reset remove drvices

Question

system will not let me remove computer that no longer have. the devices stop me from setting up my new computer thanks

Answer 1

Hi ernest knight jr,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum.

To make sure we’re on the same page, I understand that an old computer can’t be removed from your Microsoft account and this is blocking setup of a new device.

If so, please follow the steps below and we’ll work through this together:

Step 1: Remove the old computer from your Microsoft account

This step tells Microsoft’s system that the old computer should no longer be linked to your account.

1. Open a web browser and go to: https://account.microsoft.com/devices
2. Sign in using the same Microsoft account you’re trying to use on the new computer.
3. Look for the old computer that you no longer use.
4. Click “Remove device” and confirm.

*Note: If the device does not remove successfully, please try accessing the Microsoft account page using a different web browser or an InPrivate / Incognito window, then repeat the removal. Cached sign‑in data can occasionally prevent the change from saving correctly.

Step 2: Remove the same computer from OneDrive

Even after Step 1, OneDrive may still keep its own record of the old PC, which may continue blocking setup.

1. Go to https://onedrive.live.com
2. Sign in with the same Microsoft account.
3. Click Settings (gear icon) > Options or Settings
4. Open the Devices / PC backup / PCs section.
5. Remove the same old computer from the list.

Microsoft accounts track devices in multiple places. Removing the device from OneDrive ensures everything is fully cleared.

Step 3: Finish setting up the new computer using a local (offline) account

If the system still refuses to continue during setup:

1. Restart the new computer setup.
2. When asked to sign in with a Microsoft account, choose: “Set up offline”, “Limited setup”, or “Local account”
3. Complete Windows setup fully.
4. After setup is finished, go to Settings > Accounts and sign in with your Microsoft account.

This avoids Microsoft’s device‑registration check during setup. Once Windows is running, signing in usually succeeds without errors.

In some cases, a device may not be able to be added. This can happen if the device is a macOS or mobile device (which aren’t supported for registration at this time), if it’s already linked to another Microsoft account, or if the PC is managed or owned by a company or organization. Company‑managed devices may not be eligible to be registered to a personal Microsoft account.

If the issue continues, please reply and let me know the exact message or error shown on the setup screen. I’ll be happy to assist you further.

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Answer 2

To remove a device from your account, especially if it no longer exists, you can follow these steps:

1. Using the Company Portal: If your device was managed through the Company Portal, you can reset it from there. Sign in to the Company Portal website with your work or school account, go to the menu, select Devices, choose the device you want to reset, and then select Reset. This will remove the device from your account.
2. Using Windows Settings: If the device is still showing in your settings, you can try resetting it through Settings > Accounts > Access work or school. Select the account associated with the device and choose Disconnect.
3. Using Intune: If your organization uses Intune, you can delete the device from Intune management. This typically involves performing a factory reset (wipe) of the device if it is still accessible.

If these methods do not work, you may need to contact your IT support for assistance in removing the device from your account.

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References:

• Reset device from Company Portal website
• Wiping and deleting a device