Can't start Windows Simulator after you upgrade to Windows 8.1 in Visual Studio 2012

This article helps you resolve the problem where you can't start Windows Simulator in Microsoft Visual Studio 2012 after you upgrade to Windows 8.1.

Original product version:   Visual Studio 2012
Original KB number:   2892596

Symptoms

Consider the following scenario:

  • You have Visual Studio 2012 installed on a Windows 8-based computer.
  • You upgrade the computer to Windows 8.1.
  • You try to start the Windows simulator in Visual Studio.

In this scenario, you receive the following error message:

Windows Simulator needs your current credentials. Please lock this computer, then unlock it using your current password and run the Windows simulator again.

Resolution

To resolve this problem, use one of the following methods:

Status

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the products that are listed in the Applies to section.

Applies to

  • Visual Studio Premium 2012
  • Visual Studio Ultimate 2012
  • Visual Studio Test Professional 2012
  • Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows 8
  • Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows Desktop
  • Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows Phone