Fix No Applicable Devices Linked to Microsoft Account

If you see “You don’t have any applicable devices linked to your Microsoft account” when trying to install apps, manage devices, or use parental controls, the fix is to sign in to the Microsoft Store with the same account you used on the device, or to link the device to your account in Windows Settings. This article explains why the message appears, how to resolve it on Windows 10/11, Xbox, and the web, and what to do when the usual steps don’t work.

Background: Why the Message Appears

Microsoft ties app purchases, device management, and family features to a single Microsoft account. When you buy an app from the Store, the license is stored on your account, not on the device. The “no applicable devices” error typically occurs when:

You are signed in to the Store with a different account than the one used to purchase the app.
The device was never linked to your Microsoft account (common on shared or work PCs).
You are trying to install an app on a device that doesn’t meet the app’s system requirements.
The device was removed from your account’s trusted devices list.

Microsoft’s device linking is designed to prevent piracy and enforce licensing, but it can be confusing when you legitimately own the app and just want to put it on another PC.

How Device Linking Works

On Windows 10 and 11, a device is “linked” to your Microsoft account when you sign in with that account in the Settings > Accounts > Your info section. This is different from merely using a local account or signing in to apps individually. The Store checks your account’s device list before allowing installs of paid or previously purchased content.

For Xbox consoles, the console is linked to the account that is set as the “home” console. On the web, you can view and manage linked devices by going to account.microsoft.com/devices and signing in. There you’ll see every PC, Xbox, and Surface that has been associated with your account.

How to Fix It on Windows 10/11

Follow these steps in order. Most users will be fixed by step 1 or 2.

Check the Store account: Open Microsoft Store, click your profile icon, and verify the email shown. If it’s not the account you used to buy the app, sign out and sign in with the correct one.
Link the device in Settings: Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info. If you see “Local account” under your name, click “Sign in with a Microsoft account instead” and enter your credentials. This links the PC to your account.
Run the Store app troubleshooter: In Windows Settings, go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run “Windows Store Apps.” This can fix corrupted cache or permission issues.
Reset the Store cache: Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. The Store will open with a fresh cache.
Re-register the Store app: Open PowerShell as administrator and run Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}. This re-installs the Store without losing your data.

After any of these steps, restart the PC and try installing the app again.

Fixing It on Xbox and the Web

For Xbox consoles, the error usually appears when you try to install a game on a console that isn’t your home console. To fix it:

Go to Settings > General > Personalization > My home Xbox and set it as your home console. This links the console to your account.
If you have multiple consoles, only one can be your home Xbox at a time. You can switch up to five times per year.

On the web, if you’re trying to install to a remote device via account.microsoft.com/devices, make sure the device is listed and shows “Linked.” If it’s not, sign in to that device with your Microsoft account and then refresh the web page.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One frequent misunderstanding is that signing in to the Store with your account is enough. In reality, the device must be linked at the Windows level. If you use a local account and only sign in to the Store, the device won’t appear in your account’s device list.

Another issue is that some apps are only licensed for one device or for a specific device family (e.g., Windows 10 vs. Xbox). Even if the device is linked, you may see the error if the app doesn’t support that platform. Check the app’s store page for “Works on” info.

Also, if you recently changed your Microsoft account password, the device might be temporarily unlinked. Sign out of all Microsoft apps and sign back in.

When You Still Can’t Fix It

If you’ve tried all the above and still get the error, the problem may be on Microsoft’s side. Some users have reported that the device list on the web is stale and doesn’t refresh immediately. Wait a few hours and check again.

You can also try removing the device from account.microsoft.com/devices and then signing in to it again. This forces a fresh link.

If the app was purchased by a different account (e.g., a family member), you’ll need to sign in with that account or use family sharing. Microsoft allows family members to share Store purchases, but the app must support it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does it say “no applicable devices” when I just bought a new PC?

Your new PC hasn’t been linked to your Microsoft account yet. Sign in with your Microsoft account in Windows Settings (not just the Store) and then try the install again. The link usually happens instantly, but a restart can help.

Can I link multiple devices to my Microsoft account?

Yes, you can link up to 10 devices to your account. However, for Xbox, only one console can be your “home” Xbox at a time. For PCs, all devices you sign in with your account are linked.

Does this error mean my account is banned or compromised?

No. It’s a licensing issue, not a security flag. Your account is fine. The error simply means the device you’re using isn’t associated with your account, or the app isn’t compatible with that device type.

I’m using a work or school PC. Can I link it to my personal Microsoft account?

Yes, but only if you have administrator rights. If the PC is managed by your organization, they may have disabled linking to personal accounts. In that case, you’ll need to ask your IT admin to allow it or use a personal device.

How do I unlink a device from my Microsoft account?

Go to account.microsoft.com/devices, sign in, find the device, and click “Remove.” This will unlink it. You can later link it again by signing in on that device.

Will I lose my apps if I unlink a device?

No. Your app licenses are tied to your account, not the device. You can reinstall them on any linked device. Unlinking only prevents that device from accessing your purchases until it’s re-linked.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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