I cannot login to my own computer due to microsoft

joseph moore 0 Reputation points
2026-03-04T21:37:49.45+00:00

I am in my 80's. No one will talk with me at Microsoft. I cannot change the password on my computer login. I do not want to have to keep changing my password. I have a home PC. As of tomorrow you will lock me out and I will not be able to get in. It keeps saying my domain is unknown. I think can explain that. YOUR VOCIE MAI PRMPTS DO NTO HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am thinking of going on Boston TV where I have an "in" and having them broadcast this as a case to be solved.

Joe Moore

Microsoft 365 and Office | Other
0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-03-04T21:38:08.17+00:00

    The message “domain is unknown” usually means the PC is trying to sign in with a work/school (domain) account instead of a personal Microsoft account or local account. To avoid being locked out and to get direct help, use these steps:

    1. Use the Microsoft account sign‑in helper
      • On another device (phone, tablet, or another PC), go to the Sign‑in Helper: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2214157
      • Enter the email address or mobile number used with the PC.
      • Follow the steps it gives. It will detect common sign‑in problems and tell what to do next.
    2. If the password is not accepted or the username/domain looks wrong
      • If the PC is asking for a domain account but this is a home PC, it should normally use either:
        • A Microsoft account (like ******@outlook.com, ******@hotmail.com, etc.), or
        • A local account (just a name, no @ sign, no domain).
      • If the Microsoft account password is not working, use Recover your account:
        • Go to https://account.live.com/password/reset (Recover your account) from another device.
        • Enter the email, phone number, or Skype name used to sign in.
        • Choose where to receive the security code (phone, alternate email), enter the code, and set a new password.
      • After resetting the password, try signing in on the PC again with the full Microsoft email address and the new password.
    3. If the username is not recognized or “account doesn’t exist”
      • If the PC or web page says “We couldn’t find an account with that username” or similar, use the Sign‑in Helper again: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2214157
      • If the username has stopped working, follow the steps in My username and password have stopped working:
        • Use the Recover your account link and try any other email alias or phone number that might be on the account.
    4. If this is actually a work/school account (domain) and not a home account
      • If the PC really belongs to a company or school and uses a work or school (Entra ID) account, the password reset must be done by the organization:
    5. If still unable to sign in and need a real person
      • Use another account (or create a new free Microsoft account) on another device and go to Contact Support as described in the context:
        • Go to the Microsoft Support contact page.
        • Type “recover account” or “can’t sign in” and choose Get help.
        • Scroll down and choose Contact Support.
        • Select Products and Services → Microsoft 365 and Office → Manage Account Security → Chat with a support agent in your web browser.
      • A support agent can then walk through the recovery steps and help clarify whether the PC is using a home Microsoft account, a local account, or a work/school domain account.
    6. To avoid frequent password changes on a home PC
      • Once access is restored, sign in to the Microsoft account and review security settings:
      • For a home PC, there is no requirement to change the password on a schedule unless a work/school policy is applied. If the PC is joined to a work/school domain by mistake, an IT professional may need to remove it from that domain so it behaves like a normal home computer again.

    If none of these steps work and the PC still insists on a domain sign‑in, local technical help (a trusted technician who can visit in person) may be needed to check whether the device is joined to a domain and, if appropriate, switch it back to a local or Microsoft account sign‑in.

    References:

    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.