If when you try to sign in with a Microsoft account on UWP apps on Windows 10, you receive the error message Cannot sign in with a Microsoft account with error code 0x8000704ec, then this article is intended to help you fix the problem with the most suitable solutions.
When you experience this problem, you will receive the following complete error message;
Cannot sign in with a Microsoft account
This program is blocked by Group Policy. For more information, contact your system administrator.
0x8000704ec
Cannot sign in with a Microsoft account – Error 0x8000704ec
If you are facing this problem, you need to “ Authorize ” Microsoft account on your Windows 10 device. You can configure this option in two ways, namely;
- Local Group Policy Editor
- Registry Editor
Let’s take a look at the process involved in relation to the two methods.
1]”Authorize” the Microsoft account via the local group policy editor
Proceed as follows:
- hurry Windows key + R to call up the Run dialog box.
- In the Run dialog box, type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
- In the Local Group Policy Editor, use the left pane to navigate to the path below:
Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Polices > Security Options
- In the right pane, double-click Accounts: block Microsoft accounts to modify its properties.
- Under Local security setting tab, click the drop-down menu and select This policy is disabled.
- Click on Apply > Okay to save the changes.
- Exit the Group Policy Editor.
For Windows 10 Home users, you can add the Local Group Policy Editor feature and then follow the instructions given above or use the registry method below.
2]”Authorize” the Microsoft account via the registry editor
Proceed as follows:
Important: Since this is a registry operation, it is recommended that you back up the registry or create a system restore point as necessary precautionary measures. Once done, you can do the following:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesSystem
- At the location, in the right pane, identify the NoConnectedUser key. The value of the key can be set to Is 1 or 3.
- Now double click on the NoConnectedUser entry to modify its properties.
- Contribution 0 in the Value data field and press Enter to save the change.
You can now exit Registry Editor and restart your PC. You should now be able to sign in to your UWP apps without the error.
That’s it!
