Re setting up windows from beginning

Dear Mario Freitas,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community.

I understand how confusing it can be when your new computer ends up looking exactly like your old one due to signing in with the wrong Microsoft account.

Don’t worry—you don’t need to start from scratch to fix this! You have a couple of options to reset or reconfigure your computer to associate it with the intended account without losing important files.

Option 1: Create a New Local Account and Associate It with the Correct Microsoft Account

You don’t have to reset the whole computer if you just need to switch accounts. Here’s how to create a new local account and associate it with the correct Microsoft account:

1. Create a New Local Account:

   • Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.

   • Click on Add someone else to this PC.

   • Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then select Add a user without a Microsoft account.

   • Set up the local account with a username and password.

2. Associate the Local Account with the Correct Microsoft Account:

   • Sign in with the local account you just created.

   • Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info.

   • Click Sign in with a Microsoft account instead and log in with the correct Microsoft account credentials.

3. Backup and Migrate Important Files: Before removing the old account, make sure that all important files have been backed up or transferred to the new account. You can use external storage or cloud services like OneDrive to safely move your files.

4. Remove the Old User Account: Once everything is backed up, go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users. Select the old account (the one associated with the wrong Microsoft account), and click Remove.

This method allows you to seamlessly switch to the correct account without having to reset or reinstall Windows.

Option 2: Reset the Computer via OOBE (Out-of-Box Experience)

If you prefer to start fresh and reset the computer from scratch, you can reset it from the OOBE boot screen:

1. Reset Your PC: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC. Choose whether to Keep my files or Remove everything, depending on your preference.

2. Sign In with the Correct Account During Setup: After the reset, you will be taken through the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) setup. When prompted to sign in, use the correct Microsoft account to avoid syncing settings from the previous account.

This process will ensure your new computer is set up independently of your old one, and you can choose to either keep your personal files or start with a completely clean slate.

You have the flexibility to either switch to the correct Microsoft account by creating a new local account or completely reset the computer from OOBE if you want a fresh start. Make sure to back up important files before making any changes.

Please let me know if you need further clarification or assistance with these steps!

Best Regards,

Martin | Microsoft Community Support Specialist