How to Link Microsoft & Xbox Accounts to PS5 for Halo: Campaign Evolved

If you're picking up Halo: Campaign Evolved on PS5, there's one thing standing between you and the game: a Microsoft account. Yes, even on PlayStation, 343 Industries requires you to connect an Xbox account before you can jump in. It sounds strange, but the process is straightforward once you know each step. This guide walks you through creating your Microsoft and Xbox accounts, setting up a Gamertag, and linking everything to your PS5.

What accounts do you need to play Halo: Campaign Evolved on PS5?

You need two things before the game will let you past the startup screen: a Microsoft account and an Xbox account with a Gamertag. These are technically separate but linked. Think of the Microsoft account as the foundation (your email login) and the Xbox account as the gaming profile that sits on top of it. Both are free to create.

If you've never owned an Xbox or used any Microsoft service, you're starting from scratch. That's fine. The whole setup takes around 10 minutes.

Account linking start screen

How to create a Microsoft account

Head to the Microsoft account creation page. If you already have a Hotmail or Outlook email address, you can use that directly. If not, you'll need to create a new email address during the sign-up process by adding @outlook.com to your chosen alias.

Once the account is created and you can log in without issues, you're ready for the next step.

tip

Write down your Microsoft account email and password before continuing. You'll need them again during the Xbox account setup and the PS5 linking process.

How to create an Xbox account and Gamertag

The official Halo Support page points players to https://aka.ms/HaloCEAccount for this step. Here's the full process:

Visit https://aka.ms/HaloCEAccount.
Select Create an account at the bottom of the sign-in window.
Enter the email address tied to your Microsoft account. If you need a new address, append @outlook.com to your chosen alias.
Create a password for your Microsoft account.
Select your country or region, then enter your date of birth.
Enter your first and last name. If prompted, create and confirm your Passkey.
Review how your Xbox profile will appear. Select the pencil icon to customize your Gamerpic and Gamertag, or hit Randomize if you don't have a preference.
Select Save & continue.
Choose your preference for optional diagnostic data.
Select Continue.

After completing these steps, your Xbox account and Gamertag are active and ready to connect.

Gamertag setup and customization

How to link your Microsoft and Xbox accounts to PS5

This is the part that trips most players up because it involves your phone as well as your TV. When you launch Halo: Campaign Evolved for the first time, the game will prompt you to connect your accounts. Have your phone ready.

Scan the QR code displayed on screen with your phone.
Enter the eight-character code shown under Step 2 on your TV.
Confirm access on your phone.
Allow Microsoft to send a verification code to your linked email address.
Click to send the notification.
Note the two-digit number that appears on your phone screen.
Press on the 'Are you trying to sign in?' pop-up in your Hotmail or Outlook app.
Enter the two-digit number you recorded.
Press to approve.
An Xbox site confirmation pop-up should appear, confirming the account is connected.
Choose Let's go.
Your TV screen will update and ask you to confirm the account details.
Press on the confirmation box and select Sign In.

Once that final sign-in goes through, you're cleared to play.

warning

The two-digit number in step 6 is time-sensitive. If you take too long between steps, the code may expire and you'll need to restart the linking process from step 1.

QR code linking prompt on PS5

Troubleshooting: what if the linking process fails?

A few things can cause this process to stall. The most common issue is the verification code expiring mid-process. If that happens, restart the linking flow from the QR code scan. Make sure your phone's email notifications are turned on for whichever email address is tied to your Microsoft account, so the Hotmail pop-up appears quickly.

If the Xbox site confirmation link doesn't appear after approving on your phone, try refreshing the browser on your phone or closing and reopening the Halo: Campaign Evolved startup prompt on your PS5.

tip

Each Microsoft account can only be linked to one PlayStation account at a time. If you've previously linked the account to a different PSN profile, you'll need to unlink it first through the Microsoft account settings on the web.

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Is this the same for co-op and crossplay?

Yes. The Microsoft account requirement applies regardless of how you plan to play. Whether you're running the campaign solo or jumping into online co-op with friends on Xbox or PC, the linked account is mandatory. For full details on what co-op modes are available, check out the Halo: Campaign Evolved multiplayer guide, which covers everything from 4-player online runs to local split-screen options.

If you're curious about playing with friends across platforms, the crossplay guide for Halo: Campaign Evolved breaks down exactly how cross-platform progression works between Xbox, PC, and PS5.

tip

Set up your Microsoft and Xbox accounts before launch day (or before your early access window opens) so you're not burning playtime on account setup when you could be in the game.

For everything else you need before and after launch, the full Halo: Campaign Evolved guide collection covers preload times, Game Pass availability, editions, and more.