How do I access a second hand personal computer without microsoft username and password?

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How do I access a second hand personal computer without microsoft username and password?

Joshua Stuart 0

I have acquired a second hand computer but don't have access to the existing Microsoft account to gain access. how do I add a new account?

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2 answers

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Answer 1

Hi,

If you purchased this computer as a used device and you do not have access to the previous owner’s login details, since you are now the new user, your best option is to perform a factory reset or clean installation of Windows to start fresh.

On the sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key, then click the power icon on your monitor and select Restart while still holding Shift.

This will take you to the recovery menu.

Click Troubleshoot > Reset This PC.

If it doesn't work, I would recommend performing a clean installation of Windows instead.

Find an empty USB drive with at least 8 GB of space and a working computer, then follow the steps below:

Click this link: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

Under Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO), Click on "Download tool now."

Run the tool, create a bootable USB drive or ISO file, and deselect the 'Use the recommended options for this PC' box to choose the correct language and edition.

Once the process is done:

Connect the installation media to your PC.
Start your PC and press any key to continue. Click Next > Click Install Now.
When the Windows Setup starts, follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: If prompted for a product key, click 'I do not have a product key' and then click Next.

Make sure you install the same edition of Windows 11 (Home or Pro) that you previously had installed to avoid activation issues.

For a step-by-step guide with illustrations, click the link below and scroll down to the 'Steps to reinstall Windows with media' section, then expand the 'Clean install' option:

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/reinstall-windows-with-the-installation-media-d8369486-3e33-7d9c-dccc-859e2b022fc7

Answer 2

If the PC is signed in with someone else’s Microsoft account and the password is not available, the practical path is to create a new local administrator account on the PC, then use that account and remove the old one later if needed.

Back up any important files first. Removing an old account can delete data stored in that profile.
In Windows, open Settings > Accounts > Other user.
Under Add other user, select Add account.
Select I don't have this person's sign-in information.
Select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Enter a new username and password to create a local account.
After the account is created, go back to Settings > Accounts > Other user, select the new account, then Change account type and set it to Administrator.
Sign out of the current account and sign in with the new local administrator account.

If the goal is to use a Microsoft account afterward, the local account can be switched later:

Open Settings > Accounts > Your info.
Select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
Follow the prompts.

If a brand-new Microsoft account is needed, create one first by selecting Create an account or going to https://signup.live.com, then complete the email, password, name, region, birthdate, captcha, and verification steps.

If account creation fails, supported alternatives are:

use a different sign-up method, such as email instead of phone number
use a different device
set up the PC with a local account first, then switch to a Microsoft account later

Important:

An old email address from a previously closed Microsoft account cannot be reused for a new Microsoft account.
Deleting the previous Windows account removes data stored in that user profile.

References: