Pc not found.

Question

  Hi Everyone,

When I log into Windows, Got to Settings, Accounts, Account Settings, Manage.... It shows there Two devices (I only have one).

One of which I got rid of over two years ago. Replaced Motherboard, Installed New CPU, Installed New Memory and Installed Newer Version of Windows (From Win10 Pro 64 bit - Win 11 Pro 64 bit).

The other device it shows there is one that I have NEVER SEEN NOR HEARD OF BEFORE.

Do you think that any of these things would pose a problem?

Except for the occassional (Some of your settngs may be controlled by your Organization message), I don'thave any, except for that little thing about the PC that I've been using for the past two years doesn't exist.

Strange!

Answer 1

Hi!

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

I've seen cases where Microsoft assigned a generic or unexpected device name and the user assumed it was another machine. There is a chance that your current PC is signed into your Microsoft account, but isn't registered as a device. That's why I need help to get additional information.

Go ahead and check Settings → Accounts → Your info. Can you tell me if it says Microsoft account or Local account?

Also check, Settings → Accounts → Email & accounts and verify your Microsoft account is listed there.

I also need few more details so I can narrow down the issue further.

Can I also ask what is the exact name of the mysterious device?

Is Windows activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account (Settings → System → Activation)?

Answer 2

Well.... that would make a fine answer, Except for the fact that I went in and physically Removed any and all references to the Old PC Information....... Which I just got rid of. And REPLACED it with all of the correct information with the NEW PC which I just built and went through whole setup process with.

Answer 3

The devices shown under the Microsoft account are the devices associated with that account, not necessarily the current physical hardware configuration. Replacing motherboard, CPU, memory, or even upgrading from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11 Pro does not automatically remove or rename the old device entry. A previously used PC can remain listed for years, and a device name that is unfamiliar can appear if it was ever signed in with the same Microsoft account (for example, briefly during setup or by another family member), or if the OEM preconfigured a name.

These extra entries do not normally cause problems. Windows 11 uses the Microsoft account to sync settings and preferences across devices, but the list itself is mostly for management (warranty, support, finding/locking devices). The occasional message that “some of your settings may be controlled by your organization” is separate and typically relates to policy or management settings, not to the extra device entries.

If a device is no longer in use, it can be removed or left as-is without affecting the current PC’s operation. The current PC “not existing” in that list usually means it has not yet been registered or synced under that name, or that it appears under a different name than expected.

To manage or rename Windows devices associated with a Microsoft account, sign in to the devices page and use the device list there. Windows 10/11 devices are automatically added when signing in with the Microsoft account; Surface devices can also be added manually.

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References:

• Manage devices used with your Microsoft account
• Your Microsoft account, your data, your choices