How to add custom built PC to Microsoft account?

Question

How to add custom built PC to Microsoft account?

My motherboard doesn't seem to have a serial number I can find.

Answer 1

The method to add a device to your Microsoft account using a serial number is only available for Microsoft manufactured devices, like a Surface laptop... etc.

For all other devices, ensure you log into the device with your Microsoft account, then ensure the Location Services setting and the 'Find My Device' setting is enabled in the Settings app, your device will then be automatically be added to your Microsoft account, that will not happen immediately, but it will happen eventually, because there is a widely reported problem with devices not showing up on the Microsoft account online, it is a server side problem Microsoft needs to fix.

Answer 2

For a custom-built Windows 11 PC, there is no need to manually add it to a Microsoft account using a motherboard serial number.

Windows 10/11 devices (except Surface) are automatically added to the devices list when signing in with a Microsoft account on that PC. To ensure the PC appears under the account:

1. On the custom PC, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info.
2. Sign in with a Microsoft account (or switch from a local account to a Microsoft account).
3. Make sure the device is connected to the internet.
4. After some time (it can take up to 24 hours), go to https://account.microsoft.com/devices in a browser and sign in with the same Microsoft account to see the PC listed.

Notes:

• Only Microsoft Surface devices can have their serial number added manually; other Windows 11 PCs cannot be registered by entering a serial number.
• If the device does not appear immediately, wait up to 24 hours.
• If the PC is managed or owned by an organization, it should not be registered to a personal Microsoft account.

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References:

• Manage devices used with your Microsoft account