This article guides you through the
process of setting up different types of email accounts. All of the
accounts types are configured through the phone’s Email+Accounts
screen, which is accessible by going to the Apps List (swipe left from
the Start screen), opening the Settings page, and tapping
Email+Accounts.
From here, you can set up a Microsoft account or a variety of email account types, which I cover in the following sections.
Microsoft Accounts
Although the use of a Microsoft account is
optional, you can only get the full benefit of using your device if you
use a Microsoft account. Microsoft accounts provide access to Hotmail,
SkyDrive, Xbox, and Xbox Live, and they are also used for phone
backups, phone location services, and even social networking.
Connecting Your Microsoft Account
Regardless of whether you use Microsoft’s
Outlook.com email service (or Live or Hotmail), you should configure
your phone to use a Microsoft account. Microsoft accounts are required
for using a number of the phone’s features, such as backups and Find My
Phone. You can link the phone to your existing Microsoft account by
going to the Settings Email+Accounts screen and completing these steps:
1. Tap Add an Account.
2. Tap Microsoft Account.
3. Enter your email address.
4. Enter your password.
5. Tap Sign In.
6. Decide whether you
want to back up your phone; tap either Yes or Not Now. At this point,
your phone is configured to access your Microsoft account.
Automated Setup
Depending on how you have used your Microsoft
account in the past, you might find that Windows Phone 8 automatically
sets up other types of accounts on your behalf. For example, when I
provisioned my Windows 8 phone with my Microsoft account, the phone
automatically set up Twitter and LinkedIn because those accounts were
cross-referenced with my Microsoft account.
Setting Up a Microsoft Account
If you don’t have a Microsoft account, you can easily create one for free. To do so, go to http://login.live.com and click the Sign Up Now link.
