How to sign in to my Microsoft account without it replacing my local account?

When using a Microsoft account on your Windows computer, you may encounter a situation where signing in with your Microsoft account replaces your local account. This can be frustrating if you prefer to keep your local account separate. However, there is a way to sign in to your Microsoft account without it replacing your local account. In this article, we will guide you through the process.

Step 1: Open the Settings

First, open the Settings app on your Windows computer. You can do this by clicking on the Start button and selecting the gear icon in the left-hand side menu.

Step 2: Go to Accounts

In the Settings window, click on the "Accounts" option. This will open the Accounts settings page.

Step 3: Select "Your info"

On the left-hand side menu of the Accounts settings page, click on the "Your info" option. This will display your current account information.

Step 4: Click on "Sign in with a local account instead"

Under the "Your info" section, you will see a link that says "Sign in with a local account instead". Click on this link to start the process of signing in with your Microsoft account without replacing your local account.

Step 5: Verify your current password

After clicking on the link, a new window will appear asking you to verify your current password. Enter your password and click "Next" to proceed.

Step 6: Create a new local account

In the next window, you will be prompted to create a new local account. Enter a username, password, and password hint for your new local account. Then, click on the "Next" button to continue.

Step 7: Sign out and sign in with your Microsoft account

Once you have created your new local account, you will be signed out of your current session. Sign in again using your Microsoft account credentials. This time, it will not replace your local account.

That's it! You have successfully signed in to your Microsoft account without it replacing your local account. You can now enjoy the benefits of using your Microsoft account while keeping your local account separate.

If you ever want to switch back to using your Microsoft account as your primary account, you can easily do so by following the same steps outlined above and selecting the option to sign in with your Microsoft account instead of a local account.

References