My PC is not listed under "devices" on my Microsoft Account

Anders Lindell 40 Reputation points
2026-01-15T08:23:32.8533333+00:00

I had to execute a factory reset on my PC a few days ago. Everything is now reinstalled. When I log in to my Microsoft Account I can see my other devices listed, but not the PC I had reset (and which I am working on). "Register device" does not help - I receive meaasge that says the serial number is not recognized (this is a Dell machine). I am logged on to the PC using my Microsoft credentials, logged on to Office 365, everything in order.

Any ideas on how to register my PC on my Microsoft account? I believe it has certain advantages, e.g. as a place to store the bitlocker key etc.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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Answer accepted by question author
DaveM121 937.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-01-15T08:59:20.3933333+00:00

You cannot register your device on your account using a serial number, that option is only available for Microsoft manufactured devices like a Surface laptop.

For all other devices, ensure you log into Windows with your Microsoft account, then in the settings ap, ensure location Services is enabled for all apps and also enable the 'Find my Device' setting, your device will then automatically be added to your account online, that will not happen immediately, but it will happen.

There is currently a widely reported problem with devices showing up on the Microsoft account, it is a server side issue, but your device will show up on your account after some time.

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  1. Anders Lindell 40 Reputation points
    2026-01-15T08:44:50.4833333+00:00

    This solution does not work. A) There is no way to contact Microsoft Support. B) I have tried everything listed. C) On my Microsoft Account, under "devices", the only option available is "+Register device", and that results in a message saying that the serial is not recognized. The option "Add a device" does not exist.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-01-15T08:23:43.1466667+00:00

    To register your PC on your Microsoft account after a factory reset, you can try the following steps:

    1. Ensure You're Logged In: Make sure you are logged into your PC with the same Microsoft account that you use for your other devices.
    2. Check Device Settings: Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info to verify that your account is recognized as a Microsoft account.
    3. Register Device: If you still want to register the device, you can try going to the Microsoft account devices page and selecting "Add a device". If you receive an error about the serial number not being recognized, ensure that the device is connected to the internet and that the serial number is entered correctly.
    4. Contact Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance. They can help you troubleshoot the registration issue.

    Registering your device can indeed help with managing features like BitLocker, so it's beneficial to resolve this issue.

    References:

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