How to Set Up Outlook Email

Set up an Outlook email account and start sending and receiving messages from your computer or phone.

Steps

1
Go to outlook.com
in your web browser and click "Create free account" if you are new. Enter your name and desired email address.
2
Choose a password
with at least 8 characters. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols for security.
3
Enter your phone number
for account recovery. Microsoft sends a code to verify your identity.
4
Click "Go to inbox"
after setup. You see your new Outlook inbox with a welcome message.
5
Click "New message"
in the top left to send your first email. Enter the recipient, subject, and message, then click Send.

Is Outlook.com free?Show

Yes. Outlook.com is free to use. You get 15 gigabytes of storage for emails and attachments.

What is the difference between Outlook and Microsoft 365?Show

Outlook.com is a free email service. Microsoft 365 is a paid subscription that includes Outlook plus Word, Excel, and other apps.

Can I keep my old email address?Show

Yes. Outlook lets you send and receive emails from other email addresses using the "Linked accounts" feature in settings.

How do I recover a forgotten Outlook password?Show

Go to the Outlook login page and click "Forgot password." Microsoft will send a reset link to your recovery phone or email.

Written by the HowToDoStuff.online editorial team. Last updated May 18, 2026.