Setting up new computer and work account showing not valid for initial setup

Dear Gary,

Good day, and thank you for reaching out to the Q&A Forum.

I understand that during the initial setup of your new PC, any work account you enter returns an error saying the account does not exist. From my research, the most likely cause is the Windows edition on your new PC. If your PC is running Windows Home, it does not support a full “work sign‑in” at the lock screen. Instead, please:

1. Complete the setup using a personal Microsoft account (or a local account).
2. Once you reach the desktop, go to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school.
3. Select Connect and add your work account there.

If you are on a supported edition (Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise) the setup should offer a work or school sign-in path:

1. At the setup screen, connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
2. When prompted "How would you like to set up this device?", select Set up for work or school.
3. Enter your full work email address and password.
4. Complete any MFA prompts if required.
5. The first sign-in may take longer than usual while Windows creates your profile.

If you are on Windows Pro or Enterprise and the work account still returns an error, this may point to a tenant-side configuration issue. Your IT administrator would need to verify that:

Your account is permitted to join devices to Microsoft Entra ID (this is configured under device settings in the Entra admin center).

You have not exceeded the maximum number of devices per user allowed by your organization.

The account exists and is active in your organization's directory.

For reference:

Join Windows 11 Devices to Microsoft Entra ID During OOBE - Microsoft Entra ID | Microsoft Learn

Register your personal device on your work or school network | Microsoft Support

I hope this information helps clarify the situation and provides you with a clear path forward. Should you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always happy to help. Have a wonderful day! 

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