How to set up Windows with a local account instead of a Microsoft account
During Windows setup, when it asks you to sign in with a Microsoft account, scroll down and click Sign in with a local account instead. Give it a simple username, a password if you want one, and you're done. A local account works exactly like a regular Windows account but isn't tied to Microsoft or the cloud.
Windows tries to get you to sign in with a Microsoft account, but you can skip that and create a simple local account instead. A local account is just your computer. It's not connected to Microsoft email or cloud services. You control everything locally and nothing syncs to the cloud unless you turn it on later.
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Skip — I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Thinking a local account means you can't use Microsoft services later. You can always add them to a local account
- Removing the Microsoft account before you've moved all your files off OneDrive. Make sure files are backed up locally first
Signs you need professional help
- You can't find the option to use a local account during Windows setup You tried to remove the Microsoft account and got an error
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