Windows 10 not accepting Microsoft Account as Network Credentials

Bruce A. Johnson 116 Reputation points
2022-02-26T20:04:20.677+00:00

Help, please?

I have three computers on my home network, all with Windows 10. They all could access each other's files through the network after entering my Microsoft Account as Network Credentials.

I replaced the hard drive in my laptop and installed Windows 10 again. Now it cannot access the other two computers, nor can they access the laptop. When I enter my Microsoft Account info in Network Credentials, it says "The user name or password is incorrect".

What I have done:

  1. Double-checked that I am using the correct password with my Microsoft Account.
  2. Rebooted router.
  3. Connected laptop to network with a network cable.
  4. Tried everything mentioned on Fix Enter network credentials error on Windows 11/10, on the laptop and my main desktop without success.
  5. Created a local account on the laptop with a username & password, and I am able to access the files on the laptop from the desktop using that username & password as network credentials, but using my Microsoft Account as network credentials still will not work.

Another difference I see with the new Windows 10 install on the laptop is that it complains that my "Wi-Fi network uses an older security standard that's being phased out." I guess that is new with the latest version of Windows 10. Before the reinstall, the laptop had errors updating to the latest version. Since the network credentials problem exists also when connected via network cable, I will assume that this is not the cause of the problem.

None of my computers can be updated to Windows 11, so please don't suggest that.

Windows 10 Network
Windows 10 Network
Windows 10: A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.Network: A group of devices that communicate either wirelessly or via a physical connection.
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  1. Bruce A. Johnson 116 Reputation points
    2022-03-05T02:36:10.31+00:00

    Solution

    What I needed to do so that the new installation of Windows 10 (Version 21H2), on my laptop could network with my other computers using the Microsoft Account, was to do both of these steps with all the computers on the network:

    1. Disable this:
    180260-2022-03-04-18-16-15-settings.jpg
    All Settings: Accounts: Sign-in options: Require Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts

    2. Lock the computer using Win+L (hold down the Windows key, and press the L key), and log in using your Microsoft Account password, not your PIN.

    After doing this all on computers on the network, later logging in with the PIN works fine with the network.

    The problem is that even though we are supposedly using the Microsoft Account for logging into Windows 10, when you use a login PIN, the Microsoft Account is not really thoroughly registered for the computer.

    17 people found this answer helpful.
  2. TA 6 Reputation points
    2022-05-08T00:36:50.917+00:00

    @Bruce A. Johnson Thank you for posting this problem then sharing your solution. My level of frustration was Multiple Aneurysm. You probably saved my life. I sincerely appreciate that you spent your time hoping to help others. It worked.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  3. BOUDRIKA MERYEM 11 Reputation points
    2022-05-28T15:40:43.54+00:00

    Merci beaucoup pour cette question, parce que je m'engoissait avec le même problème et ceci entre mon téléphone et mon PC, ça a marché. Merci pour la réponse

    0 comments
  4. Davide Pecis 1 Reputation point
    2022-10-10T14:47:17.89+00:00

    You've been extremely helpful, thank you for sharing your solution! :)

    0 comments
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