How to Switch to a Local Account from a Microsoft Account in Windows 10
You can sign in to Windows 10 with a local account or a Microsoft account. However, you can easily switch between using a local account or a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 10.
See also: Switch your Windows 10 device to a local account | Microsoft Support
This tutorial will show you how to switch to sign in to Windows 10 with a local account instead of a Microsoft account.
NoteMicrosoft account vs Local account
A local account is a user name and password that you use to sign in to only a single Windows PC. This is the same type of user account that was used in Vista and Windows 7.
See also: Local Accounts (Windows 10)
- You have to create a user name and account for each PC you use.
- While not recommended, you can remove the password if you like
- You'll need a Microsoft account to download apps from the Store, but you can set it up later.
- Your settings won't be synced across the PCs that you use.
A Microsoft account is an email address and password that you can use to sign in to Microsoft services and all Windows 8/10 PCs and devices.
See also: Microsoft Accounts (Windows 10)
Some benefits:
- Free.
- Password cannot be removed since it is required, but you can change the password.
- Access, save, share, and sync all of your documents, music, photos, and videos from OneDrive (aka: the cloud) on all PCs and devices that you sign in with the same Microsoft account.
- Download, install, and restore apps from the Windows Store.
- Get your online content in Microsoft apps automatically.
- Sync your personal settings across all PCs and devices that you sign in to with the same Microsoft account.
- Two-step verification to verify your identity whenever you sign in to your Microsoft account.
- You can set limits for how and when your child uses their Microsoft account. Monitoring their activity so you teach them online safety skills.
- Jot down a note in OneNote. Next time you sign in to a device (doesn’t even have to be the same one) you'll be right back to where you left off, no matter where you were, or the device used last time.
- Your Microsoft account keeps track of your Xbox Music Pass collection and playlists, syncing across your tablet, PC, phone, and your Xbox console.
- Use your Windows Phone as a controller for your Xbox console when you're signed in with the same Microsoft account.
- You can link your Microsoft account to the Windows 10 digital license (formerly called digital entitlement) on your device. This can help you reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter if you make a hardware change later, such as replacing the motherboard.
Here's How:
1 Open Settings, and click/tap on the Accounts icon.
2 Click/tap on Your info on the left side, click/tap on the Sign in with a local account instead link on the right side. (see screenshot below)
3 Click/tap on Next to confirm. (see screenshot below)
4 Enter credentials for your Microsoft account to verify. (see screenshot below)
5 Type in a user name, password, and password hint you want for your local account, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)
You can leave the password fields empty if you do not want a password for the local account. It is recommended to password protect your local account to help keep it more secure.
If you like, you can add security questions for your local account later to provide an extra layer of protection.
6 When ready to switch, click/tap on Sign out and finish. (see screenshot below)
7 You can now sign in with this local account. (see screenshot below)
That's it,
Shawn Brink
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