Expired WLID FAQ
Q: What is a Windows Live ID?
A: You need a Windows Live ID to use Microsoft sites and services, including Xbox.com and billing.microsoft.com. Windows Live IDs are associated with an email address. If you have a Hotmail or Live email account, you automatically have a Windows Live ID. Any other email address can be explicitly tied to a Windows Live ID.
Q: Why do I need to have a Windows Live ID on my Xbox account?
A: A Windows Live ID is tied to your Xbox account and is used as your login to other Microsoft services. These services include billing, Xbox.com, and Xbox messenger integration. The ID is also used when recovering a gamertag. We use this ID as the primary email address for our communications with you about your Xbox LIVE account, so make sure it’s an email address that you use often.
Q: Why is my Windows Live ID invalid?
A: Old Windows Live IDs can become invalid if you have not logged in to a Windows Live service like Xbox.com, Passport, Messenger, or Microsoft billing for an extended period of time. Windows Live IDs made on the console after 11/19/2008 will not expire.
Q: Can I use the same Windows Live ID I used during my original signup?
A: You can use the old ID if it is available. The old ID may not be available depending on when it expired or if it is now in use by someone else.
Q: Now that I know I need one, how do I set up a new Windows Live ID?
A: If you walk through the prompts in the connection process on the console, it will help you create a Windows Live ID. If you already have a Windows Live ID that you want associated with your gamertag, enter it when prompted for your email address. Be sure to remember the password you specify to log in to a Windows Live Service. This includes http://www.xbox.com.
Q: I already have a Windows Live ID tied to a service like Messenger or Hotmail. Can I use that email address?
A: You can, as long as there is not a gamertag associated with that ID. Just follow the prompts during the connection process. When you are asked to enter an email address, you can use the address tied to your ID.
Q: Does the Windows Live ID need to be a Live or Hotmail email address?
A: No. You can use any valid email address for your Windows Live ID. This is going to be the address Xbox uses to communicate with you for items like subscription billing, so please make sure you use an email address you check often.
Q: Will this affect my gamerscore?
A: No. Your gamerscore and achievements are associated with your gamertag and not your Windows Live ID. Updating your Windows Live ID will not change your gamerscore.
Q: Will this affect any aspects of my account (downloads, history, Microsoft Points, friends list, etc…)?
A: No. There will be no change to your account other than an active Windows Live ID. Your account settings, points, credit cards and purchase history will be linked to your new account after the switch. At this point you should also be able to log in to www.xbox.com/accounts and validate your information. Please contact xbox.com/en-AU/support in the rare event that any of these settings have changed after a transfer to an active ID.
Q: How long will it take to fix my account?
A: After running through the prompts, your account should be available immediately. If you receive a message saying your account has been queued, please try logging in again in a few minutes.
Q: What if I experience a problem with the process?
A: If you experience any problems during the transfer process, you can get detailed information here. If anything on your account fails to show up after the transfer, please contact support at xbox.com/en-AU/support.
