Sign-in & Login Problems

Fix Microsoft 365 Sign-In Credentials Not Accepted on New Computer

Maira Mehtab Oct 7, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to sign in to Microsoft 365 on a new computer because their credentials are not being accepted.

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Sign-In Credentials Not Working on a New Computer

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up Microsoft 365 on a newly purchased computer.
Observed behavior: Microsoft 365 rejects the sign-in credentials, preventing the user from accessing their account and Office applications.

Before you start

Ensure your new computer is connected to a stable internet connection and that you know whether your subscription is tied to a personal, work, or school email address.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Account Type and Test Web Sign-In

Testing your credentials on the official Microsoft website helps determine if the issue is with the desktop application or the account itself.

Sign-in failures on new computers frequently occur because users select the wrong account type (Personal vs. Work/School) during the initial desktop setup.

Open your web browser

Navigate to https://www.microsoft.com on your new computer.

Sign in online

Click the 'Sign in' icon located at the top right of the homepage and enter your Microsoft 365 email and password.

Verify account type

Ensure you are using the correct account type that matches your active Microsoft 365 subscription (Personal, Work, or School).

Sign in to desktop app

Once you have successfully signed in online, open the Microsoft 365 desktop application on your computer and attempt to sign in again.

Verify Account Type and Test Web Sign-In

Tip: If you are using a company or university email, you must select 'Work or school account' when prompted by the application.

Solution 2

Reset Your Microsoft 365 Password

If the web sign-in fails, your password might be incorrect, expired, or locked due to too many failed attempts.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience

If you are locked out of Microsoft 365 or struggling with frustrating sign-in issues on your new computer, WPS Office offers a powerful, free alternative. You can install it quickly and start editing your documents locally without getting blocked by complex account setups.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Free Download' button.
2. Install on your new PC: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the suite.
3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft Office files to resume working immediately.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight installation ensures smooth and fast performance on any new computer.Use basic document editing functions offline without mandatory cloud sign-ins.Familiar tabbed user interface makes transitioning from Microsoft Office effortless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft 365 say my account doesn't exist?

This usually happens if you are trying to sign in with a personal account on a Work or School sign-in portal, or if the email address was mistyped. Double-check your account type and verify the spelling of your email address.

Can I use Microsoft 365 on a new computer without signing in?

No, Microsoft 365 requires you to sign in with an account that has an active subscription to fully activate the desktop applications. Without signing in, you will only be able to view documents in a restricted read-only mode.

How do I know if my Microsoft account is Personal or Work/School?

Personal accounts are typically created by you for your own use (ending in domains like @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, or a personal Gmail). Work or school accounts are issued and managed by your organization or educational institution (usually ending in a custom domain like @company.com).

Login & Account Issues