How to switch to a local account from a Microsoft account on Windows 10

Although Windows 10 allows you to choose from a Microsoft account or traditional local account through the out-of-box experience (OOBE) or Settings app, the experience has been designed to lure users into selecting the Microsoft account option.

The reason behind this approach is that using a Microsoft account lets you access additional benefits, including the ability to sync settings, passwords, themes, and files across devices. You can manage various aspects of your computer, such as update personal information, reset the account password, and find a device if it's lost or stolen.

However, this is not an account type that everyone wants to use. If you mistakenly created a Microsoft account on Windows 10, or you just don't want to use one, there's an option within the Settings app to switch to a local account without having to start from scratch.

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the steps to switch to a local account from a Microsoft account using the Settings app.

How to switch to local account using Settings

To switch to a local account from a Microsoft account on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Click on Your info.
  4. Click the Sign in with a local account instead option.

  1. Type your current Microsoft account password.

  1. Click the Next button.
  2. Type a new name for your account.
  3. Create a new password.
  4. Type a hint that will help you to remember your password in case you forget it.

  1. Click the Sign out and finish button.

  1. Sign back into your account.Quick tip: If you had a PIN previously configured, you can still use it to sign in without having to enter a complex password.

Once you complete these steps, your Windows 10 account will be disconnected from your Microsoft account, and it will switch to the traditional local account style. Using this method, your Microsoft account credentials will continue to be available on the device to sign you into various services as required automatically.

How to remove Microsoft account data from Windows 10

If you're switching to a local account, and you don't want to keep your Microsoft account information on your computer, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Click on Email & accounts.
  4. Under the "Accounts used by other apps" section, select the Microsoft account that you want to delete.
  5. Click the Remove button.

  1. Click the Yes button.

After completing these steps, restart your computer to completely remove your Microsoft account information from your device.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.