How to Convert a Windows 11 or 10 Microsoft Account to a Local Account

Summary: Learn how to create and then log in to a local account in Microsoft Windows.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Check out other resources

Instructions

Note: Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. See our Microsoft Windows 10 End of Support Announcement for more information.

When you set up your computer, you were required to log in using or creating a Microsoft account.

If you want to configure your computer to sign into a local account and not sign into a Microsoft account, perform the following steps.

  1. Press and hold the Windows (Windows Key) key, and then press the r key.
  2. Type netplwiz in the box, and then touch or click OK.
  3. Select Add.
  4. Select Sign in without a Microsoft account (not recommended).
  5. Select Local account.
  6. If you want to use a password, enter the New Password, Confirm Password, and Password hint boxes.
    NOTE: You can leave the New Password and Confirm Password blank, but it means that anyone can access your computer.
  7. Touch or click Next.
  8. Touch or click Finish.
  9. In the Users for this computer: box touch or click the Local account that you just made.
  10. Touch or click Properties.
  11. Touch or click the Group Membership tab.
  12. Select Administrator.
  13. Touch or click Apply, and then touch or click OK, and then OK again to close out the User Accounts window.
  14. Press and hold the Ctrl and the Alt key, and then press the Delete key.
  15. Select Switch user.
  16. Select the new Local account created listed in the lower-left corner of the screen.
  17. Touch or click Sign in.
    NOTE: If you set up a password, you are asked for it. Otherwise, you are taken to the Choose privacy settings for your device screen (only for the first time you log in to the new local account).
  18. On the Choose privacy settings for your device screen, make your selections, and then click Accept.
  19. Now, the new Local account is the default account the computer boots too.
    NOTE: If you want to go back to the Microsoft account, select the Microsoft account in the lower left corner of the sign-in screen.
NOTE: You may not be able to see or access any files that are stored locally under the Microsoft account while logged into the Local account.

Affected Products

Alienware, Dell All-in-One, Dell Pro All-in-One, Dell Pro Max Micro, Dell Pro Max Slim, Dell Pro Max Tower, Dell Pro Micro, Dell Pro Slim, Dell Pro Tower, Dell Slim, Dell Tower, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series , G Series, Alienware, Dell Laptops, Dell Plus, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Latitude, Dell Pro Rugged, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations, Dell Pro Max Micro XE FCM2250, Dell Pro Max Slim XE FCS1250, Dell Pro Max Tower T2 XE FCT2250, Dell Pro Max 16 XE MC16250, Dell Pro Micro Plus XE QBM1250, Dell Pro Slim Plus XE5 QBS1250, Dell Pro Tower Plus XE5 QBT1250 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000140161
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 20 Jun 2025
Version:  10
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.