Windows 10: Switch to Microsoft Account in Windows 10

How to: Switch to Microsoft Account in Windows 10

How to Switch to a Microsoft Account from a Local Account in Windows 10


You can sign in to Windows 10 with a local account or a Microsoft account (MSA). However, you can easily switch between using a local account or a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 10.

This tutorial will show you how to switch to sign in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account instead of a local account.

*Warning The built-in "Administrator" account cannot be switched to a Microsoft account.



Note Microsoft account vs Local account

Local account
A local account is a user name and password that you use to sign in to only a single Windows PC. This is the same type of user account that was used in Vista and Windows 7.

See also: Local Accounts (Windows 10)

• You have to create a user name and account for each PC you use.
• While not recommended, you can remove the password if you like
• You'll need a Microsoft account to download apps from the Store, but you can set it up later.
• Your settings won't be synced across the PCs that you use.

Microsoft account
A Microsoft account is an email address and password that you can use to sign in to Microsoft services and all Windows 8/10 PCs and devices.

See also: Microsoft Accounts (Windows 10)

Some benefits:

• Free.
• Password cannot be removed since it is required, but you can change the password.
• Access, save, share, and sync all of your documents, music, photos, and videos from OneDrive (aka: the cloud) on all PCs and devices that you sign in with the same Microsoft account.
• Download, install, and restore apps from the Windows Store.
• Get your online content in Microsoft apps automatically.
• Sync your personal settings across all PCs and devices that you sign in to with the same Microsoft account.
• Two-step verification to verify your identity whenever you sign in to your Microsoft account.
• You can set limits for how and when your child uses their Microsoft account. Monitoring their activity so you teach them online safety skills.
• Jot down a note in OneNote. Next time you sign in to a device (doesn’t even have to be the same one) you'll be right back to where you left off, no matter where you were, or the device used last time.
• Your Microsoft account keeps track of your Xbox Music Pass collection and playlists, syncing across your tablet, PC, phone, and your Xbox console.
• Use your Windows Phone as a controller for your Xbox console when you're signed in with the same Microsoft account.
• You can Activation troubleshooter if you make a hardware change later, such as replacing the motherboard.

Here's How:

1. Open Settings, and click/tap on the Accounts icon.

2. If you chose to Use this account everywhere on your device with a Microsoft account for your local account, then you will need to click/tap on the Stop signing in to all Microsoft apps automatically link. (see screenshot below)


Note This happens when you don't click/tap on the Microsoft apps only link while signing in to the Store with a Microsoft account while signed in to Windows 10 with a local account.






3. Click/tap on the Sign in with a Microsoft account instead link under your profile picture on the right side. (see screenshot below)



4. Type in the email address of the Microsoft account (MSA) you want to switch to, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

*note You can click/tap on the Create one link if you do not have a Microsoft account and need to create one.



5. Type in the password of the Microsoft account (MSA) you want to switch to, and click/tap on Sign in. (see screenshot below)



6. If you have two-step verification turned on for your Microsoft account, you will need to click/tap on how (ex: text) you would like to get a security code, enter the required information, and click/tap on Send code. (see screenshot below)




A) Enter the code you received from Microsoft, and click/tap on Verify. (see screenshot below)




7. Enter the password of your local account you are switching from, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshots below)



8. If you do not currently have a PIN, then click/tap on Next to add one, enter New PIN, Confirm PIN, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshots below)





9. If you do currently have a PIN, click/tap on Next, and enter your PIN. (see screenshots below)





10. You have now been switched to sign in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account (MSA). (see screenshot below)




That's it,
Shawn


Related Tutorials

• How to Allow or Block Microsoft Accounts in Windows 10
• How to Add a Local Account or Microsoft Account in Windows 10
• How to Switch to a Local Account from a Microsoft Account in Windows 10
• How to Check if User is a Local Account or Microsoft Account in Windows 10
• How to Change Account Type of Users in Windows 10
• How to Add or Remove Aliases for your Microsoft Account
• How to Change the Primary Alias for your Microsoft Account
• How to Remove Devices from your Microsoft Account
• How to Link your Microsoft Account to Windows 10 Activation Digital License
• How to Add or Remove Users from Groups in Windows 10
• How to Change User Name of Account in Windows 10

:)

 

can't switch to microsoft account in windows 10

Thanks for the reply, but you're way to late to the party, you realise this was last year ?

This was last year, way before cortana came out.

I fixed the problem months ago

I got no help from microsoft, I found a different method to fix the problem

All the options relating to switching to a microsoft account are greyed out.

You cant change them at all.

The fix was using MSconfig, configuration tab, Check the box for hide all microsoft services

then click on disable all, then restart the PC, after that those greyed out options are working.

microsoft dont even help on their own forum for this problem after all this time

when solution above has been known about for months.

 

Cannot switch to Microsoft Account in Windows 10

I have the same problem, but the Wajam program is not installed.

Are there any other solutions for this problem?

 

Hello buythiscomputer, *Smile

Continued from: Microsoft Accounts - Allow or Block in Windows 8

What happens when you try?

Please post some screenshots showing what you see.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1...en-forums.html

 

Hello, there is really nothing to show, no error message, nothing, i just click on

SIGN IN WITH MICROSOFT ACCOUNT INSTEAD

and nothing moves.

 

If nothing happens after letting it sit for a few minutes after clicking on the SIGN IN WITH MICROSOFT ACCOUNT INSTEAD link, then you could add a new account as a Microsoft account to use instead.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5...dows-10-a.html

 

Tried it, and nothing moves also, no option related to accounts seems to be active. So weird, on other computers bases on the same install of windows 7 upgraded to windows 10 i do not have any problem.

Thank you again <3

 

It is odd, but I find that upgrades usually have some sort of strange issue.

 

I am logged in with a local account but I do have a Microsoft account. When clicking on the "Log-in with Microsoft account instead" it goes straight to a window asking for the log-in details i.e. email address and password. I fill the details in and click Log-In (the only option) and nothing else happens.
The "confirm local account password" screen, and switch screen never appear and of course the account is not switched.
I am confused.

 

Hello Keith,

While in Settings, does your account show an email address at the top like in the screenshot under step 10?

 

My solution was to restore system using advanced start up options. Just restore to an earlier point. You will loose some programs, but It's worth it.

System Restore Windows 10

 

I cannot restore this computer as it has just been upgraded to windows 10.

Many seem to have the problem, so maybe Microsoft will do something ?

Thank you.

 

You have to start the computer using F12 key , advanced options. It did work for me . Try it

 

You might see if you may be able to add your Microsoft account as a new account on the PC instead.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5...dows-10-a.html

 

Impossible to add any account for me. I tried all.