On Windows 10, if you’re trying to connect to a computer using the remote desktop app or access a network shared, and you get an incorrect password error message, or you simply can’t connect, it could be a lot of reasons for this problem, but it’s most like that this is an account problem and not a connection issue.
If this is the case, switching to a local account and the back to a Microsoft account could be the fix for the issue.
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to resolve the account problem that may be preventing you from accessing a computer or network folder remotely on Windows 10.
How to fix password problems using remote connections
If you’re having problems connecting with remote desktop or accessing a network shared folder using a Microsoft account, then switching to a local account and back to a Microsoft account in the device that you’re trying to access may fix the problem. Here’s how:
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Open Settings.
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Click on Accounts.
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Click on Your info.
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Click the Sign in with a local account instead option.
Switch Microsoft account to local account on Windows 10 -
Click the Next button.
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Confirm your local account information, such as new username, password, and hint password.
Windows 10 local account information -
Click the Next button.
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Click the Sign out and finish button.
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Sign back into your account.
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Open Settings.
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Click on Accounts.
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Click on Your Info.
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Click the Sign in with a Microsoft account option.
Switch local account to Microsoft account on Windows 10 -
Sign in with you Microsoft account information.
Windows 10 sign in with Microsoft account -
Confirm your local account password.
Confirm local account password to switch to Microsoft account -
Click the Next button.
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Click the Skip for now option. Or click the Set up button to create a PIN.
Skip PIN setup on Windows 10 -
Click the Next button.
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Click the Verify option.
Windows 10 verify Microsoft account -
Continue with the on-screen directions to verify your account.
Once you complete the steps, you should now be able to connect to a device remotely using the remote desktop app, or access a shared folder in the network.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].