Windows 10: Link Account but keep local password

I recently linked my Microsoft Account to my Windows 10 Pro installation to make sure I don't lose my license key once I upgrade a few pieces of hardware in my desktop.


What I was not informed of anywhere on that settings page, was that on my next log in, I would be locked out because Windows now only lets me log in with my Microsoft Account's password, not the password I set for my PC.


I use a password manager, my Microsoft Account's password is 30+ characters of nonsense, I'm not about to change it to my local PC's password because reusing password's defeats the whole point.


So, how can I keep my Windows 10 Pro installation linked to my Microsoft Account (to ensure I don't lose my key after swapping significant hardware) without having to use my insanely long and impossible to remember Microsoft Account's password?

:)

 

Local Account password changed to Online Account Password

Hi,

I suggest you to follow the steps on how to switch from Microsoft account to Local account:

• Click on search in taskbar and type account.
• Click on Accounts.
• Now, under Your account, click on Sign in with Local account instead.
• Enter your Microsoft account password for confirmation and then follow the screen instruction.
• Enter User name credentials for your the Local account and click OK.
• Now, login to Local account.

Hope it helps.

 

Forgot Local Password

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

I suggest you to follow the steps provided below and reset the password for the local account and check.

• 
  Login in to your Microsoft account.
  
• 
  Press Windows logo key + X key.
  
• 
  Select Computer Management.
  
• 
  Click on Local user and group.
  
• 
  In the right window pane, double click on user’s folder.
  
• 
  Right click on local user account and select set password and follow the on screen instructions.
  

Hope it helps. Do let us know if your issue is resolved. For any further query, feel free to contact us.

Thank you.

 

Local account installation question

I'm fairly certain that Skip this step was available in 10.0.130 - the workaround in Step 20 (back button) is no longer required.

The currently known, as of 10.0.130, ways to create a Local account sign-in are

• Skip this step at the MS account creation phase
• No Internet connection during the install
• static IP (post# 2 by Fragment) - New (to me anyway)