Fix: ‘Another user on this device uses this Microsoft account’ issue

If you want to know how to Fix ‘Another user on this device uses this Microsoft account’ issue. You’re attempting to log into your Windows gadget using a Microsoft account, but you encounter an error message stating “a different user on this machine is utilizing this Microsoft account.” You are confident that the account is not currently logged into the device, so why is Windows generating an error message?

Even though this error is meant to protect your device, it can sometimes go too far and lock you out. There are many ways to fix this mistake, which is good news. Let’s start by figuring out what’s wrong and then look at what we can do to fix it. The “another user on this device uses this Microsoft account” error message appears when you try to sign in to a Microsoft account on a device that already has a user signed in with the same account. This can happen if you share a computer with other people or if you try to log in from a different device.

Causes ‘Another user on this device uses this Microsoft account’ issue

• The same Microsoft account is already being used by another person on the device. This can happen if you have more than one user on the device and one of them is signed in to the same Microsoft account as you.
• A different device is linked to the Microsoft account. This can happen if you signed in to the same Microsoft account on another device and that device is still signed in.

• The account with Microsoft is locked. This can happen if you forgot your password or if someone else got into your account.
• The Microsoft account is having some trouble. This can happen if there is a problem with Microsoft’s servers or if your internet connection isn’t working right.

Fixed: ‘Another user on this device uses this Microsoft account’ issue

Check for Existing Accounts

1. Access the Windows device using the Microsoft account linked to it.
2. Open the “Settings” app by clicking the gear-shaped icon on the Start menu.
3. Select “Accounts.” in Settings.
4. Check “Your info,” if the Microsoft account is signed in. If so, sign out.

Use the Registry Editor

1. Start the “Start” menu and look for “Registry Editor” in the search box.
2. Start the app called Registry Editor.
3. Move through HKEY_USERS > in the pane on the left.DEFAULT > Microsoft > Software > IdentityCRL > StoredIdentities.
4. When StoredIdentities is expanded, logged-in Microsoft accounts can be seen.
5. Right–click on the account you want to delete and choose “Delete.”

Sign in with the Primary Account

1. Start menu access is via the Start button.
2. Select your profile picture at the top of the Start menu.
3. Select “Change account settings.”
4. Enter the primary Microsoft account credentials under “Sign in with a Microsoft account instead”.

Remove the Device from Microsoft Account

1. Go to the Official website for your Microsoft account.
2. Sign in with your account information.
3. Go to the tab called “Devices.”
4. Choose the device you want to use to sign in.
5. Find the Remove link for that device and click on it.
6. There will be a confirmation message. Mark the box that says “I’m ready to remove this device.”
7. Click the “Take Away” button.
8. Start up the device that Microsoft took off your account.
9. After the device restarts, try to sign in to your Microsoft account.

Update Windows and Apps

1. Press Win+I to open Settings.
2. Click Update & Security.
3. Check Windows Update for updates. Upgrade if available.
4. Update installed apps via Microsoft Store or their websites.

Manage User Accounts

1. Open the Start menu by clicking Start.
2. Select your profile picture at the top of the Start menu.
3. Select “Change account settings.”
4. Delete “Family & other users” and “Add someone else to this PC.”
5. Add secondary Microsoft accounts or create new ones using the prompts.

FAQs