Message says "The Microsoft account doesn't exist. Enter a different account or get a new one."

S. Lenear 86 Reputation points
2021-04-07T23:57:25.717+00:00

I am trying to sign in to a new computer using my Microsoft account. I know the account is valid because it is the same one I am using in this forum. But, I get a message saying "The Microsoft account doesn't exist. Enter a different account or get a new one." What do I do?

By the way, I have no idea what I'm supposed to enter in the "Tags" field below. There is nothing that tells me what types of things I can enter. That is frustrating because the field is required.

Windows 10 Security
Windows 10 Security
Windows 10: A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.Security: The precautions taken to guard against crime, attack, sabotage, espionage, or another threat.
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  1. Balazs Varhegyi 41 Reputation points
    2022-06-11T07:45:44.787+00:00

    I have the same problem, it very very annoying! Microsoft needs to provide a better error message and help people to fix this.

    8 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Nathan McClure 31 Reputation points
    2022-04-25T14:21:55.75+00:00

    Anyone from MS going to address this? Hello?

    5 people found this answer helpful.
  3. Lightyr 21 Reputation points
    2022-06-08T02:59:15.243+00:00

    I am beyond frustrated that we are unable to gain access to the Microsoft account. I paid for software and games that were purchased under this account name over the past few months and they can no longer be accessed. And you can't get ahold of a real person at Microsoft for help! Where is my refund for the software I have purchased through the account that apparently does not exist and for which I am being denied access?

    4 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Teemo Tang 11,346 Reputation points
    2021-04-08T01:34:49.273+00:00

    Try to use a local account for login, then go to Settings > Accounts > Your info (in some versions, it may be under Email & accounts instead).
    Select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead, enter your Microsoft account credential for switching.

    The error "Microsoft Account does not exist" usually means:

    The person is logging in using an Alias. If the user renamed the affected email address into a new account, the original account will become an Alias. Thus logging in using the original account (Alias) will trigger the system to prompt the user that it does not exist. The solution is to log in using the new account.
    The person mistyped the email address. Retyped the correct email address.
    The person did not access the account (WITH A BROWSER) within 365 days. The account will be deleted permanently in the system due to inactivity. You may recreate the account as a new account if it is still available.

    In addition, Visit Microsoft account website to verify your account.
    https://account.microsoft.com/
    Ask for help from Microsoft account support here:
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-and-billing?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US

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    3 people found this answer helpful.
  5. Silvio Basilis 11 Reputation points
    2021-11-23T17:33:55.113+00:00

    I've been searching the same answer, it looks like you need to add the user as a Work or School account.

    In order to do that, follow the steps in this link.

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business-video/connect?view=o365-worldwide

    Hope this helps!

    2 people found this answer helpful.