On a Windows 10, you might notice a big push for you to set up a new Microsoft Account to sign in. When you do this, you’re also creating an email account with Microsoft that you have to use in order to login to your PC.
The problem with creating a new Microsoft account is that if you ever lose or forget the password to that email, this would be the password to your computer as well. Most users set a password for their PC and that remains the password until they go in and change it again. If you reset the password to your Microsoft account, you may forget that will change the password for the computer as well, or worse, if you can’t recover your email then this can lock you out of your computer all-together.
Microsoft does this to push their connected apps and it provides the ability to sync your themes, passwords and other settings across other devices. If you frequently use Microsoft apps such as OneDrive or Office 365 products, then you can possibly benefit from this feature. Otherwise, it’s better to select the Local Account option.
A Local User Account will create your profile as a normal account, as previous Microsoft Windows operating systems do. This will give the PC its own separate password and will only change if you go in and update it yourself.
When your adding an account for the first time, it’s very easy to miss the Local Account option. Follow the instructions below to switch your profile to a Local Account.
How to Switch Profile to Local Account:
- Select the Start Menu and type ‘Settings’
- Find and select ‘Accounts’
- In the left-hand panel, select ‘Your info’
- Under your Profile Image, find and click the link ‘Sign in with a local account instead’
(If you don’t see this link, the account may already be a Local Account.) - Enter your PC password, then select next.
From here you’ll choose a new name and password for the account.
The password hint is optional but it’s advised to add some type of reminder, in the event that you forget or lose it.
Select ‘Next’ one last time and you will be prompted to sign out and finish to complete the switch.
Once you’ve been signed out, go ahead and login with your new password.
NOTE: If you had a PIN setup for your PC, you will still be able to use this to login.
Keep in mind, this will not delete the Microsoft Account that was created and you will be able to continue using the account with any of your other apps.
If you want a professional to do this, reach out to our hourly tech support.
