opps error message

Question

im trying to set up my new laptop and i keep getting an error saying oops something went wrong try again later. we cant set up your device at this time. and keeps doing that no matter what i do. can somebody please help me?

Answer 1

Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

May I please know which setup part you're encountering this error with? Is it when signing in with your Microsoft account or setting up Windows Hello PIN?

Set up the Device using a Local account:

On the screen where it says "Let's connect your Pc to a Network" screen, Press SHIFT + F10 Key or Fn+SHIFT+F10 keys altogether to bring up the Command Prompt window.

Type the command below and click Enter to set up the device with a local account.

start ms-cxh:localonly

Follow the prompts to complete the Local account setup. If you're able to sign in, you can then later switch to Microsoft account in the Account settings.

Answer 2

Hi Leo Garcia,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum and sharing about the issue you’re experiencing while setting up your new laptop. I completely understand how frustrating this can be, especially when you’re eager to start using your device.

The error message “Oops, something went wrong. Try again later. We can’t set up your device at this time” usually points to a connectivity or configuration issue. Here’s a detailed guide you can follow:

Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is essential for setup.

• Make sure your Wi-Fi signal is strong or use a wired Ethernet connection if possible.
• If the issue persists, try switching to a different network or use a mobile hotspot temporarily.

Step 2: Restart and Retry

Sometimes, a simple restart clears temporary glitches.

• Restart your laptop and attempt the setup again.
• If possible, also restart your router or modem to refresh the network connection.

Step 3: Set Up with a Local Account

If the error occurs during Microsoft account sign-in:

• Choose the option “Set up with a local account” (if available).
• You can add your Microsoft account later by going to Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts > Add accounts > Add a Microsoft account.

Step 4: Verify Date and Time Settings

Incorrect date/time can block secure connections.

• During setup, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
• Type "timedate.cpl" and press Enter to open Date & Time settings.
• Ensure the date, time, and time zone are correct.

Step 5: Disable VPN or Security Software Temporarily

VPNs or third-party security tools can interfere with setup.

• If you have any VPN or antivirus running, disable them temporarily.
• You can re-enable them after the setup completes.

*Disclaimer: Temporarily turn off antivirus protection. However, keep in mind that if you do so, your device may be vulnerable to threats. So please turn it on immediately once issue fixed. 

Step 6: Try Offline Setup

If online setup keeps failing:

• Disconnect from the internet during setup.
• Choose offline account when prompted.
• After setup completes, reconnect and sign in to your Microsoft account.

Please keep me posted on how it goes, and feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance. 

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