Win 8 Account Confusion

I've not used this HP laptop in 2-3 years and its asking to verify my last MS password
which I understand to be the same as my Hotmail account. So, I entered that current working
Hotmail password and almost locked myself out. And, it's also displaying my Gmail account which I cannot change (to Hotmail). So, might there be some confusion with my PC really asking to confirm my Windows password? https://imgur.com/vsTqB59

 

You are already locked out! It is asking for your Microsoft account password, not a Windows password. The blanked off gmail account is the name of the MS account it wants the password for (strange yes, but perfectly possible), so if you actually do have a gmail account you could see if that password works. As your hotmail password doesn't work it does sound like you have two Microsoft accounts, also perfectly possible. Once this is sorted you need to get organised!

 

Sorry, but, its been a long while since I had used this laptop so I am not up to speed on Win 8.
Nonetheless, I am currently using that PC. I was able to "get out" of that screen and am leery about trying to verify that password again. (Though I did click on some option in that screen and was routed to my Hotmail account where I had already logged in to see if I was using correct password). So, either I mistyped it or its looking for another password entirely.
I suppose I will get back to you if I reboot (maybe later tonight) and am unable to log back into the PC (Windows password).

 

Sorry, I wanted to retell this simpler:
1. I saw the notice the verify my password
2. Went to Hotmail to confirm correct password, it worked, logged in
3. Return to MS account screen, password didn't work, got message
"You have exceeded permitted attempts, you are now locked out" ad lib
4. Clicked out of screen, went for Settings or Support, and was routed to Hotmail.
5. Left wondering exactly what account am I needing to confirm etc ...
Didn't want to try again without seeking some help. Am currently using PC looking
for some answers. Maybe shut down, reboot later tonight.

 

In both Win 8.1 and 10 you can choose whether to sign in to your computer using a local account or a Microsoft account. Both give you full access to your computer but the Microsoft account also gives you access to a range of Microsoft's online services which you may or may not find beneficial. Reinstalling for instance is a whole lot easier with a Microsoft account as Microsoft recognises your computer and will activate your reinstall without you needing to provide a key. However from what you say I rather think you would be better off just using a local account. You make these choices in PC Settings > Accounts.