What is the difference between Microsoft account and Microsoft 365 account?

The main difference between a Microsoft account and a Microsoft 365 account is that a Microsoft account is a free account that allows you to access various Microsoft services, such as Outlook.com, OneDrive, and Xbox, while a Microsoft 365 account is a subscription-based service that provides access to the latest Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as additional features like cloud storage and security tools. A Microsoft account is required to use a Microsoft 365 account, but having a Microsoft account does not automatically provide access to Microsoft 365.

Understanding Microsoft Accounts and Microsoft 365 Accounts

To further understand the differences between these two accounts, let’s delve into the details of what each account offers and how they can be used.

Microsoft Accounts

A Microsoft account is a free account that allows you to access various Microsoft services, such as Outlook.com, OneDrive, and Xbox. You can use your Microsoft account to sign in to your Windows PC, Xbox console, or any of Microsoft’s products and services.

Microsoft 365 Accounts

A Microsoft 365 account, on the other hand, is a subscription-based service that provides access to the latest Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as additional features like cloud storage and security tools. With a Microsoft 365 account, you can install Microsoft 365 on all your devices and sign in to five at the same time, allowing you to use Office no matter where you are or what device you’re on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 15 frequently asked questions that provide additional information about Microsoft accounts and Microsoft 365 accounts:

1. Is a Microsoft 365 account the same as a Microsoft account?: No, a Microsoft 365 account is not the same as a Microsoft account, although you need a Microsoft account to use Microsoft 365.
2. Do I need a Microsoft account and an Office 365 account?: You need a Microsoft account to install and activate Office versions 2013 or later, and Microsoft 365 Family or Personal.
3. What are three types of Microsoft accounts?: The three types of Microsoft accounts are Standard User accounts, Administrator accounts, and Guest accounts.
4. What happens if I don’t use Microsoft 365?: If you decide not to buy Microsoft 365, you can let your trial expire or cancel it, and your trial account information and data will be permanently deleted after the 30-day expired stage ends.
5. What is the difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 365?: Microsoft 365 is the most recent version of the Microsoft Office set of tools, and it includes programs you already use at home, school, or work, while Office 365 is an older version of the Microsoft Office suite.
6. Can I use Microsoft without Microsoft 365?: Yes, you can buy standalone versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Mac or PC, or get a one-time purchase or a subscription version of Visio or Project.
7. Why do you need a Microsoft 365 account?: You need a Microsoft 365 account to ensure you always have the most up-to-date Office apps from Microsoft and to access additional features like cloud storage and security tools.
8. Can I use Gmail for Microsoft account?: You cannot use your Google credentials to sign in to your Microsoft account, but you can use your Gmail address as a way to prove who you are.
9. Do you have to pay for a Microsoft account?: No, a Microsoft account is free, and you can use it to access many Microsoft devices and services.
10. Do I have two Microsoft accounts?: If you see a screen asking, “Which account do you want to use?” when you sign in, it means that you may have two accounts with Microsoft using the same email address.
11. Do I really need Microsoft account?: Yes, you need a Microsoft account to sign in to your Windows PC, Xbox console, or any of Microsoft’s products and services.
12. Can you have two Microsoft accounts with the same email?: Yes, you can have two Microsoft accounts with different usernames but the same underlying email address.
13. Do I get an email account with Office 365?: As a benefit of your Microsoft 365 subscription, you can create a personalized email address that’s associated with your Outlook.com mailbox.
14. Is a Microsoft account your email?: A Microsoft account is the email address used along with a password to sign in to any Microsoft program or service, and it can end in @live, @hotmail, or @outlook.com.
15. How do I know if my account has Microsoft 365?: You can check if your account has Microsoft 365 by clicking Settings, then under My app settings, choosing Office 365, and then choosing Subscriptions to see the services that you’re licensed to use.