Fresh install, logging in problem

Question

The fresh install on a new PC running Windows 11 Pro is confusing me.
In Settings, Accounts I need to Sign in, and I can enter the email address and password without a problem, but then I'm asked for the password again.

I've tried the Microsoft Account password a second time, but it's incorrect. When I use the Account Password, I get this:

Am I being a complete biff? I tried the PIN too, but that didn't work.

A bit of guidance would be appreciated.

Thank you :-)

Answer 1

You’re probably just running into a Windows 11 quirk. The first login uses your Microsoft account password, but the second prompt in Settings usually expects your PIN, not the same password again. If the PIN doesn’t work, use Sign-in options or I forgot my PIN to reset it.

Answer 2

Thanks for the responses, they are appreciated.

The situation is resolved, although I'm not sure how - except I had to do a Restore Point and, when setting it all up again, the process went smoothly. Sorry I didn't amend this thread accordingly.

I did use my Microsoft account details for the first login, but nothing worked on the second layer. It has been suggested this was because the PC had never seen the password (I used Authenticator to prove who I was) so it wouldn't have a saved password to compare it to.

Still, all sorted now, thank you.

Answer 3

Hi Peter Newman,

Thank you for posting your question here!

What is happening here is that the first sign in uses your Microsoft account password, but the second prompt is actually asking Windows to verify the existing local account that was created during setup, not the Microsoft account again. At this stage Windows expects the local account password created during initial setup, and the PIN will not work until the Microsoft account is fully linked. If you do not remember that local password, the simplest path forward is to sign out, confirm whether the account is still local under Settings Accounts Your info, and if needed create a new local admin account and then add the Microsoft account from there.

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Best Regards,

Angelique P.