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Fix: Windows 10 Cannot Sign into Microsoft Account

Isabella Shinn
Isabella Shinn

Updated:

Just upgraded to Windows 10 and chose to use a local account when I set up this computer. But now when I go to Start > Settings > Accounts and click on the "Sign in with a Microsoft account instead" link, I keep getting the message "Something went wrong". Net result is that I am unable to sign into my Microsoft account through this method. Please tell me how to fix this.

Can't switch from local account to Microsoft account? Cannot sign into Microsoft account in Windows 10 to use Cortana, Microsoft Store, or any other features? Now this page will show some useful solutions to fix this issue.

Common issues:

  • "Something went wrong" message
  • Password is incorrect
  • Part 1: Cannot sign into Microsoft account - Something went wrong

    Something went wrong

    Many Windows 10 users cannot sign into Microsoft account and are stuck in the message "Something went wrong". This usually happens when they click Sign in with a Microsoft account instead but find cannot switch from a local account to Microsoft account, or try to sign in Cortana/Windows Store with Microsoft account. The causes can be various. I sum up several available solutions you can try.

    Solution 1: Network speed

    If your internet is disconnected or the net speed is very slow at that moment when you are trying to sign in to Microsoft account, it is likely to become the reason why your Windows 10 cannot sign in Microsoft account. In this case, you have to diagnose your network connection and take a few more attempts until you can sign in successfully.

    If that is not the network problem and still you cannot sign into Microsoft account in Windows 10 after many attempts, try the following solutions.

    Solution 2: Create a new local account

    Another reason why your Windows 10 cannot sign into Microsoft account is there may be an issue with your current user profile. In this case, you can create a new local admin account.

    Step 1: Open Windows 10 Command Prompt as administrator.

    Step 2: Type net user <username> /add (for example: net user iSumsoft /add) and hit Enter key to add a new local user account. Then type net localgroup Administrators <username> /add and hit Enter key to make the user an administrator account.

    Step 3: Sign out your current account. Then sign in Windows 10 with the newly added local admin account and then try to sign into (switch to) Microsoft account.

    Tips: This way worked for many Windows 10 users including myself.

    Solution 3: Check Microsoft account sign-in assistance service

    One of the reasons why your Windows 10 cannot sign into Microsoft account is likely because Microsoft account sign-in assistance service is not turned on.

    Step 1: Press Win + R keys to bring up the Run dialog box. Then type services.msc and click OK.

    Run services

    Step 2: The Services window opens. On the right pane scroll down to find Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant Service, and then double-click on it.

    Double click Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant Service

    Step 3: Make sure the Service status is Start. Click the drop-down behind the Startup type and select Automatic or Manual. Then click Apply and OK to save the changes.

    set startup type

    Step 4: Restart your computer and then try to sign in Windows 10 with Microsoft account.

    If this still cannot work for you, try the following solutions.

    Solution 4: Troubleshoot by program

    Step 1: Download the program Microsoft Accounts troubleshooter.

    Step 2: Run the program. It will automatically detect invalid settings on your system. Just need to click Next and wait till troubleshooting is completed.

    Step 3: Once problems are fixed, reboot your Windows 10 and then try to sign in to Microsoft account.

    If this still cannot work for you, what a pity! I'm afraid you have to reinstall system.

    Part 2: Cannot sign into Microsoft account – Password is incorrect

    If Windows 10 cannot sign into Microsoft account because of an incorrect password, things will be much easier. Just need to reset the password.

    (1) If your Microsoft account is tied to your local account, reset your password from https://account.live.com/resetpassword.aspx.

    (2) If your Microsoft account has existed independently on your Windows 10, you can reset Microsoft account password from Windows 10 login screen or by using our software product Windows Password Refixer.