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I am unable to sign in with a work or school account instead of a local or personal account

Anonymous
2024-09-09T01:04:01+00:00

Hello,

I purchased a laptop with Windows 11 Pro and upgraded my desktop's Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro to be able to RDP from the laptop to the desktop when I am traveling. I own a small business and have an associated Microsoft work account with the business. I tried various suggestions I have been able to find for similar issues and even factory reset my computer when nothing else worked. However, I am still unable to sign into my account with the business account. Specifically, I am following these steps:

  1. Settings -> Accounts -> Your info -> Account settings
  2. "Sign in with a Microsoft account instead"
  3. Follow prompt to sign in using work email and click Next

I then receive the error message: "That Microsoft account doesn't exist. Enter a different account or get a new one."

When I clicked on "get a new one", I receive the error, "You can't sign up here with a work or school email address. Use a personal email, such as Gmail or Yahoo! or get a new Outlook email."

Does anyone have ideas for how to resolve this issue?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | For business | Other

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-11-07T14:48:00+00:00

    I have the same issue. What's the point of "add a school or work account", if it doesn't work?

    And I know that my work account is active, because I can access it on Microsoft 365.

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-01-16T15:08:57+00:00

    I have the same problem Microsoft team have not been able to help me. It has been ongoing for 2 year.

    It has caused many problems including not being able to have a normal desktop or standard icons.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-11-10T19:04:48+00:00

    I thought I would reply here with what solved my problem. I had already implemented the above solution, which did not work for establishing an RDP connection between two Windows Pro computers. I went as far as to completely wipe the computer and restore factory settings. It doesn't work and it's not necessary.

    To fix the problem, I added a new user to my computer with my work account. In other words, from the windows icon in the task bar, click your profile in the bottom left, click on the 3 dots, and select switch user. Follow the prompts to log in with your work or school account. Viola.

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-09-09T04:12:59+00:00

    Dear H Hanson,

    Thank you for posting your query in our community.

    Please don't worry, we will resolve your concern together and move towards a path to resolution.

    According to my test, I got the same behavior as you mentioned. We believe when you click on "Sign in with a Microsoft account instead" it only accepts personal accounts which is why you get this error. if you want to add a local work or school account you have to set it up in Windows installation. This is not a bug or problem with your computer, this is the expected behavior of the Windows operating system.

    • Here are some workarounds for you.
    • Method 1

    You can go to Settings -> Accounts -> access work or school account and sign up to your work account from here.

    • Method 2

    You have to reinstall the Windows system by going to this website( click here --->> Download Windows 11 (microsoft.com) >> downloading ISO >> making a USB bootable drive>> and Install windows completely.

    When installation is complete go through the setup screen >> When you as to create a personal or work account select work account and use your work account credentials to logging to your laptop.

    If you have any additional questions or need any additional help regarding this or anything else, please let me know, I'll be here to help.

    And in the meantime, I hope you have a lovely day ahead, stay safe and take care!

    Sincerely,

    Sophia

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