What Is a Windows 11/10 Local Account?
When installing Windows 11/10 for the first time, you’re asked to create a Microsoft Administrator account for the root user. It has the highest privileges of all other accounts on your device and directly syncs with Microsoft servers as soon as you connect to the Internet. A local account is very different as it is offline and disconnected from Microsoft’s servers. As the name suggests, a local user account is specific to the PC where it is created. You can always set up a Microsoft account inside a local account username.
Benefits of a Local Account
Greater privacy: the local account is consigned to your PC and not discoverable easily by external servers. This gives you more privacy and control. Does not consume additional resources: with fewer apps and no worries of Microsoft syncing, a local account feels cozy and comfortable to use. A Windows kiosk mode is a great example of local accounts in use. Easy to switch: all it takes is a Win + L key combination to switch between your Administrator and local account logins. Device updates available: the same device update benefits are available as a Microsoft account-enabled PC.
Disadvantages of a Local Account
Can’t sync devices: you can no longer sync your Windows device with other PCs.Microsoft Store is off-limits: a local account is not compatible with the Microsoft Store, as you need a Microsoft account to download the apps. But even with a local account login, you can install anything on your PC from the Internet.You will need a Microsoft account at some point: this is obvious, but if you’re a heavy user of a local account, at some point you will need a Microsoft account to use the features and updates that show dependence.
Though by default a local account is secondary to an online Microsoft account, with a few adjustments you can replace it as your main Administrator account. Our steps below only have Windows 11 screenshots but all instructions are compatible with Windows 10.
How to Enable a Local Account During Windows Installation
If you’re connected to the Internet, Microsoft discourages you from setting up a local account as your root user. That’s why one of the workarounds is to disconnect the Internet before installation. For the default local account installation, you will need a USB drive to follow the installation steps for a media creation tool. The Windows 11 OOBE has a design change that requires you to first select the country or region, followed by the keyboard layout and whether you want to add a secondary keyboard.
What Can You Do If You’re Already Connected to the Internet?
In the event you were connected to the Internet while installing Windows 11, check whether the “offline account” option is being provided. If available, continue with the installation just as it is. If not, discontinue the installation midway with a cold restart using the power buttons. After that, go back to your Internet source and disable it. That will show the local account option.
How to Enable a Local Account After Windows Installation
You can also enable a local account after Windows 11/10 is installed.
1. Can you use a local account as your primary account?
Yes. The newly created local account comes with “Standard user” privileges, which are below “Administrator.” However, if you click local account “Properties,” you will be able to modify the local account to make it behave as Administrator.
2. Does using a local account change the status of your existing Microsoft account?
Creating a local account doesn’t affect the Microsoft account at all, provided you don’t mistakenly choose to delete the Microsoft account (see below).
3. Can you delete your primary Microsoft user account in Windows 11/10?
Although we won’t recommend it, it’s possible to delete your primary Microsoft account and only use a local account for Windows 11/10. Microsoft does provide the option, but it’s highly recommended not to use this option, as it will delete your paid privileges. You cannot remove the primary Microsoft account as administrator. That option is greyed out. To solve the problem, first log in to your local account user desktop using Win + L, then navigate to “netplwiz” using the Windows Run command menu. You can remove the primary Microsoft Administrator account here.
4. Is the local account option available on all Windows editions?
By default, the local account option is available with all Windows editions – Education, Pro, Home, and Enterprise – for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. However, the latter operating system versions may have this option disabled during the initial installation. As shown in this guide, the best way to achieve a local account is to disconnect the Internet source during installation. Now that you know how to operate your Windows PC with a local account, find out how you can automatically log in to the system. Is your Windows failing to start? Try our troubleshooting tips.
