Windows 8 is the next big hit for the tech industry, and one of the big thing about Windows 8 is the ability to log in with your Microsoft Account. Though you can use Windows 8 using a local account, you will need to log in with your Microsoft Account to sync your apps and settings with other PCs and even install apps on your PC. However, a common misconception is that to create a Microsoft account, you need to create a Hotmail account. This is not ture; you can use gmail, Yahoo Mail, Apple’s email address, or whatever email address you choose.

You can create a Microsoft account from the website, Windows 8, Windows Phone, Xbox, and other Microsoft services. To create a Microsoft account, simply click on the “Sign Up” or “Create Account” button from the log in screen. Then you will be asked to answer some questions about yourself. From there, you can sign up using your favorite email addresses instead of signing up for a Hotmail account. However, you can also get a hotmail account if you wish or if you don’t have any other email addresses. The entire choice is up to you. This is a heavy contrast to Google’s policy. If you try to create a, say, YouTube account, you will be forced to create a @gmail email address.

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