My PC has disappeared from "My Devices" in Microsoft account

Question

My PC has disappeared from "My Devices" in Microsoft account

Dave Carta 110

As the title indicates, my desktop PC running Windows 11 Pro has disappeared from "My Devices" in my Microsoft account. The PC has always been linked to the account. (I did reload Windows on it a couple of weeks ago.) My worry is that I won't be able to access the BitLocker recovery keys backed up there.

"Devices" in the account has three Windows PCs recorded, but not my desktop. In Windows on the desktop, Settings > Accounts > Linked Devices shows the PC linked to the account, and clicking "Bitlocker information" opens a browser window with the BitLocker keys. In fact, the PC also shows up on another linked system, my laptop, in Settings > Accounts > Linked Devices — just not on the website. My concern is, if the desktop is disabled, I can't access "Bitlocker information" in Settings and I won't be able to access the keys on the website.

How can I reinstate the desktop so that it will show up on the website?
Is there another way to access the recovery keys on the website besides "Devices"? The keys to all PCs on the account are grouped together on one page, so I'm hopeful.

P.S. Another user asked this question last October. The reply really didn't answer the question: how can I restore the linked system to the website?

Dave Carta 110 Reputation points

2025-07-08T05:23:25.96+00:00

My desktop PC is in an unusual situation. It has somehow been removed from my Microsoft account online, but in Settings on my desktop (and on my separate laptop, as well) it appears in Settings > Accounts > Linked devices:

The usual advice for someone in this situation is to remove and re-add the PC. However if I click "Remove device" in the screen above, I get this in my browser:

The PC seems to be simultaneously linked and not linked to my account. Any advice?
Neil D 29,980 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-07-08T10:40:49.75+00:00

That popsicle screen was a problem some time ago for users that had did not have free space on their online account. Do you know if you are close to the 5GB free space limit or whatever you have bought?

Remember the space is taken up by OneDrive and email allocation.

I assume you have Pro edition if you are talking about secondary drives. Go to Control Panel and check BitLocker there. The option to save the recovery key is available and you should really save it in more than one location.
Dave Carta 110 Reputation points

2025-07-08T16:34:39.3766667+00:00

Thanks, Neil, for chipping in...

That popsicle screen was a problem some time ago for users that had did not have free space on their online account. Do you know if you are close to the 5GB free space limit or whatever you have bought?

Nope: 0.1GB of 15GB used. By the way since the desktop PC appears in my laptop's Settings > Accounts > Linked devices, I tried "Remove device" from there and got the same screen.

I assume you have Pro edition if you are talking about secondary drives. Go to Control Panel and check BitLocker there. The option to save the recovery key is available and you should really save it in more than one location.

I've printed all the recovery keys using the link that Sumit provided — the one that lists all the keys saved in my account. (Easier than viewing and printing each key individually from Control Panel.) I'd strongly recommend that link be available in "My Microsoft account"! If a user has only one PC, and it gets unlinked somehow, there's no other way to find the recovery keys saved in their account unless they register another device.
Warren C 35 Reputation points

2025-07-10T03:07:51.4133333+00:00

I'm experiencing the same issue with one of my devices. While it doesn't appear on the Microsoft website, it does show up in Settings > Accounts > Linked Devices. However, the entry seems corrupted, as it reflects an outdated OS version rather than the most recent one installed.

I also performed a clean installation of Windows 11 Pro on the device, and for a brief period afterward, it did display correctly under Linked Devices—including the accurate OS version and on the website. Unfortunately, it disappeared again and now reappears with the previous OS version listed in Linked Devices.

Interestingly, when I add a different Microsoft account to the same device, everything seems to function normally for that account.

It would be helpful if Microsoft could provide some clarity or updates regarding this issue, as it's clearly affecting multiple users.
Neil D 29,980 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-07-10T08:16:51.6033333+00:00

Warren Choisy,

I'm not sure Microsoft will see this in the forum.

You should post in the windows Feedback Hub for the development team. Press winkey+f to open the Feedback Hub.
Dave Carta 110 Reputation points

2025-07-10T21:13:19.61+00:00

I hadn't noticed, but like Warren, the version of my PC that shows up in Settings has an old Windows build listed (10.0.26100.4351 [the June update] when Winver displays 26100.4652 [July]). Perhaps all this kicked off when I reinstalled Windows about two weeks ago.

I'm leery of switching to a local account and back to my Microsoft account to try and correct the problem — I don't know whether it'll try to move my files, or rewrite all their permissions, or what. An "in-place upgrade" would be easy to try, but I don't think it would have an effect.
Warren C 35 Reputation points

2025-07-11T01:10:21.1766667+00:00

I submitted feedback through the Feedback Hub and also reached out to support. Support couldn’t resolve the issue, but they did acknowledge that “an issue” exists—though it's unclear whether that's just a generic response or something actually related. I’m still not confident anyone will be looking into it. As for the Feedback Hub, the report will likely get buried during AI triage.

Dave—just for reference, I’ve already tried switching to a local account and then signing back in with my MSA, but that didn’t help. I also tried deleting the account and recreating it using the same MSA, but there was still no change. If you do try, hopefully you'll have more luck.
Neil D 29,980 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-07-11T08:20:40.1333333+00:00

I think the issue of the incorrect info in your MSA has been visible since Windows 10. I do get the impression that Microsoft haven't given it a high priority.

But the best way to flag things like that are via the Feedback Hub. Whether it gets resolved only time will tell.

I've seen it but don't think it makes any difference to the working of Windows 11. The device missing from account info is another matter.
Yunghsing Li 5 Reputation points

2025-10-25T21:00:12.1133333+00:00

I’m pretty sure this issue started showing up after an update around June or July. I’ve got two devices that both ran into similar problems after reinstalling my Windows.
1btflboi 16 Reputation points

2025-11-27T14:44:28.51+00:00

Same for me but on Windows 10 x64 22H2 with all updates allowed, included extended security after the October 2025 cut-off.
Tony B 0 Reputation points

2025-12-03T20:15:41.4933333+00:00

My went bye-bye also but after the last Windows 11 update, It was first on my main system, then on my gaming system after it updated, then on my work laptop after it updated. All systems where Pro for Workstation. Now if I want to do a fresh install I can't due to bitlocker key not available. I did a backup of my work laptop using a third-party software, then did a fresh install but it asked for the bitlocker restore key which I didn't have and could not get from my MS account, so good thing I did a back up because I restored the drive and OS from that. This issue is a BIG PROBLEM to myself and I am sure many others that relied on Microsoft to provide this feature which we paid for. FIX THE PROBLEM MS or REFUND US OUR MONEY
Neil D 29,980 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-03T21:01:15.6166667+00:00

Tony. If you clean install you delete the encrypted drive and create a new one. No BitLocker key required.
Tony B 0 Reputation points

2025-12-03T21:08:01.5433333+00:00

Sorry Neil D it asked me for one the key when I tried to have everything downloaded from onedrive.
Neil D 29,980 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-03T21:12:17.2766667+00:00

I don't know why it should do that. OneDrive doesn't use BitLocker it's the main system drive that is encrypted.
Tony B 0 Reputation points

2025-12-03T22:07:04.15+00:00

I don't know why either. But this is a major fo-paw on MS.
Neil D 29,980 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-04T10:00:03.9666667+00:00

Tony, I'd suggest you start a new thread about that problem. It shouldn't be happening.

When you ran the windows installation from the boot USB you select to delete all partitions at the Customised install step, I assume.
Tony B 0 Reputation points

2025-12-04T21:32:43.4133333+00:00

Yes I deleted all partitions on the drive. Did a full new install of Windows 11 Pro for Workstation. I will try and start a new Thread if I can.
Neil D 29,980 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-04T22:06:51.8233333+00:00

Have you checked to see if BitLocker has been automatically applied on the fresh install.

Although it still shouldn't affect OneDrive you may be able to retrieve the recovery key from Control Panel.
Tony B 0 Reputation points

2025-12-04T23:02:30.76+00:00

No I have not checked. It is a shame that we all pay for something that they screw up and can't get answers.
Robert 5 Reputation points

2025-12-06T22:17:57.15+00:00

I'm experiencing the same issue with one of my devices. While it doesn't appear on the Microsoft website, it does show up in **Settings > Accounts > Linked Devices.

only my series x console is showing up now under, it my desktop which is a Alienware R16 with nvidia rtx 4080 super 3D card, has intel i9 14900kf processor is now not showing up under linked devices on the website page, it does still show in the windows 11 linked devices, but like the user above if you click on any older pc like my gigabyte z690 which motherboard died on me, it will not allow me to remove the z690 from the microsoft account at all. and under **Microsoft Store device management, some of them are displaying and other are not like blank titles where the pc hardware was or used to be listed, now its showing more than my series x but the ones it shows don't have the remove button on them anymore? so it's being glitchy still I guess. Z690 AORUS MASTER machine motherboard is very died and I cannot unlink it from microsoft store devices at all. alienware is only desktop I currently have that is working right, laptop I turn on once and a while, but currently its using a linux distro on it, and not windows, but laptop will not remove either it seems.
Robert 5 Reputation points

2025-12-06T22:21:36.1966667+00:00

BitLocker I removed that from all my gaming windows desktops, and my laptop never used it, if I want that sort of thing, I would use bazzite Linux instead which has a BitLocker like software built into the installer for bazzite linux deck distro with kde plasma or gnome whichever you prefer runs steam big picture mode like deck version, TPM was very unstable on the z690 and the intel i9 processor either which might have failed after only 3 to 4 years, sometimes it in the bios was failing to detect the TPM 2.0, maybe its i9 12900kf processor with iGPU failure but motherboard seems very died so I don't know which of it, caused the failure where the number codes would not even turn on, memory ddr5 64gb of ram was good, but something on the motherboard or processor did fail to the point, it no longer works. there are still blank entries under Microsoft Store device management, which cannot be unlinked, also died pc machines cannot be unlinked either. other machines show up only to be ghosted where the only pc thing is series x gaming console that is stable otherwise all pc's desktop or laptop vanish from devices page under my microsoft account, I did report it in feedback hub, but the problem has yet to be fixed for me.
Tony B 0 Reputation points

2025-12-07T13:18:06.05+00:00

Yup still no fix. I even put a new NVME drive in my system and Windows 11 will not install. Gets about to the first reboot then a message window pops up saying install failed. Very sad and I just read an artical that MS is going to push Windows 25H2 out to over 500 million users as an upgrade.
Neil D 29,980 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-07T15:23:13.2533333+00:00

Tony, Sounds like you have other problems not related to this thread. If you want help with that you should create your own thread.

Give details about the system spec/make and model numbers to see if others can help.

25H2 is already being offered via windows update as it was for me. I also know others that have received it without problems.

1 answer

Your answer

Dave Carta 110 Reputation points

2025-07-08T05:23:25.96+00:00

My desktop PC is in an unusual situation. It has somehow been removed from my Microsoft account online, but in Settings on my desktop (and on my separate laptop, as well) it appears in Settings > Accounts > Linked devices:

The usual advice for someone in this situation is to remove and re-add the PC. However if I click "Remove device" in the screen above, I get this in my browser:

The PC seems to be simultaneously linked and not linked to my account. Any advice?
Neil D 29,980 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-07-08T10:40:49.75+00:00

That popsicle screen was a problem some time ago for users that had did not have free space on their online account. Do you know if you are close to the 5GB free space limit or whatever you have bought?

Remember the space is taken up by OneDrive and email allocation.

I assume you have Pro edition if you are talking about secondary drives. Go to Control Panel and check BitLocker there. The option to save the recovery key is available and you should really save it in more than one location.
Dave Carta 110 Reputation points

2025-07-08T16:34:39.3766667+00:00

Thanks, Neil, for chipping in...

That popsicle screen was a problem some time ago for users that had did not have free space on their online account. Do you know if you are close to the 5GB free space limit or whatever you have bought?

Nope: 0.1GB of 15GB used. By the way since the desktop PC appears in my laptop's Settings > Accounts > Linked devices, I tried "Remove device" from there and got the same screen.

I assume you have Pro edition if you are talking about secondary drives. Go to Control Panel and check BitLocker there. The option to save the recovery key is available and you should really save it in more than one location.

I've printed all the recovery keys using the link that Sumit provided — the one that lists all the keys saved in my account. (Easier than viewing and printing each key individually from Control Panel.) I'd strongly recommend that link be available in "My Microsoft account"! If a user has only one PC, and it gets unlinked somehow, there's no other way to find the recovery keys saved in their account unless they register another device.
Warren C 35 Reputation points

2025-07-10T03:07:51.4133333+00:00

I'm experiencing the same issue with one of my devices. While it doesn't appear on the Microsoft website, it does show up in Settings > Accounts > Linked Devices. However, the entry seems corrupted, as it reflects an outdated OS version rather than the most recent one installed.

I also performed a clean installation of Windows 11 Pro on the device, and for a brief period afterward, it did display correctly under Linked Devices—including the accurate OS version and on the website. Unfortunately, it disappeared again and now reappears with the previous OS version listed in Linked Devices.

Interestingly, when I add a different Microsoft account to the same device, everything seems to function normally for that account.

It would be helpful if Microsoft could provide some clarity or updates regarding this issue, as it's clearly affecting multiple users.
Neil D 29,980 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-07-10T08:16:51.6033333+00:00

Warren Choisy,

I'm not sure Microsoft will see this in the forum.

You should post in the windows Feedback Hub for the development team. Press winkey+f to open the Feedback Hub.
Dave Carta 110 Reputation points

2025-07-10T21:13:19.61+00:00

I hadn't noticed, but like Warren, the version of my PC that shows up in Settings has an old Windows build listed (10.0.26100.4351 [the June update] when Winver displays 26100.4652 [July]). Perhaps all this kicked off when I reinstalled Windows about two weeks ago.

I'm leery of switching to a local account and back to my Microsoft account to try and correct the problem — I don't know whether it'll try to move my files, or rewrite all their permissions, or what. An "in-place upgrade" would be easy to try, but I don't think it would have an effect.
Warren C 35 Reputation points

2025-07-11T01:10:21.1766667+00:00

I submitted feedback through the Feedback Hub and also reached out to support. Support couldn’t resolve the issue, but they did acknowledge that “an issue” exists—though it's unclear whether that's just a generic response or something actually related. I’m still not confident anyone will be looking into it. As for the Feedback Hub, the report will likely get buried during AI triage.

Dave—just for reference, I’ve already tried switching to a local account and then signing back in with my MSA, but that didn’t help. I also tried deleting the account and recreating it using the same MSA, but there was still no change. If you do try, hopefully you'll have more luck.
Neil D 29,980 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-07-11T08:20:40.1333333+00:00

I think the issue of the incorrect info in your MSA has been visible since Windows 10. I do get the impression that Microsoft haven't given it a high priority.

But the best way to flag things like that are via the Feedback Hub. Whether it gets resolved only time will tell.

I've seen it but don't think it makes any difference to the working of Windows 11. The device missing from account info is another matter.
Yunghsing Li 5 Reputation points

2025-10-25T21:00:12.1133333+00:00

I’m pretty sure this issue started showing up after an update around June or July. I’ve got two devices that both ran into similar problems after reinstalling my Windows.
1btflboi 16 Reputation points

2025-11-27T14:44:28.51+00:00

Same for me but on Windows 10 x64 22H2 with all updates allowed, included extended security after the October 2025 cut-off.
Tony B 0 Reputation points

2025-12-03T20:15:41.4933333+00:00

My went bye-bye also but after the last Windows 11 update, It was first on my main system, then on my gaming system after it updated, then on my work laptop after it updated. All systems where Pro for Workstation. Now if I want to do a fresh install I can't due to bitlocker key not available. I did a backup of my work laptop using a third-party software, then did a fresh install but it asked for the bitlocker restore key which I didn't have and could not get from my MS account, so good thing I did a back up because I restored the drive and OS from that. This issue is a BIG PROBLEM to myself and I am sure many others that relied on Microsoft to provide this feature which we paid for. FIX THE PROBLEM MS or REFUND US OUR MONEY
Neil D 29,980 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-03T21:01:15.6166667+00:00

Tony. If you clean install you delete the encrypted drive and create a new one. No BitLocker key required.
Tony B 0 Reputation points

2025-12-03T21:08:01.5433333+00:00

Sorry Neil D it asked me for one the key when I tried to have everything downloaded from onedrive.
Neil D 29,980 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-03T21:12:17.2766667+00:00

I don't know why it should do that. OneDrive doesn't use BitLocker it's the main system drive that is encrypted.
Tony B 0 Reputation points

2025-12-03T22:07:04.15+00:00

I don't know why either. But this is a major fo-paw on MS.
Neil D 29,980 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-04T10:00:03.9666667+00:00

Tony, I'd suggest you start a new thread about that problem. It shouldn't be happening.

When you ran the windows installation from the boot USB you select to delete all partitions at the Customised install step, I assume.
Tony B 0 Reputation points

2025-12-04T21:32:43.4133333+00:00

Yes I deleted all partitions on the drive. Did a full new install of Windows 11 Pro for Workstation. I will try and start a new Thread if I can.
Neil D 29,980 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-04T22:06:51.8233333+00:00

Have you checked to see if BitLocker has been automatically applied on the fresh install.

Although it still shouldn't affect OneDrive you may be able to retrieve the recovery key from Control Panel.
Tony B 0 Reputation points

2025-12-04T23:02:30.76+00:00

No I have not checked. It is a shame that we all pay for something that they screw up and can't get answers.
Robert 5 Reputation points

2025-12-06T22:17:57.15+00:00

I'm experiencing the same issue with one of my devices. While it doesn't appear on the Microsoft website, it does show up in **Settings > Accounts > Linked Devices.

only my series x console is showing up now under, it my desktop which is a Alienware R16 with nvidia rtx 4080 super 3D card, has intel i9 14900kf processor is now not showing up under linked devices on the website page, it does still show in the windows 11 linked devices, but like the user above if you click on any older pc like my gigabyte z690 which motherboard died on me, it will not allow me to remove the z690 from the microsoft account at all. and under **Microsoft Store device management, some of them are displaying and other are not like blank titles where the pc hardware was or used to be listed, now its showing more than my series x but the ones it shows don't have the remove button on them anymore? so it's being glitchy still I guess. Z690 AORUS MASTER machine motherboard is very died and I cannot unlink it from microsoft store devices at all. alienware is only desktop I currently have that is working right, laptop I turn on once and a while, but currently its using a linux distro on it, and not windows, but laptop will not remove either it seems.
Robert 5 Reputation points

2025-12-06T22:21:36.1966667+00:00

BitLocker I removed that from all my gaming windows desktops, and my laptop never used it, if I want that sort of thing, I would use bazzite Linux instead which has a BitLocker like software built into the installer for bazzite linux deck distro with kde plasma or gnome whichever you prefer runs steam big picture mode like deck version, TPM was very unstable on the z690 and the intel i9 processor either which might have failed after only 3 to 4 years, sometimes it in the bios was failing to detect the TPM 2.0, maybe its i9 12900kf processor with iGPU failure but motherboard seems very died so I don't know which of it, caused the failure where the number codes would not even turn on, memory ddr5 64gb of ram was good, but something on the motherboard or processor did fail to the point, it no longer works. there are still blank entries under Microsoft Store device management, which cannot be unlinked, also died pc machines cannot be unlinked either. other machines show up only to be ghosted where the only pc thing is series x gaming console that is stable otherwise all pc's desktop or laptop vanish from devices page under my microsoft account, I did report it in feedback hub, but the problem has yet to be fixed for me.
Tony B 0 Reputation points

2025-12-07T13:18:06.05+00:00

Yup still no fix. I even put a new NVME drive in my system and Windows 11 will not install. Gets about to the first reboot then a message window pops up saying install failed. Very sad and I just read an artical that MS is going to push Windows 25H2 out to over 500 million users as an upgrade.
Neil D 29,980 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-07T15:23:13.2533333+00:00

Tony, Sounds like you have other problems not related to this thread. If you want help with that you should create your own thread.

Give details about the system spec/make and model numbers to see if others can help.

25H2 is already being offered via windows update as it was for me. I also know others that have received it without problems.

Answer 1

Sumit D - IA 151.2K Independent Advisor

Hi Dave,

I'm Sumit, here to help with your query in the Microsoft Q&A.

Apologies for any inconvenience you are experiencing. I am happy to help you today.

There were some glitches on the device page last week, where some devices disappeared automatically despite everything being correct. I wonder if the same bug is still present and Microsoft has not yet fixed it.

You can get all the keys from https://aka.ms/myrecoverykey page. They remain even if the machine is deleted. That is not an issue.

Moreover, you can also backup the key to a file from Control Panel > Manage Bitlocker > Save recovery key.

I look forward to your response and am happy to work with you until we find a solution. Please keep me updated.

Dave Carta 110 Reputation points

2025-07-07T17:09:48.69+00:00

Hi Sumit,

That's strange. When I reloaded Windows a couple of weeks ago, I relied on the website for the recovery keys for the non-system drives. It was fine then, now not so much. Something else strange: I loaded Windows on another system a few days ago, to prepare to sell it. I used a temporary local account, not my own account, which I later removed. Still the system appeared in My Devices. I've no idea how the PC was associated with my account.

The link you provided works fine; I've also printed out the keys page so I have another backup. It'd be advantageous to have a BitLocker link visible elsewhere in the account for just such an occasion.
Sumit D - IA 151.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-07-10T03:22:43.82+00:00

I apologise for missing your response.

Have you reported this?

Please open the page > On the bottom right > Report feedback.
Chris Laughren 10 Reputation points

2025-11-04T01:49:23.3233333+00:00

I have the same problem. Interesting that the answer to the OP's question wasn't answered. He asked why his Microsoft account wouldn't list his Win11 computer (not Xbox or other peripheral) on his Microsoft account. The answer wandered off to 'How to print off your BitLocker keys'. Please answer why a new computer will not show up on a Microsoft account. I've been trying to figure out the problem for two weeks and I'm about to return this new computer to Amazon because no one will provide a clear solution to the problem. Thanks!
Yalle Prado 5 Reputation points

2025-11-12T00:27:32.1333333+00:00

This answer doesn´t respond to the question of where our devices are. Why can´t I see my laptops listed in my account?

I have 2 laptops, both of them with Windows installed, one with windows 10, another with Windows 11. None of them shows up.
As the same as the answer here. None.
By chance, I can't access my old laptop anymore. I've tried to use the old password of my account and the new password. None of them worked. I hoped to be able to access my device at the website and reset the password or unblock it. Totally Unsuccessful.

Can you please give us any razanable explanation?

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My PC has disappeared from "My Devices" in Microsoft account

1 answer

Your answer