As you know, there are various methods for logging on to a PC running Windows 8.1/8. If you had opted for logging on using Microsoft Account during the installation of Windows 8 or changed to Microsoft Account log on later, but have now decided that you want to switch back to logging on using the Local account, here is how it’s done. But before that, let us see you can select Local Account sign-in option during installation itself.
NOTE: Windows 10 users may want to see this post – How to change Microsoft Account to Local Account in Windows 10.
Use Local Account for sign in Windows 8.1/8
During the installation of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, after you have selected Use Express Settings or Customize, when you are asked to sign in to your Microsoft account, select the Don’t have an account option. Then you will be offered the option to Create a new Microsoft Account or Sign in without a Microsoft account. Click on Sign in without a Microsoft account. You will then be offered the option to create a local account. Enter Username, Password and Password Hint.
Switch back to Local Account from Microsoft Account
But if you already selected the Microsoft Account option, but now want to switch back to a Local Account, you can do so as follows:
Open the Control panel by clicking on the Control Panel app on the Start screen, click on ‘More Settings’ > User Accounts. Click on ‘Change to a local account’
You’ll see this screen. Enter the current password and click Next
Enter the required information required to log in using a local account from now on.
Click Next
Now you are ready to change to the local account. You will, therefore, be now logged off, so save any unsaved work if any and then click on Log off and finish.
After logging off, log on, you will now be provided with local account login.
You should know that there some benefits of using Microsoft Account log on and it offers some cool features as it syncs some settings across PCs you use. It also syncs settings like browser favorites, history, shortcuts, passwords for the various services you use.
