When you download Windows 10, the default is to sign in with your Microsoft account or create one if you do not already have an account. Signing in to Windows 10 using a Microsoft account does have its benefits, including automatic connection with OneDrive, you avoid the need to sign into the Microsoft Store every time you download a new app and you can restore your password online if you forget it. In addition, Windows 10 will sync various settings with the cloud, like Internet Explorer settings (history, favorites etc.), installed apps, Start screen etc. so no matter what computer you use to log into all your settings are carried across.

Tip: To change which information Windows 10 syncs with the cloud, type in ‘sync’ in the Start menu. Alternatively access it via PC settings > OneDrive > Sync Settings.

However, what it does lack is privacy. Whenever you sign in using your Microsoft account you also sign into the cloud. So it knows when you sign in and from where, which may be a concern for some people, but there is an alternative in the form of using a local account.  

How to change over to a local account in Windows 10

Click the Start button > click your avatar at the top of the menu > Change account settings.

This will bring up the Accounts window in Settings > the default tab – Your email and accounts will be selected. At the top of the right-hand side of the screen, you will see the email address of the active Microsoft account that you are using. To change to a local account, click Sign in with local account instead, found below your current email address.

This will bring up the wizard page where you will need to enter your current Microsoft account password > click Next. On the following page you will be prompted to enter a password for your local account (at this stage you can also change your username and include a password hint) > click Next.

The final page acts as a confirmation of the process and informs you that these changes only change your local login and not your Microsoft account. Click Sign out and finish button > Windows 10 will log off and back on.

Everything will pretty much stay the same, including all your files, settings, library folders and your pin, if you have chosen to use one.

How to go back to a Microsoft account

Click the Start button > click your avatar > Change account settings > Accounts > Your email and accounts > click Sign in with Microsoft account instead. You will go through a similar process as above and will be prompted to enter your email address, Microsoft account password and your local account password.

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