Cannot login to windows account with windows email

Justin 0 Reputation points
2026-10-14T16:42:08.6666667+00:00

I can login to Microsoft website, can login to outlook, I can login to my authenticator app. But, when trying to set up a user account on my PC I am unable to login to my account. It says my password is incorrect, my passkey will not work, I do not get the text or email verification codes when selecting that option. I had to completely wipe my PC due to a windows issue, and I had my account set up on here before. Not sure what I can do to get it logged into my account.

Windows for business | Windows 365 Business
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Tracy Le 13,690 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-14T17:58:17.5833333+00:00

    Hello Justin,

    Since you can successfully sign in to Outlook, the Microsoft account website and Microsoft Authenticator, the Microsoft account itself appears to be working correctly. The issue is more likely related to how Windows is trying to authenticate during the setup process rather than a problem with the account itself.

    First, make sure the PC has a working Internet connection during setup. I would also verify that the selected keyboard layout matches your physical keyboard, as an incorrect layout can cause passwords and special characters to be entered differently than expected.

    Because you mentioned that passkeys and verification codes are not working during setup, I would check the sign-in methods configured for the account at account.microsoft.com under Security settings. If available, try choosing a different sign-in method during Windows setup, such as Microsoft Authenticator approval instead of a passkey. It is also worth reviewing the account's recent sign-in activity to see whether the device's authentication attempts are being blocked or challenged. If this helps, please accept the answer.

    Tracy Le

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

  2. AI answer

    2026-10-14T16:42:23.01+00:00

    Since the Microsoft account works on the web and in Outlook, the issue is likely with Windows sign-in or account verification on the PC rather than the account itself.

    Try this in order:

    1. Restart the PC
      • If updates are pending, use Update and restart.
      • This can clear temporary sign-in issues in Windows.
    2. Verify the account details carefully during sign-in
      • Make sure the email domain is correct, especially for Outlook, Hotmail, or Live addresses such as .com vs .co.uk.
      • Check for small typing mistakes in the email name.
    3. If Windows says the password is incorrect, reset the Microsoft account password again
      • Use Recover your account.
      • Enter the email address, phone number, or Skype name used to sign in.
      • Choose where to receive the security code, select Next, enter the requested information, then Send code.
      • Enter the code in Verify your identity, select Next, then set a New password.
    4. If verification codes are not arriving
      • Review the recovery guidance and submit the account recovery form if access to security info is unavailable.
      • If Windows offers security info that is not recognized, recheck the email domain and spelling.
      • For Windows sign-in issues related to verification, use the Windows sign-in troubleshooting options for forgotten PIN, password reset, or missing verification codes.
    5. If Microsoft Authenticator is involved at any step
      • Make sure the app is unlocked.
      • Ensure notifications are enabled and not silent.
      • Update to the latest version of Microsoft Authenticator.
      • Check internet connectivity and try switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data.
      • Make sure the device date and time are correct.
      • If authentication still fails, in the app go to the top-level menu and select Send feedback to send logs.
    6. If the problem is only on this Windows installation after wiping the PC
      • Use the Windows sign-in recovery paths for Forgot your PIN, Change or reset your Windows password, or Forgot your Microsoft account password.
    7. If the username is reported as not found or still will not work on the PC
      • Use the Sign-in Helper tool.
      • If the username still is not recognized after recovery attempts, contact support.

    If the account has not been signed in to for more than two years, it may have been deleted and cannot be reopened.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.