Updated: July 13, 2020 (May 20, 2013)
Charts & IllustrationsBasic Microsoft Account Attributes
Chart details the basic attributes of the Microsoft account directory service.
| Attributes | Microsoft Account Attributes |
| Role of service | Authenticate users and manage access to Microsoft-hosted and third-party services and Web properties.
Provides local log-on to Windows 8 and Windows RT. Plays a role in the synchronization of settings and ability to use applications on multiple Windows 8 and Windows RT devices. |
| Also known as | Passport.
Windows Live ID. |
| Accounts provisioned by | Typically individuals (including individuals who have multiple but separate accounts). |
| ID authorized by | Microsoft, as long as the account is not already in use, and the user has access to the e-mail address used to create the ID (the user essentially self-asserts the user’s identity). |
| Directory location | Microsoft-hosted (likely hosted in multiple data centers for redundancy and reliability). |
| Key directory objects | Users.
Computers. Windows Store application licenses |
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