Getting “We need to fix your Microsoft account” in Windows 10? How to Resolve

There are several reasons why this could be happening

Do you get a “Microsoft account problem. We need to fix your Microsoft account” notification whenever you sign in to your Windows PC? Or, does the error message pop up at random intervals when using your computer?

You’re most likely getting this error because there’s a problem with the Windows 10 “Shared experiences” settings, a feature that lets you easilyshare files between multiple Windows devices. Windows may also display the “Microsoft account problem” error due to file system corruption, or if your PC is unable to sync your account information with the Microsoft server.

Although this error often presents itself after a recent password change, it’s possible to encounter the issue even without changing your account password. Refer to the troubleshooting solutions below to fix the problem.

Remove Unused or Unknown Accounts

Go to the Windows account menu and ensure your account credentials are correct. You should also remove any unused or unrecognized accounts connected to your device.

If the affected account is yours, removing and re-adding the account might fix the problem.

We recommend restarting your computer before re-adding an account you just removed. When your PC comes back on, follow the steps below to re-add your account.

Go toSettings>Account>Email & accountsand clickAdd an account.
Select your account provider to proceed.
Enter your account credentials in the provided dialog box and provide other relevant information to reconnect your account.

Turn Off Shared Experiences

Disabling the “Shared experiences” feature is one easy way to get rid of the “We need to fix your Microsoft account” error. If you don’t own or use multiple Windows devices, you don’t need to enable the feature.

Open the Windows Settings, selectSystem, selectShared experienceson the sidebar, and toggle off theShared across devicesoption.
You should also turn off theNearby sharing.

Windows should no longer display the error when you sign in with your local or Microsoft account.

Switch to a Local Account

Several Windows users were able to put a stop to this issue by stopping Windows from signing in to all Microsoft apps automatically. This means signing in to your PC using a local account (i.e., an offline account), instead of your Microsoft account. To disconnect your Microsoft account as a sign-in option, go toSettings>Accounts>Your Infoand clickStop signing in to all Microsoft apps automatically.

On some Windows 10 builds/versions, this option is labeledSign in with local account instead. If you have no local account on your PC, Windows will prompt you to create one.

We recommendcreating a local accountbefore disconnecting the Microsoft Account from the sign-in options. Follow the steps below to get it done.

Go toSettings>Accounts>Family & other usersand selectAdd someone else to this PCin the “Other users” section.
In the Microsoft account setup page, selectI don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
On the next page, selectAdd a user without a Microsoft account.
Enter the account credentials (username and password) and selectNextto proceed.
You should also ensure the account has administrative access. Click the account and selectChange account type.
Click the Account type drop-down, chooseAdministrator, and selectOK.

Restart your computer, sign in with the local account, and check if that stops the “We need to fix your Microsoft account” error notification.

Update Windows

Make sure you have the latest Windows 10 build installed on your PC. An outdated, unstable, or bug-ridden Windows version may cause some functionality to malfunction. Open theSettingsapp, selectUpdate & Security, selectWindows Update, and install any pending updates on the page.

Perform a System Restore

Conversely, if the error notifications emerged after installing a Windows update or making some changes to your account settings, roll back your PC to a previous error-free condition. You can do this via the System Restore feature—a system protection tool that creates a backup of your PC’s settings, system files, drivers, registry files, etc.

IfSystem Restore is enabled on your PC, Windows will automatically back up your settings and create a restore point every week. Head to the Windows System Protection menu (Control Panel>System>System protection>System Restore) and select the latest restore point before the “We need to fix your Microsoft account” problem occurred.

That’ll undo the settings or bug that’s causing the annoying error notification. Refer tothis guide on creating and using System Restore on Windows 10to learn more about using restore points to undo stubborn system glitches.

Check for System File Corruption

It’s also worth mentioning that Windows may persistently push the “We need to fix your Microsoft account” notification to your screen if some files powering the Microsoft Store, OneDrive, and other apps connected to your Microsoft account are corrupt or missing.

There’s no way to know for sure whether or not the files are corrupt. However, you can use the built-in System File Checker (SFC) tool to check the integrity of system files. The utility can also help fix and repair corrupt system files. If you’ve tried the troubleshooting techniques above and the error continues, follow the steps below to run the System File Checker.

Typepowershellin the Windows Search bar and selectRun as Administratorin the results pane.

That’ll launch an elevated version of the PowerShell console with administrative privileges.

Type or pastesfc /scannowin the console and pressEnter.

The command will prompt the System File Checker to scan your PC’s file system and fix the corrupt file system. Afterward, use theCheck Disk (CHKDSK) utilityto locate and repair bad sectors on your hard disk.

Type or pastechkdsk C: /rin the elevated PowerShell console and pressEnter.
You’ll most likely be prompted to schedule the Check Disk scan if your drive is in use. Pressyon your keyboard, pressEnterand restart your computer.

Restart your computer when the scan is complete and check if that stops the “We need to fix your Microsoft account” error message.

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is another built-in tool for repairing corrupt system files. Read this guide onusing DISM (and other system tools) to fix corrupt filesand get your computer running normally again. Let us know which of these techniques or tools helped resolve the problem.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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Getting “We need to fix your Microsoft account” in Windows 10? How to Resolve#

Remove Unused or Unknown Accounts#

Turn Off Shared Experiences#

Switch to a Local Account#

Update Windows#

Perform a System Restore#

Check for System File Corruption#

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