Message says "The Microsoft account doesn't exist. Enter a different account or get a new one."

Question

I am trying to sign in to a new computer using my Microsoft account. I know the account is valid because it is the same one I am using in this forum. But, I get a message saying "The Microsoft account doesn't exist. Enter a different account or get a new one." What do I do?

By the way, I have no idea what I'm supposed to enter in the "Tags" field below. There is nothing that tells me what types of things I can enter. That is frustrating because the field is required.

Answer 1

I downloaded the Edge browser and I was able to log in immediately when signing in to it. I had been trying to sign in through Chrome prior. Hope this helps others!

Answer 2

The trick with setting up a new workstation with a local account is to not connect your device to the internet
Then you get the option to create a local account

If you have already connected the device to the internet, you need to refresh the OS to get you back before the network connection screen. That being if you are connecting with WiFi, also make sure you have disconnected your network cable. The machine needs to be isolated before you get the option to create a local account.

You can then still add your Microsoft account/services and remain a local admin.

Answer 3

So I went through the motions with Microsoft Support

In my case I was trying to get the user to log into their PC using their Microsoft account and not a local account.

The situation was actually very simple. You simply choose other user and enter the person's Microsoft 365 credentials directly on the login screen!
This worked first time

Next step is to then create another local account
Log in with that one
Then do a profile move

To move the user settings and file from one account to another;

1. Go to Control panel> System> Advanced system settings. Click on the Settings button under user profiles
2. Select the user account from which you want to copy the settings
3. Click Copy to, and then enter the name of, or browse to, the profile you want to overwrite. This will usually be in C:\Users\username, where username is the name of the profile to which you are copying.
4. Click Permitted to use, and then add all user accounts to which you want to give full profile control.
5. Click OK.

I haven't done the profile move yet but I know it does work from past experience.

Not sure why you can't just add the account. I was informed by Microsoft to confirm if the machine was AzureAD joined but I think that's a different scenario.

Hopefully this solves the issue for others!

Answer 4

Like others have said do not use internet when setting up the computer initially. If you already connected try turning off your wireless router or force restart the PC by holding down the power button.

Answer 5

I believe the issue here is that you're trying to sign in with a work (not personal) Microsoft account. Before you can sign into a device using a work Microsoft account, you first have to join the computer to the Azure Active Directory. Settings -> Accounts -> Access Work or School -> Connect -> (on the bottom) Join this device to Assure Active Directory, sign in with a Global Admin account. Now you can sign in with a work MS account!