Failed to add a laptop to OneDrive, serial number

A device does not need to be added only once, but the serial-number method is limited.

• Only Microsoft Surface devices can be added manually by serial number.
• Other Windows 11 PCs are added automatically when signed in with a Microsoft account.
• If the laptop is managed by a company or organization, it cannot be registered to a personal Microsoft account.
• A registered device can take up to 24 hours to appear in the device list.

For a non-Surface laptop, the fix is to make sure the laptop is signed in with the same Microsoft account. If the device was removed, it should be added back automatically rather than by entering the serial number.

If the goal is to use OneDrive in Office apps, OneDrive can also be added as a connected service:

1. Open a Microsoft 365 app.
2. Go to File > Account.
3. Select Add a service > Storage.
4. Choose OneDrive.
5. Complete the sign-in steps for the account.

If the laptop still does not appear after waiting, and it is not a Surface device, use Microsoft account or OneDrive support.

References:

• Manage devices used with your Microsoft account
• How to add OneDrive as a service
• How to add an account in Microsoft OneDrive