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7 Easy Fixes to User Does not Exist [Microsoft, Outlook]
Check all inputs & reset the password yo fix the Microsoft account does not exist error ✅
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
TheUserdoes not existoraccountdoes not existerroris usually encountered when auseris trying to gain access to his/her Microsoftaccount.
It also occurs when an attempt is made to log into a service using the Microsoft ID associated with a Windows device.
The services that require the use of this ID include OneDrive, Outlook.com, Xbox Live, and Skype.
A Microsoft subscriber may be prompted to try a different email address or register a new one and try again.
Many are left puzzled and wondering about the meaning of the user does not exist error: why does it say my email doesn’t exist or why is my Microsoft account not recognised? So, let’s see what can possibly trigger the issue.
Why does Microsoft say my account doesn’t exist?
Ascertaining the status of anaccountis the first thing that should be done, especially if theaccounthas not been used in a long time (more than 1 year).
All kinds of mismatches or incorrect inputs can also lead to Microsoft saying that the user does not exist, even if it actually does, or at least it did at some point in time.
If the user ID you entered does not exist anymore, you might also be trying to use it for the wrong type of account, so we advise extra caution. Aliases are also to be avoided if you want to get to the bottom of things.
Here are some of the most common issues reported by users:
This article outlines a few steps that the reader should follow to fix this error.
How do I fix a Microsoft Account that doesn’t exist?
1. Ensure that your Username and ID actually exist
After the MicrosoftaccountID registration is completed, you can try tolog inagain, and theMicrosoft account does not existerrorshould be gone.
2. Double-check to ascertain the correctness of every input
Make sure thataccountdetails are correctly spelled and that the appropriate characters are used before hitting sign-in.
Try out a couple of familiarusernamesand passwords variation that might been have used recently.
3. Attempt logging in with the primary Microsoft ID
This is a commonerroramong Microsoftusersencountering theerrorunder consideration. They try tologininto Microsoft using an email that is an additional address added to anaccountrather than the primaryuserid of theaccountitself.
If this situation arises, use the primaryUserID instead of the additional address. An additional address is meant foruseraccountrecovery and security purposes.
4. Avoid attempting to log in with an Alias
Usually, theerroruserID does not existdenotes that theuseris trying tolog inusing an Alias.
If by any chance, the email address in question has been swapped with a new one, the original email address then becomes an Alias. Hence,logging inwith the affected account (Alias) will trigger theuserIDerror. To resolve this,log inusing the details of the newaccount.
5. Send a test E-mail to the supposed user ID
From an existing and active e-mail address, send an email to theuserID in question to see if it will bounce back (mailer-daemon) or get delivered.
If it gets delivered without anyerror, then theaccountstill exists, and the steps provided above should be followed to fix theuser does not existerror.
6. Do not use an account name from another type of account
Using an account name from a different kind ofaccountsuch as an Xbox, Work, or School account may trigger theuserIDerror.
Trying to sign into a variety of Microsoft services using an Xbox Gamertag is impossible. A Gamertag is meant to serve as an identity only on Xbox.
Also, attempting tosign into Xbox or the Microsoft account website with auserID supplied associated with auser‘s school or work may not work. So, visit the Microsoft Web page and sign up for a newaccount.
7. Recover your account by requesting a password reset
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Choose from the options provided onwhy you need a password reset, then clickNext.
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Slot in the MicrosoftuserID that needs to be recovered.
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Enter the on-screen character and clickNext.
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In case theaccounthas security information, you will receive a one-time code on the associated alternate (additional) e-mail address or phone number from Microsoft.
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After entering the unique code, you will be able to create a new password and sign in.
A Microsoft account reset will most times be required but before that, check to ensure thatCaps Lock is offbecause passwords are generally case-sensitive.
If there is no doubt as to using the right details andsign inremains impossible, then a reset is what should come next.
Note:Before requesting a password reset, theuserID must have been confirmed to exist by the steps mentioned earlier. Also, auserneeds to request a reset of the primaryaccount, not the additional e-mail address.
8. Fill out a Microsoft Account issues form online
Use an alternateaccounttosign in(if one exists) or sign up for another one.
After registering successfully, you will be able to fill out the form for theaccountthat needs to be fixed.
We hope that the suggestions listed above helped you to fix this error message.
If you’ve come across other solutions to fix this problem, you can help the Windows Community by listing the troubleshooting steps in the comment section below.
More about the topics:Microsoft account,sign-in issues
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
