Switch to Local Account in Windows 10  

Page 1 of 9 123 ... LastLast
    Switch to Local Account in Windows 10

    Switch to Local Account in Windows 10

    How to Switch to a Local Account from a Microsoft Account in Windows 10
    Published by Category: User Accounts
    14 Mar 2024
    Designer Media Ltd

    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.

    Note   Note
    Microsoft account vs Local account

     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.

     Microsoft account

    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)

    Switch to Local Account in Windows 10-swtich_to_local_account-1.jpg

    3 Click/tap on Next to confirm. (see screenshot below)

    Switch to Local Account in Windows 10-swtich_to_local_account-2.jpg

    4 Enter credentials for your Microsoft account to verify. (see screenshot below)

    Switch to Local Account in Windows 10-swtich_to_local_account-3.jpg

    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.

    Switch to Local Account in Windows 10-swtich_to_local_account-4.jpg

    6 When ready to switch, click/tap on Sign out and finish. (see screenshot below)

    Switch to Local Account in Windows 10-swtich_to_local_account-5.jpg

    7 You can now sign in with this local account. (see screenshot below)

    Switch to Local Account in Windows 10-swtich_to_local_account-6.jpg


    That's it,
    Shawn Brink






  1. Posts : 15
    Windows 10 Pro
       #1

    The "Sign in with local account..." option is missing for me (7 Ultimate to 10 Pro).
    Is there a reason for this?

      My Computer


  2. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2

    Hello niksus, and welcome to Ten Forums. :)

    Could be a glitch from the upgrade. If you like, you could add a new local account, and delete this one when finished copying over what you like to the new account.

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5...dows-10-a.html
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 15
    Windows 10 Pro
       #3

    Yeah, you're right - I can create new local account. But I prefer to dig some more first :)
    The "User account" tutorial starts from "Family & other users". It is only "Other users" in my screenshot.
    Something weird is happening for sure.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #4

    What build do you have installed, or are you using retail?
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 15
    Windows 10 Pro
       #5

    Windows 10 Pro x64 v.10.0.10240, from Windows Update.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #6

    It should say Family & other users then.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 15
    Windows 10 Pro
       #7

      My Computer


  8. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Is this from the preview builds, or did you upgrade to the free offer?
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 15
    Windows 10 Pro
       #9

    I just installed it yesterday from the free offer.
    The upgrade was failing in the Windows Update log, so I had to apply "AllowOSUpgrade" registry key. And then I forced the upgrade.
      My Computer


 

Tutorial Categories

Switch to Local Account in Windows 10 Tutorial Index Network & Sharing Instalation and Upgrade Browsers and Email General Tips Gaming Customization Apps and Features Virtualization BSOD System Security User Accounts Hardware and Drivers Updates and Activation Backup and Restore Performance and Maintenance Mixed Reality Phone


  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 23:26.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums