A Microsoft account ties the login to the cloud. A local account keeps it on the machine, at the cost of sync, Find My Device and some Store convenience.
Create a **local account**, make it **administrator**, then switch the existing profile from the Microsoft account to a local one. Keep the Microsoft password reachable before you remove it.
Write down the Microsoft account password and confirm the recovery address works. Removing the account from Windows does not delete it, but you need it to sign back in to the Store and to OneDrive.
The add-user dialog hides the local option behind a link at the bottom. Choose the option without sign-in information, then create the user without a Microsoft account.
Settings > Accounts > Other users > Add accountA standard user cannot install drivers or change system settings. Change the account type, then sign in once so Windows builds the profile folder.
Settings > Accounts > Other users > Change account typeSigning in with a local account instead keeps the same user folder and files, unlike creating a fresh profile. Windows asks for the current Microsoft password once to authorise the change.
Settings > Accounts > Your info > Sign in with a local account insteadAn empty local password means anyone at the keyboard gets in, and some remote tools refuse to connect. Use a real password and a PIN for daily use.
OneDrive sync, Find My Device, and Store purchases that need an account stop following you. The Store itself still works when you sign in for a purchase and sign out again.
A domain or a work policy owns the account. On a personal machine, check that no school or work account is connected under Access work or school.
The account is still linked. Sign out of the Store and OneDrive, then repeat the switch.
Use the sign-in options link below the field to switch to password entry.
Sign in with the other administrator account and reset the password from Computer Management.
It removes the cloud account as an attack surface. What you lose is device recovery and sync.
Yes. Sign in with the Microsoft account again and the profile links back to it.
Sign in with the Microsoft account again under **Your info > Sign in with a Microsoft account instead**. Deleting the extra local account is done in the same Other users page.
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