Windows 10: merge 2nd MS acct as alias then replace primary - but already taken. What?!

It turns out that I have two Microsoft Live accts one of which is recognized as my primary. I thought the 2nd was an alias. Turns out it is not. It seems to be linked somehow to my original Live accts email, but it is not, apparently, an alias.


When I try to add an alias (the 2nd email acct) to my Live / MS device login acct I receive "This email address is already taken. Please try another."


So, how do I merge this 2nd email acct into my alias' list? My objective is to replace my primary with this 2nd email.

:)

 

Change primary alias

Hello,

Thank you for your reply,

As per description, when you click to change the primary on nothing happens.

Have you tried to perform the troubleshooting steps provided under section
Change which alias is primary ?

If you have not performed the troubleshooting steps I would suggest you perform steps under
Change which alias is primary , from my previous post. Which are as follow.

• 
  If you already have the latest version of Internet Explorer, get more info on how to
  
  reset your browser.
  
• 
  If you're still getting the error, check to see if you have the
  latest version of Silverlight.
  

Note: The Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature might reset security settings or privacy settings that you added to the list of Trusted Sites. The Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature might also reset
parental control settings. We recommend that you note these sites before you use the Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature.


Please do let us know if you need further assistance with Windows.

 

unable to make my email alias a primary - no primary link appears to the right of the alias

There is no primary link next to my email alias to allow me to make it a primary as noted in the instructions. Any ideas? I am using Windows 10 Pro (not available to click in the drop down)

• Under Account aliases, click/tap on the Make primary link to the right of an added email alias you want
  to be your primary alias.

Note: The email alias at the top of the list without a Make primary link is your current primary alias.

 

Unable to change primary alias - Microsoft Account

Hi John,

As per the description, you are experiencing issue with you are unable to change the primary alias for your Microsoft account on the system.

I certainly understand your concern and appreciate all your efforts in trying to fix this issue.

I would like to provide you with the information that
an account alias is an email address or phone number that you use to sign in to your Microsoft account. You can have multiple aliases, and use any of them with Microsoft services such as Outlook.com, Skype, OneDrive,
Office, Xbox, Windows and more.

Your primary alias appears on devices such as your Xbox, Surface, and Windows Phone, and is the email OneDrive sends from when you share. You can choose a different alias to be the primary one at any time.

An alias is also the best way to change your email, but keep all your mail.
Add an alias, then make the new alias primary. Then you can
keep or remove the original alias.

I would suggest you to try the following steps and check if that helps.

• Sign in to the
  Microsoft account website.
• Under Account aliases, click/tap on the Make primary link to the right of an
  
  added email alias you want to be your primary alias.

Note: The email alias at the top of the list without a Make primary link is your current primary alias.

• Uncheck the Send me promotional offers from Microsoft box if you like, and click/tap on Yes to confirm.

You may also try the following steps given below and check if that helps.

• Navigate to Start>Settings>Account>Your Account.
• In the right pane, click on Sign in with a local account instead.
• Provide your current Microsoft Account Password.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.
• You can leave the Enter Password option empty, however, it is highly recommended to keep a password on your system to keep it safe.
  

For reference:

I would suggest you to refer to the article given below and check if that helps.

Microsoft account help

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/products/microsoft-account

I hope this information is helpful.

Please do let us know if you need any further assistance, we will be glad to assist you.

Thank you.