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wilsonba's avatar
wilsonba
Copper Contributor
Oct 13, 2026

Win 11 Pro - Unable to log in with MS 365 Business Basic account

Good day,

I have a couple of new build Win11Pro  26H2 units that have been setup with a local admin account.

When I go to SETTINGS, ACCOUNTS, OTHER USERS, ADD ACOUNT it comes up with a message stating "Looks like this isn't a Microsoft account."

I know that this is a valid account as this is my MS365 Admin Center account.

Is there something that I am missing on how to add an account?

I had read that it had to be WinPro, so upgraded from Home to Pro.

Thanks for any support that you can provide.

Bill Wilson

device management
licensing

1 Reply

  • MichaelDowdy's avatar
    MichaelDowdy
    Occasional Reader
    Oct 14, 2026

    The issue is likely that Microsoft 365 Business Basic accounts are work or school accounts, not personal Microsoft accounts. Windows may reject them when you try to add them through the wrong settings option.

     

    Try this instead

    Open Settings → Accounts → Access work or school.

     

    Click Connect.

     

    Enter your Microsoft 365 Business Basic work email and follow the prompts.

     

    If you want the account to be used for Windows sign-in, look for the option to join the device to Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD). You may need your organisation's administrator permissions.

     

    5. If you want the work account to be a Windows login, go to Settings → Accounts → Access work or school → Connect → Join this device to Microsoft Entra ID. Sign in and follow the prompts. This is different from simply connecting the account to Office apps.

    Note: Windows 11 Pro supports this. If it still fails, check that the account exists in your organisation's Microsoft Entra ID and that your tenant permits device joining.