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Seeing the Microsoft account problem pop-up message. Scam or Not?

I just logged onto my laptop I have windows 10. I had a pop-up message saying-

"Microsoft account problem. We need to fix your microsoft account. (Most likely your password changed). select here to fix it in shared experiences settings."

I do not know if this is a scam or it is an authentic microsoft message. I do know I did not change my password at all. I don't even do anything in shared experiences because I do not share things like that. So my question is 1) Is it a scam or authentic, 2) how do I fix it?

I see that this same question was asked last year but did not see the answer.   Should I ignore it?

Thank you

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Answer
Hi RR. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Guardian Moderator here to help you.

Not a scam. See here how to deal with Fix Account in Shared Experiences Settings:
https://www.trickyways.com/2019/06/fix-microsof...

More about Shared Experiences here:
https://www.howtogeek.com/303300/what-are-share...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.
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Hello,

That is a legit message, not a scam. It is likely to appear when you made changes to your Microsoft account. 

To fix it, please try these suggestions:

METHOD 1: Go to Settings > System > Shared Experiences. Turn off Nearby Sharing and Share across devices options. 

METHOD 2: Log out and then log in with your local account password/ Microsoft account password again. 

METHOD 3: Run the (No longer available) Microsoft Account Troubleshooter to automatically resolve the issue.

METHOD 4: Verify your identity on your Windows 10 PC.

  1. Go to Settings > Accounts. You'll see a Verify your identity on this PC link, and then click Verify.

  2. Enter the details needed, and kindly wait for the security code to be sent to you.

  3. Once you receive the security code, click Next, and then enter the code.

  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the verification process.

Hope this helps!

Includes references from Maria's post at https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/you-need-to-fix-your-microsoft-account-for-apps-on/a355d0dd-16af-491c-bbf8-58810e4a1f95.

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Microsoft MVP (Windows IT Pro), since 2014 · Windows Insider MVP, since 2016 · Windows Help (www.kapilarya.com)

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Last updated April 19, 2025 Views 195,723 Applies to: