Computer not linked in Microsoft

Question

When I sign into microsoft my other computer is linked but not this one. I have had this computer for 5 years. When I try to add the serial number it says there is no match. How do I add this computer.

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John!

Just to clarify, are you trying to add the device on the Microsoft account devices page online?

If so, that page mainly recognizes Surface, Xbox, and some Microsoft-branded accessories. It often does not recognize serial numbers from third-party PC devices, which can cause the “serial number not recognized” message.

Also, for most Windows PCs, you don’t need to manually register the device. The device is usually added automatically to your Microsoft account once you sign in with your Microsoft account in Settings on the device. You can check this on your PC: Go to Settings. > Click Accounts. > Make sure you are signed in with your Microsoft account.

After that, the device should automatically appear on the Microsoft Devices page after some time.

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Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 2

For a Windows 11 home device, the computer is normally added to the Microsoft account automatically when signing in with that Microsoft account on the device. Manual serial-number registration is only supported for Microsoft Surface devices.

To get this PC to appear under the Microsoft account devices list:

1. Make sure the device is running Windows 10 or Windows 11.
2. Sign in to Windows on this PC with the same Microsoft account used on the other computer (not a local account).
3. After signing in, go to https://account.microsoft.com/devices and sign in with the same Microsoft account.
4. Wait up to 24 hours for the device to show in the list.

Manual add by serial number will fail for non-Surface Windows PCs, which is why “no match” appears. Only Surface devices can be registered by entering a serial number.

If the PC is managed or owned by an organization (work or school), it should not be registered to a personal Microsoft account and should not be renamed.

If after 24 hours the device still does not appear and it is a Surface device, use the Register device option at https://account.microsoft.com/devices and enter the Surface serial number. If it is not a Surface device, there is no supported way to add it manually beyond signing in with the Microsoft account on the device.

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References:

• Manage devices used with your Microsoft account