Unable to log into Microsoft account on new Windows 11 computer

Question

Unable to log into Microsoft account on new Windows 11 computer

JohnC 55

I just purchased a new Windows 11 laptop and am trying to set it up. I've connected to the internet, named the new device, and now need to log in to my Microsoft account to "unlock your Microsoft experience." I enter the email address that serves as my username for my MS account, but then I get the message, "Something went wrong. Please try again." I'm able to log into my MS account on my old Windows 10 laptop (which is a "registered" machine), but not on the new machine and therefore can't complete setup. How do I log in on a new and non-registered machine?

Jim Farwell 5 Reputation points

2025-08-05T00:12:05.6233333+00:00

This issue is more than a year old, but I have a similar problem. I actually DO have a Microsoft account (although I haven't used it in over a decade, to the best of my recollection). I can log onto it using my existing UserID (email address) and the password that I set up so long ago. I have an HP computer, bought in 2016, with Windows 10 on it. It can't be upgraded to Windows 11, so I bought a new Dell PC, supposedly with Windows 11 already installed. I'm running both computers, side-by-side, so that I have access to email and the internet while trying to set up the new system. I'm part way through the Windows 11 set-up (downloaded a lot of files, and went through the install process), and finally am at the point where I am REQUIRED to open (or create) my MS account, but I can't use a password. I have to use biometric methods, or a "security key", or a PIN. I don't have a web-cam, so can't use facial recognition, I don't have a touch screen, so can't use fingerprint recognition, I have no security key (don't even know what that is, or how to get one), and there is no available button or link to enter a PIN (and if I could find such a button or link, ...what PIN would work?). There is no option to just skip this step, or to continue without opening the MS account. If I can't use my (perfectly good) password, how in heaven's name am I supposed to complete the Windows 11 setup?
Robert Thomas 5 Reputation points

2025-11-02T22:20:08.9966667+00:00

I love how there is no answer to the above question!!!!!! I try to sign in to my working account and it gives me a qrcode and i scan it and my phone just sits there teying to hook up and nothing happens

Answer accepted by question author

S.Sengupta 30,781 MVP Volunteer Moderator

Look for Date and Time settings and ensure they are set to "Set time automatically" and "Set time zone automatically."

At first create a local account instead. Once setup is complete, you can log in with the local account and then connect to the internet and add your Microsoft account via Settings > Accounts > Your info > Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.

What happens if you use a different Network?

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Jim Farwell 5 Reputation points

2025-08-05T00:12:05.6233333+00:00

This issue is more than a year old, but I have a similar problem. I actually DO have a Microsoft account (although I haven't used it in over a decade, to the best of my recollection). I can log onto it using my existing UserID (email address) and the password that I set up so long ago. I have an HP computer, bought in 2016, with Windows 10 on it. It can't be upgraded to Windows 11, so I bought a new Dell PC, supposedly with Windows 11 already installed. I'm running both computers, side-by-side, so that I have access to email and the internet while trying to set up the new system. I'm part way through the Windows 11 set-up (downloaded a lot of files, and went through the install process), and finally am at the point where I am REQUIRED to open (or create) my MS account, but I can't use a password. I have to use biometric methods, or a "security key", or a PIN. I don't have a web-cam, so can't use facial recognition, I don't have a touch screen, so can't use fingerprint recognition, I have no security key (don't even know what that is, or how to get one), and there is no available button or link to enter a PIN (and if I could find such a button or link, ...what PIN would work?). There is no option to just skip this step, or to continue without opening the MS account. If I can't use my (perfectly good) password, how in heaven's name am I supposed to complete the Windows 11 setup?
Robert Thomas 5 Reputation points

2025-11-02T22:20:08.9966667+00:00

I love how there is no answer to the above question!!!!!! I try to sign in to my working account and it gives me a qrcode and i scan it and my phone just sits there teying to hook up and nothing happens
JohnC 55 Reputation points

2024-07-22T15:55:19.16+00:00

Thank you, S.Sengupta. I will check on the date and time settings, and log in initially as a local account. As for your question on trying a different network, I logged into my WiFi router successfully, but got "no internet connection." So I set my phone to act as a hot spot and connected to the internet through that. So, I don't really have a choice of networks unless I go to a public WiFi!

Answer 1

Deborah McCormick 0

I have a new computer and had MS Word on my old computer. I cannot get it to load on my new computer. Purchased 5-16-25 and do not have a "product key". Help!!

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Answer 2

Peter Kambhu 0

this did not work for me

Jerry B Sellers 0 Reputation points

2025-08-01T21:29:04.1266667+00:00

I am 87 and require a little human help. system will not accept my long established email address
Jerry B Sellers 0 Reputation points

2025-08-01T21:31:35.3533333+00:00

Help from a human Please

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Unable to log into Microsoft account on new Windows 11 computer

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