I can't change email address for logging in my Microsoft subscription account by another existing email at outlook.com, the email system recogised "This email address is already taken. Please try another.'

Trust customer 20 Reputation points
2025-09-18T12:59:28.0933333+00:00

Hi

When I tried to change email address that is used to log on my Microsoft subscription account by another my existing outlook email address, I navigated to 'Your Info' -> 'Sign in Preferences' --> 'Add email' --> 'Add an existing email address as a Microsoft account username" (the 2nd option on the sub-webpage)', typed in another my existing outlook.com email address, however, it didn't allow me, a line of red text appeared as: "This email address is already taken. Please try another'.

Of course, that email address I put in is already taken as it's been my another existing email address, which I attempted in using to sign in my account as a replacement of my current email address to log in. It's inconceivable why the email system didn't allow and didn't proceed. As a result, I can't change it.

It matters to me, since I wish to have that replacement email address as a primary email for my existing Microsoft subscription, then the email box can have a full functions of email, e.g. to show emojis as options for an email editing, otherwise the email editing didn't benefit from my existing Microsoft subscription enabled more email editing functions but only basics.

Look forward to hearing from you in your convenience ASAP. Thank you.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Development | Microsoft 365 Developer Program
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Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2025-09-18T14:15:14.2066667+00:00

Hi @Trust customer 
Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A forum  
I understand you're trying to use an existing email address as a login alias for your Microsoft subscription, and I'd be glad to help clarify why this is happening. 

Based on how Microsoft accounts are structured, you can't add an existing email address as an alias. The system gives you the "This email address is already taken" message because the email you're trying to add is already its own active Microsoft account. Aliases are intended for alternate email addresses that aren't currently linked to any other account. 

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Reference: Add or remove an email alias in Outlook.com - Microsoft Support 

Unfortunately, subscriptions are also tied to the original email address used to sign up. If you'd like to use a different email address as the primary one for your subscription, the process involves: 

  • Cancel the current subscription, 
  • Request a refund (if applicable), 
  • Then re-subscribe using the account you wish to have as the primary one. 

I know this might not be the simple answer you were hoping for, and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. I hope this explanation helps you understand the process and find the best way forward. 

Thank you again for your cooperation and understanding. 


Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.   

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