Unable add new MS or local accounts, something is broken

Using Windows 10 Pro, 1909, build 18363.815. It was installed last Feb and I am the only user. sfc /scannow reports everything is OK and so does chkdsk.

I would like to create a local account, and use that instead of the Microsoft account, but I am unable to do so. get the message "Something went wrong, try again later." The same thing happened when I tried to create accounts of any type.

This problem exists for at least a month because I tried to do this earlier, got the same results, and abandoned the attempt.
What would be the proper procedure to repair this?

Try Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade

Found some reports in MS forums that In place repair could fix this

I agree with Andre but I suggest stepping through potential solutions in order of amount of effort & hassle.

Boot into Safe mode to see if the problem happens there and then reboot normally.
Boot into Safe Mode - TenForumsTutorials

- If the problem does happen in Safe mode

- SFC-DISM - TenForumsTutorials
then, if necessary,

- Repair Install - TenForumsTutorials {note that, despite its name, this is a repair procedure not an installation}

- If the problem does not happen in Safe mode

Perform a Clean Boot to Troubleshoot Software Conflicts - TenForumsTutorials

Denis

I tried everything suggested, but nothing worked. It seems that a reinstall will be necessary. But I must say that their convoluted security system horrendous. I only want to drive the car, not to repair it constantly.

MeAndMyComputer said:

"I would like to create a local account, and use that instead of the Microsoft account"
--- Are you trying to add a local account while keeping the Microsoft account?

Thanks for reminder. I checked and it is a local account. I am looking for info on how Microsoft manages one account for users with a desktop W10 Pro and a laptop W10 Home. This is where the answer lies in the mess that exists.

MeAndMyComputer said:

You do not have a Microsoft account.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...trator-account

Again much thanks. I have an MS account but don't login through MS. I registered with the same MS account for both machines, and used the same username, same local account name and password, on both local accounts.
Then, two months ago, MS insisted that I change the local account password on the Desktop??? They were specific about it, and I still don't know why.
Now, I managed to revert to my old local password and it was accepted. So, it's solved. I also did the same thing on the laptop as well and all is OK. Thanks again for bringing clarity, and eliminating my assumptions. . . . all I wanted is to use everything with the same PIN.

P.S: The local and MS passwords are NOT the same.

Interesting. How did MS demand this change? Because it is normal to use the same PIN for different systems

Tutorial: Switch to Local Account in Windows 10

Also check related tutorials by Shawn

And, of course, your local password should never be the same as on-line password. MS account is on-line. Account of your e-mail box.