Cannot sign into Microsoft with my new laptop

Question

I have purchased a new ASUS laptop and am having trouble signing into Microsoft. I have tried creating new passwords but this doesn't work. I am stuck because I can't do anything on this new computer.

Answer 1

Hi Terry,

Thank you for choosing Windows and ASUS as your next device. First, let me help you get to the desktop.

Are you being asked to create a Microsoft account? And you are stuck in that screen?

If so, kindly do this:

https://yourwindowsguide.com/2025/03/setup-windows-11-without-microsoft-account.html

1. Open the Command Prompt using SHIFT+FN+F10 or SHIFT+F10.
2. Type “start ms-cxh:localonly” without quotes and press enter.
3. The pop-up to set up a Local account should appear, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Once it is done, let me know.

I look forward to hearing from you to get the results of the troubleshooting.

A Windows MVP writes content on the above website, so it is safe. However, do watch out for the ads. It should translate into your Browser language automatically.

Answer 2

Try these steps in order:

1. If the Microsoft account password works on the web but not on the laptop, start with the Sign-in Helper tool. It checks the email address or phone number being used and identifies common account problems.
2. On the Windows sign-in screen, look for I forgot my password or I forgot my PIN and use the reset flow there.
3. If the laptop is using a local Windows account first, set a password for that local account, then switch it to a Microsoft account:
   • Go to Start > Settings > Sign-in options > Password
   • Create or change the password
   • Then try switching the account to a Microsoft account again
4. Restart the device. If updates are available, use Update and restart.
5. If sign-in still fails, try Safe Mode with Networking:
   • On the sign-in screen, select Power > Restart
   • Hold Shift while selecting Power > Restart
   • Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart
   • After restart, select 5 or press F5 for Safe Mode with Networking
   • Then try signing in with a password, since PIN and biometrics are unavailable in Safe Mode
6. If there are multiple accounts on the laptop, try signing in with another account from the lower-left corner of the sign-in screen. After signing in, check for Windows updates and review the existing accounts.
7. If the account name is not recognized or shows messages like “We couldn't find an account with that username”, use the account recovery flow and verify the email domain and spelling carefully. If another alias or phone number is attached to the account, try that instead.
8. If the laptop is brand new and no personal data is stored yet, Reset this PC is an option. This can remove everything, so use it only if there is nothing important on the device.
9. If the issue is specifically that Windows asks for a “current Windows password one last time,” that means it wants the current local account password, not the Microsoft account password.

If none of these steps work, use Contact Support from the Microsoft account sign-in help page.

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References:

• I can't sign in to my Microsoft account
• Troubleshoot Problems Signing In to Windows
• My username and password have stopped working
• User Account Access in Windows
• Unable to Sign In to Microsoft Account on New ASUS Laptop - Microsoft Q&A
• Sign into this computer using your Microsoft Account Not Working - Microsoft Q&A
• New Computer Problems - Microsoft Q&A
• How to sign in to a Microsoft account