How to set up a new microsoft account on a donated surfacepro

Hi Mary,

Thanks for reaching out totally get how annoying it is when you're setting up your Surface Pro and suddenly hit a wall with the birthdate field. You're not alone in this, and I’ve got your back.

This issue usually pops up when Windows thinks you're setting up a child account (under 13 years old). That can lock the birthdate field and stop you from moving forward.

Here’s what you can try:

Try this first: Check if It’s a Child Account

If the system auto-fills a birthdate that makes the account under 13, it’ll apply restrictions. That’s likely why you can’t edit it or continue.

Check Use a Parent Account (if available)

Head to https://www.microsoft.com/en/microsoft-365/family-safety?ocid=family_signin

Sign in with a parent/guardian Microsoft account.

Find the child account under Family Members.

Click “Edit this child’s personal info” and update the birthdate.

Try This

 No Parent Account? Contact Support

If you don’t have access to a parent account:

Go to Microsoft Support.

Choose “Manage account and sign-in”.

Start a chat with a support agent—they’ll guide you through verifying your identity and fixing the issue.

Last option is Start Fresh

If you’re creating a new account:

Restart the setup.

Use a different email.

Make sure the birthdate reflects an age over 18.

Hope that helps, Let me know if you want help drafting a message to support or walking through any of the steps. We’ll get your Surface Pro up and running in no time.