Password Problem at Start Up

I downloaded/installed Windows 10 yesterday. Everything went smoothly and it was up and running in under 30 minutes.


The only problem appeared to be that the desktop icons were jumbled up. I then discovered that VPN wouldn't work. Everything else appears to be working OK.


The big problem was the following morning! I started the computer and it asked me, not for my normal PC password, but for my Microsoft password! I had no idea what this was - it was written down on my PC! Fortunately my laptop is still Windows 7 and I managed to request a new password which I used to log in to the PC.


Maybe if I had disconnected from the internet, it would have reverted to the PC password. I didn't try that.


Just a warning to everyone - make sure you write down, on paper, your Microsoft password in case the same thing happens to you.

If you upgraded from Windows 7, then this is indeed something you wouldn't expect. :)

Since Windows 8, you have the option of using a Local Account or Microsoft Account to logon. However, if you want to use the Windows app store, you do need to logon with your Microsoft Account, because they need to register every app you install to your account.

...make sure you write down, on paper, your Microsoft password...

Great advice.
I'll bet there are tens of thousands of people who found themselves in your situation.

If you are stuck with a Microsoft account and want to switch back to a
normal way of accessing your computer, then here's how...

Click the Start button, then Settings.
Open "Accounts." Under "Your account" select the option to "Sign in with a local account instead."
That opens a "Switch to a local account" window that asks you to verify your current Microsoft account password.
Click "Next."
In the next window, enter a user name (and password if you want to) for your new local account.
Click "Next."

Changes will be apparent the next time you start your computer.