Windows 10: Change Microsoft account to Local account for logon

Yes that's what I meant ^^^
If you log in the first time with a local user account your user folder gets that name. Then even if you switch that account to a Microsoft account login, the user folder name does not change. You can switch back to a local account logon if you want too. I do believe you have to reboot and log in again so you may not want to do frequently. The only time I ever switch back to a local account is for testing something. 99% of the time I use my Microsoft Account. I'm lucky in a way. My email address is kerry.wat... so my user folder gets named Kerry by default.

 

Well, I made a bit of schoolboy error at first by using the 'sign in with a local account' setting rather than creating a new local user account. When I realised what I'd done I created a new account (although Windows wouldn't let me have the name I wanted as it was close to the old one I presume) called 'Owner', copied the folders across, deleted the Microsoft account, created another local account with the name I wanted, copied across again, deleted the Owner account, and Bob's your Auntie!

It was actually really simple and straightforward, so thank you for helping with this. I have messed around with user account in the past - although not in Windows 10 - and it's always ended in either disaster or a long-winded fix, so I was really nervous at doing this.

These kind of forums, in whatever subject, are such a valuable source of information and expertise. I am humbled and grateful. I don't think I shall ever be in a position of knowledge to help others as you have helped me, but, hopefully, my question(s), along with your help and advice, will be of use to others with similar problems.

I shall, if I can, close this thread, and thank you all again.

Rick

 

"I created a new account ... called 'Owner', copied the folders across, deleted the Microsoft account, created another local account with the name I wanted, copied across again, deleted the Owner account, and Bob's your Auntie!"

One extra step but a good learning experience for you. Now you should see the option to use your new User name with a MS email in the Accounts section, instead of Local, as in my screenshot. Next computer you set up from scratch, remember to use a Local Acct to start and then attach a MS sign-in to it later. *Wink
Close the thread by marking it Solved so others can find it in a Forum search. Cheers.

 

Next time I will certainly remember to do just that ! *Smile

Thanks for all your help.

 

One thing to watch out for when creating a new account is, I do believe the second account created will by default be a "standard user". If so, in this case, you want to change that to administrator. And you want to do it before you delete the only administrator account on the PC. Standard Users cannot elevate themselves to Admin's. An Admin account has to do it. *Wink The first account created during setup is an admin by default. After that though it defaults to standard user.