It's a good idea to add as much security info to your account as you can, because it will help make your account more secure. For example, if you forget your password, or if someone else tries to take over your account, you can use your security info to get your account back.

To get started with adding account security info, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your account using your Windows Live ID email address and password.

2. On your account page, under Account security, select the "Manage" link next to the Security info section.

Show all

To add a mobile phone number to your account

We can send a password reset code to your mobile phone if you need to reset your password. You can enter one or more mobile phone numbers.

1. On the Manage security info page, select Add New.

2. Select your country code.

3. Enter your mobile phone number.

4. Click Save.

Note

Charges for text messaging may apply.

To add an alternate email address to your account

We can send a password reset link to your alternate email address if you forget your password. You can have one or more alternate email addresses associated with your account. When we send you a password reset link, we'll send it to all your alternate email addresses.

1. On the Manage security info page, select Add New.

2. Enter the email address.

3. Click Save.

To add a trusted PC to your account

You can reset your password easily at any time from your trusted PC.

1. On the Manage security info page, select Add New.

2. Enter the name of the PC.

3. Click Save.

Note

To add a trusted PC, you need to have Windows Live Essentials installed on it.

To add a security question and answer to your account

The answer to the question you've chosen, along with your location, helps us verify your identity so you can reset your password if you forget it.

1. On the Manage security info page, select Add New.

2. Select a security question.

3. Type your answer to the security question. Your secret answer must be at least five characters in length. It's not case-sensitive.

4. Click Save.

If you're creating a new Windows Live account:

After you create a new account, you have 14 days to add, remove, or change your security info without the required confirmation. Once your account has been in use for more than 14 days, you’ll need to confirm your info by following the instructions we send you.

Confirm your settings:

When adding your security info, you'll be required to confirm your settings. You can confirm your settings by following the instructions in the email sent to your alternate email address. Also, you can select "confirm" next to any password reset option to have a confirmation email sent to the alternate email address you specified.