Aka.ms GuideIndependent help for aka.ms links
Independent guide - not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft. Genuine aka.ms links only forward to Microsoft.

How to use an aka.ms link

Updated

Using an aka.ms link is just like opening any web address — it forwards you to the real Microsoft page. Here is the safe way to do it.

  1. Type the link into your browser exactly as shown (for example, aka.ms/remoteconnect), or tap it if you trust the source. You do not need to add https:// or www.
  2. Let it forward to the Microsoft page it points to.
  3. Check the address bar — it should now show a Microsoft-owned address, such as one ending in microsoft.com or live.com.
  4. Sign in or enter a code only on that Microsoft page, and only if you started the process yourself.

Typing a link versus tapping one

Typing the link yourself is the safest habit, because you know exactly which address you asked for. Tapping is fine when the link appears on a screen you trust, such as a Microsoft setup screen on your own console or PC. Be more careful with links in unexpected emails, texts or social media messages: the visible text can say "aka.ms" while the real link goes somewhere else.

Where you should end up

Microsoft uses several of its own domains, so do not expect every link to land on microsoft.com. In October 2026, for example, aka.ms/remoteconnect opened login.live.com, aka.ms/mysecurityinfo opened mysignins.microsoft.com and aka.ms/recoverykey opened onedrive.live.com. All are Microsoft's. Our link directory lists the destinations we have checked.

Links that open an app

Some aka.ms links open a Windows app rather than a web page. aka.ms/linkphone, for instance, launches Phone Link on a Windows PC. Your browser may ask whether to open the app; that is expected. On a phone or a non-Windows computer, these links can appear to do nothing.

If the link does not work

  • You land on a Bing search page: the short name was probably mistyped or is not in use. Check the spelling against the screen that showed it.
  • The page says the code expired: codes shown on consoles and PCs are short-lived. Start the process again to get a fresh one.
  • Nothing happens: the link may be meant to open an app on another device, such as your PC.
Never enter a code or sign in because a caller, texter or emailer told you to. Genuine setups are started by you, on your own device. No real Microsoft setup asks for a fee or for remote-access software. More red flags in Is aka.ms safe?

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a special app to open aka.ms links?

No. Any web browser opens them. Most redirect to an official Microsoft page; a few hand off to a Microsoft app on Windows.

Should I type https:// before aka.ms?

You can, but you do not need to. Typing aka.ms followed by the short name is enough in any modern browser.

Why did the link open a Bing search page?

That usually means the short name was mistyped or is not in use. Check the exact spelling shown on your screen.

Is it a scam if the page is on live.com?

No. live.com is a Microsoft domain used for personal account sign-in. Check the full spelling and be wary of unfamiliar domains.