How to Create a MSN Email Address

Though it sounds simple enough, creating an MSN email address takes some know-how. It's not the creation that's complicated, it's getting around the default "@hotmail.com" that most people end up with if they don't have a premium MSN account. While the addresses are essentially the same--as Hotmail is MSN's free email service--if it's important to you that your email address end in "@msn.com" and you don't want to have to pay for the privilege, there is a way. Read on to learn how to create a MSN email address.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Go directly to the MSN sign up link rather than going through the link on the front page of the MSN website (see Resources below). The "email solutions" link on the homepage will bring you to a form to sign up for a Windows Live Hotmail account which, while useful, is still a Hotmail address, not an MSN email address.

2. Create a username to go with your MSN email address and enter it in the box. This will be the first part of your email address, making it read "[e-mail]." Set a password as well, using random letters and numerals. The form will automatically calculate the strength of your password, from weak to strong so you can see whether it needs to be changed.

3. Choose a security question from the drop-down list, making sure it's one to which you will easily remember the answer. Your answer is not case-sensitive, so don't worry about capitalization.

4. Type the verification string in the box. If you're unable to make out the string, simply click the "Refresh" button (it looks like a circle of arrows) next to the image to get a new one. Hit "Continue." At this time, if your chosen username isn't available or anything else needs to be fixed on the form, the screen will refresh with explanations of needed corrections printed in red.

5. Fill out the demographic information on the next page and hit "Continue." On the next page, read the user's agreement and type your new MSN email address in the box if you accept the terms. Then, click "I accept."

6. Test out your new email address by clicking on the "Windows Live ID" icon/link. You are now the proud owner of an MSN email address.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are very security conscious and don't like providing demographic information, including name, occupation and geographical location, then you'll need to rethink your decision to get an MSN email account. The service requires this information to proceed with address creation--it's not optional.

Resources

• Direct link to create MSN email address