One can sign in and use Windows 10 with the traditional local user account or the Microsoft account. Microsoft recommends users sign in to Windows 10 using a Microsoft account to access all features available in Windows 10.
If you performed a clean install of Windows 10 or upgraded from Windows 7 or 8.1 with a local account to Windows 10, you likely know that Windows 10 tries its best to push users to sign in using a Microsoft account. While it’s true that users need to sign in using a Microsoft account in order to install apps from Windows Store, it’s possible to install apps without switching local account to Microsoft account. When using a local account, you will not be able to use a few less important features like sync and OneDrive.
Many users who have been using a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 10 want to sign out of Microsoft account to begin using a local account for several reasons, including privacy.
Sing out of Microsoft account and use local account in Windows 10
If you’re using a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 10 but now like to sign out of Microsoft account to begin using a local user account, you can do so by completing given below directions.
Step 1: Open the Settings app by clicking its icon on the left side of the Start menu. You can also use the Windows logo + I keyboard shortcut.
Step 2: In the Settings app, navigate to Accounts > Your Info page.
Step 3: Click the link labeled Sign in with a local account instead.
Step 4: Clicking Sign in with a local account instead link will bring up the following confirmation screen where you need to click the Next button.
Step 5: When asked, type your Microsoft account password or PIN.
Step 6: Next, you will see Enter your local account info screen. In order to sign out of Microsoft account, you first need to switch to a local account. Enter a name for your new local account, set a password, and then click the Next button. If you don’t want to use a password for the local account, leave the password and confirm password fields empty.
Step 6: Finally, you will see the Switch to a local account screen. Save your work and then click Sign out and finish button to sign out of Microsoft account. You will be taken to the lock screen.
Select your newly created local account and enter the password to sign in and use Windows 10 without a Microsoft account.
