Windows 11: Reinstall breaks Microsoft account sign‑in (OneDrive, Store, Feedback etc.)

Stefan Ganev 0 Reputation points
2025-12-12T12:36:44.14+00:00

I have a serious authentication problem on a newly installed Windows system that makes the laptop almost unusable.

This is a clean, recent Windows installation (not an upgrade). There is effectively no update history to roll back to.

I can only sign in to Windows using a local account. Any Microsoft account–based sign‑in (for example adding an account under Settings, OneDrive, Store, Feedback, support) either fails or hangs.

OneDrive cannot sign in at all, so syncing files is impossible.

Microsoft Store fails with an authentication / connection error and will not let me download or update apps.

Feedback Hub and other built‑in apps that require a Microsoft account also fail to authenticate, which means I cannot use the standard feedback and support channels from this device.

I have already tried multiple full resets / clean reinstalls of Windows on this laptop. The symptoms return immediately even on a fresh installation.

Because all Microsoft account authentication on this device is broken, your normal guidance (use Feedback Hub, sign in to Store, or roll back specific updates) is not usable in my situation. This is not an enterprise machine and not using a cloned corporate image; it is a personal laptop that should work out of the box. There is no problem with my personal account, and this is genuine Windows.

Moved from: Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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  1. Anonymous
    2025-12-13T01:13:31.8266667+00:00

    Hi Stefan Ganev,

    Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand that you’re dealing with Microsoft account authentication failure on a clean Windows 11 installation. Please press Win + R, type services.msc and ensure these are Running and Startup Type = Automatic:

    • Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant
    • Credential Manager
    • User Profile Service
    • Workstation

    Also, try to run these commands in elevated PowerShell:

    wsreset.exe
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore | Reset-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.OneDrive | Reset-AppxPackage

    Then restart.

    The initial response might not address the problem. So, if your problem persists or you need any assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Post Answer" if you cannot add comment. This helps me can read your follow up. Thanks for your effort.

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    Best regards.

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