Windows 8.1 and Gmail

from WinCustomize Forums

So when I setup Windows 8.1 on my new laptop it wanted an email to use with Windows, and it had to be a Microsoft email. So out of curiosity I tried my Gmail addy and the system says it's a MS email. I know in the past I did something that made my Gmail addy a MS account, I linked something, but I can't remember. Is there a way to separate the two so that Gmail is NOT associated with Microsoft?

34,173 views 7 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

FYI .. you don't have to set it up with an MS account at all.

Just tell it you don't have one (by selecting Create a new account) and on the next screen you will have the option to use a local account. (Sign in without a Microsoft account option)

Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Thanks. Now I just need to learn how to setup 8.1. So far I'm setting it up so I never have to see that asinine start screen.

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

OK, that link you gave me says Gmail is not connected to Microsoft. However, Windows still says my Gmail is a MS account and can be used like a MS account on Windows 8.

Reply #5 from Elemental Forums Top

Although I don't have Windows 8, I have a "Microsoft Account" associated with Skype that is a non-MS email address.  Maybe it's something like "associated with Windows 8" when they refer to "Microsoft Account".

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

You may have created a Live account using your Gmail address in the past?

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Yeah, I did. Now how to get rid of it?