How to Switch to a Microsoft Account from a Local Account in Windows 10
You can sign in to Windows 10 with a local account or a Microsoft account (MSA). However, you can easily switch between using a local account or a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 10.
See also: Switch from a local account to a Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
This tutorial will show you how to switch to sign in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account instead of a local account.
The built-in "Administrator" account cannot be switched to 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.
For a Windows 11 version of this tutorial, see:
Switch to Microsoft Account from Local Account in Windows 11
Here's How:
1 Open Settings, and click/tap on the Accounts icon.
2 If you chose to Use this account everywhere on your device with a Microsoft account for your local account, then you will need to click/tap on the Stop signing in to all Microsoft apps automatically link. (see screenshot below)
This happens when you don't click/tap on the Microsoft apps only link while signing in to the Store with a Microsoft account while signed in to Windows 10 with a local account.
3 Click/tap on the Sign in with a Microsoft account instead link under your profile picture on the right side. (see screenshot below)
4 Type in the email address of the Microsoft account (MSA) you want to switch to, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)
You can click/tap on the Create one link if you do not have a Microsoft account and need to create one.
5 Type in the password of the Microsoft account (MSA) you want to switch to, and click/tap on Sign in. (see screenshot below)
6 If you have two-step verification turned on for your Microsoft account, you will need to click/tap on how (ex: text) you would like to get a security code, enter the required information, and click/tap on Send code. (see screenshot below)
A) Enter the code you received from Microsoft, and click/tap on Verify. (see screenshot below)
7 Enter the password of your local account you are switching from, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshots below)
8 If you do not currently have a PIN, then click/tap on Next to add one, enter New PIN, Confirm PIN, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshots below)
9 If you do currently have a PIN, click/tap on Next, and enter your PIN. (see screenshots below)
10 You have now been switched to sign in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account (MSA). (see screenshot below)
That's it,
Shawn Brink
Related Tutorials
- How to Allow or Block Microsoft Accounts in Windows 10
- How to Add a Local Account or Microsoft Account in Windows 10
- How to Switch to a Local Account from a Microsoft Account in Windows 10
- How to Check if User is a Local Account or Microsoft Account in Windows 10
- How to Change Account Type of Users in Windows 10
- How to Add or Remove Aliases for your Microsoft Account
- How to Change the Primary Alias for your Microsoft Account
- How to Remove Devices from your Microsoft Account
- How to Link your Microsoft Account to Windows 10 Activation Digital License
- How to Add or Remove Users from Groups in Windows 10
- How to Change User Name of Account in Windows 10