Error: "You can't sign up here with a work or school email address" when creating a Microsoft account


Symptoms

You receive the following message when trying to create a Microsoft account:

You can't sign up here with a work or school email address. Use a personal email, such as Gmail or Yahoo!, or get a new Outlook email.

example screenshot

Cause

Around 2016, Microsoft merged their cloud identity systems. Students and employees will not be able to use their work/school email accounts to create a personally owned Microsoft account (ending in @ttu.edu).

Resolution

Any information or links in this article are merely provided as a convenience or informational resource. They do not imply nor represent an endorsement by Texas Tech University or its affiliates. For additional assistance, please contact the manufacturer/provider of the product/service or your preferred third-party support provider.

Create an account using a personal email address, such as Yahoo! or Gmail.

Outcome

You will be able to create the account successfully.