Windows 10: Unable to Link Microsoft Account to Windows 11 Device After System Format

Device: Notebook running Windows 11Problem: After formatting the device, I am no longer able to link my Microsoft account to the computer. I can still access the account online via browser, but all attempts to sign in or link it to the local user profile on the device have failed. I get the error message: "Oops - something went wrong. Whatever happened, it was probably our fault. Please try again".Context:Before the format, my Microsoft account was fully integrated with the system. It was used for system login, Outlook app, and Game Pass app.Steps Already Taken unsuccessful:Created a new loc

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Linking Windows 11 Product Key to my Microsoft account

Hi



Thanks for your reply.

Given your situation, let's address how to find your full Windows 11 product key and the steps to manually add it to your Microsoft account, even though the latter is not a standard procedure for linking your digital license to your Microsoft account.

Unfortunately, Windows itself doesn't provide a straightforward way to view your complete installed product key through its interface. However, you can use the script to retrieve your product key. One commonly used method is via the Windows Command Prompt with a simple script:

1. Using Command Prompt:
   
   • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" from the menu.
     
   • Type the following command and press Enter:
     
     
   • This command should display your product key. If it doesn't, it's possible that your Windows installation doesn't store the key in a retrievable format (this can happen with digital licenses upgraded from Windows 10).
     

It's important to clarify that there isn't a manual process for adding a Windows product key directly to your Microsoft account through account settings. The linking process is automatic upon activation with a Microsoft account signed in on an activated Windows 11 system. The purpose of linking is primarily for ease of reactivation in case of significant hardware changes, not for key management or storage.

Since your Windows states "Windows is activated" without specifying it's linked to your Microsoft account and the 'Troubleshoot' option isn't available, it suggests your system is already activated, but the link to your Microsoft account isn't established due to some anomaly.

Given these circumstances and the steps you've already taken, your best course of action is to:

1. Contact Microsoft Support: Since the standard procedures haven't resolved your issue, reaching out to Microsoft Support directly is advisable. They can provide specific assistance for activation issues and may offer a solution to ensure your digital license is properly linked to your Microsoft account. Be prepared to provide details about your Windows 11 upgrade and your Microsoft account.
   
2. Keep a Record: Once you retrieve your full product key using one of the methods above, keep a record of it in a secure location. Although the product key itself may not need to be manually added to your Microsoft account, having it on hand can be useful for support purposes or future reference.
   

If your system is already activated (which seems to be the case), your primary concern should be ensuring you can reactivate Windows if needed, such as after significant hardware changes. Microsoft Support can guide you on ensuring your activation status remains intact and troubleshoot any issues with linking to your Microsoft account.

 

Unable to add a device to Microsoft account

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



Ideally, when we sign in to a device using the Microsoft account, the device is already added to the Microsoft account. However, as you have mentioned you are unable to add the device to the Microsoft account after removing it. We would suggest you
to try converting the account as a local account and then converting it as a Microsoft account. This should add the device to the Microsoft account. Kindly refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows key + I, to open
   Settings.
   
2. Click on Accounts and select
   Your info on the left pane.
   
3. Now, click on Sign in with a local account instead and follow the on-screen instructions.
   
4. Once the account is converted as a local account, sign in to the account, go to settings and click on
   Sign in with a Microsoft account.
   
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to convert the account. Once the account is converted as a Microsoft account, the device will be listed in your Microsoft account.
   

Meanwhile, we would like to know the following details to assist you with the Minecraft issue:

• How are you trying to install Minecraft?
  
• Which edition of Minecraft are you trying to install?
  

Please reply with the status of the issue, we will be glad to help you further.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

Unable to set up Microsoft Account

Hi CrossFitDerek,

Thank you for posting the query on Microsoft Community.

I am sorry to know that you are unable to set up Microsoft account on Windows 10.

Do not worry, will assist you with the issue.

• Are you able to log into Microsoft account online?
• What error message you receive when you enter the new password?

I suggest you to try the steps provided, in the link below.

Sign in with a Microsoft account:

How to sign in to a Microsoft account - Microsoft Support

Hope this helps in resolving the issue. If the issue persists, do get back to us. We will be happy to assist you.