How to Switch to Local Account in Windows 11

Don’t want to use a Microsoft account to log in to Windows 11? Here’s how to switch to a local account from an online account in Windows 11.

In Windows 11, you can sign in to the OS with a Microsoft account. It is called an online account. In fact, Microsoft recommends you use an online account to use Windows 11 and Windows 10. Some of the advantages of using an online account in Windows 11 are syncing Windows settings, resume activity on other connected machines, saving and managing purchases, easy management of other Microsoft services like OneDrive, etc.

In general, using an online account in Windows 11 makes it easy to get the most out of the operating system.

That being said, not everyone likes to use a Microsoft account in Windows 11. In those cases, you can create a local account in Windows 11. However, what if you want to convert your existing online account to a local account in Windows 11? That way, you can keep all the user settings and configuration and don’t have to create a separate user account.

The good thing is, it is pretty easy to switch to a local account from Microsoft account in Windows 11. All you have to do is click the “Sign in with a local account instead” link in the Settings app and follow the resulting wizard.

Without further ado, this simple guide will show you how to switch to a local account in Windows 11.

Important Note:

If your Windows PC has Device Encryption enabled, you need to back up the BitLocker encryption key before switching to the local account. Back up the BitLocker key to OneDrive or an external drive. Don’t create a backup within the same machine. You can use the backup key to decrypt the drives after switching.

Alternatively, you can simply disable Device Encryption before switching to a local account.

Switch to local account in Windows 11

To switch to a local account in Windows, you have to use the Settings app. Here is where to find the option and use it.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select “Accounts” on the sidebar.
3. Click on the “Your info” option.
4. Press the “Sign in with a local account instead” link.
5. Press the “Skip this step” button.
6. Click the “Next” button.
7. Authenticate using the password or PIN.
8. Set the username, password, and password hint.
9. Press the “Sign out and finish” button.
10. With that, you have successfully switched to a local account in Windows 11.

Detailed steps:

First, use the “Start + I” shortcut to open the Windows 11 Settings app. You can also right-click on the Start menu and select the Settings option. After opening it, go to the “Accounts > Your info” page. Here, click on the “Sign in with a local account instead” link under the “Account Settings” section.

(IMPORTANT) If you are using Device Encryption, Windows will show a warning message asking you to back up the BitLocker key. The backup key will decrypt the drives after switching to a local account. Don’t forget to back up the key to OneDrive or an external hard drive. Once you are done backing it up, click on the “Skip this step” button to continue.

Make sure your account is displayed, and click the “Next” button to continue.

Windows will ask you to prove yourself. Type the account password or PIN to authenticate yourself.

Now, type a username, password, and password hint of your choice and click the “Next” button to continue. If it asks for security questions, set them as needed and continue.

Finally, click the “Sign out and finish” button to complete the local account switching process. From now on, you will be using the local account instead of an online account in Windows 11.

That is all. It is that simple to switch to a local account in Windows 11.

I hope that helps.

If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.