What is aka.ms?
aka.ms is Microsoft's own link shortener — the Microsoft equivalent of a bit.ly. It takes a long official Microsoft web address and gives it a short, easy-to-type form like aka.ms/remoteconnect.
Why Microsoft uses it
Long settings and sign-in URLs are hard to read aloud, print on a screen, or type on a console. Microsoft shortens them with aka.ms so a setup screen can simply say "go to aka.ms/remoteconnect" instead of showing a web address three lines long. When you open an aka.ms link, it instantly forwards you to the real Microsoft page it points to.
Where you run into aka.ms
- On an Xbox or in Minecraft, asking you to link a Microsoft account.
- In Windows security prompts, for setting up two-step verification or the Authenticator app.
- In emails and documentation from Microsoft and schools or workplaces using Microsoft 365.
Because it only shortens Microsoft addresses, a genuine aka.ms link always lands on a site ending in microsoft.com. See our directory of common aka.ms links and whether aka.ms is safe.
Frequently asked questions
Is aka.ms a real Microsoft website?
Yes. aka.ms is Microsoft's official link-shortening domain. Each aka.ms link forwards to a real Microsoft page ending in microsoft.com.
Who owns aka.ms?
Microsoft. This site (Aka.ms Guide) is an independent reference and is not owned by or affiliated with Microsoft.