My Tasks view, designed to centralize all the tasks relevant to you. My Tasks is organized into four distinct views, each serving a unique purpose: Private tasks: Private tasks is a place for you to quickly jot down tasks at the speed of thought.This is a place where you can create tasks that do not belong to a plan yet.

Setting up the modem and Internet connection. After you have all the equipment, you'll need to set up your modem and Internet connection. If your modem wasn't set up for you by your Internet service provider (ISP), follow the instructions that came with your modem to connect it to your PC and the Internet.

Change display name. You use your display name whenever you sign in to your account. You'll also see it on any Windows devices that you've signed into with your Microsoft Account, and it's the name people see when you send emails or participate in an Outlook.com group.

Try it! OneDrive gives you one place to store, share, and sync your work or school files. As part of your organization's Microsoft 365 subscription, or SharePoint Server, you can save your files in OneDrive and then work with them from almost any device.