If you are trying to set up your computer, you probably noticed that there are no alternatives to log in with a Windows account. This is especially true for users moving to Windows 10 from Windows 7, where you can easily set up and sign in without a Microsoft account.
In Windows 10, it is no longer possible to log in with the classic local Windows account, which was hidden behind the “Offline account” option. You can’t install Windows 10 without a Microsoft account. Instead, you need to sign in with a Microsoft account during the first-time installation process — after installation, or while setting up your new operating system computer.
Microsoft wants to make sure all of your devices have the same functionality. Plus, it syncs your settings with your Microsoft account, such as your PC theme and saved passwords.
However, you are tied to a Windows account, whether you like it or not. Before creating a local account, you need to be logged in with a Windows account. Fortunately, there are several ways to set up Windows 10 without a Microsoft account, which we’ll cover in this guide.
Local account versus Microsoft account: which is better?
A local account is the classic way most people log into their computers. Here you click on your user account, enter your password and start using your computer. You can still sign in using a local account in Windows 10, but first you need a Microsoft account to create a local account by going to Settings> Accounts> Your Details> Sign In With Local account “.
The advantage of using a local account is that you can use it to download and install free games and apps from the Windows Store without using a Microsoft account, and use system apps like Mail and Calendar.
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On the other hand, a Microsoft account is the only account that can be used for free to sign in to several Microsoft cloud products such as Outlook.com, OneDrive and Skype, as well as devices such as Windows smartphones and Xbox game consoles. You can also download paid apps with a Microsoft account and access all the features of Windows 10.
The idea behind the local accounts policy in Windows 10 is to balance Microsoft accounts with user expectations while still offering as many features as possible to local account users. You can still use a local account on your Windows 10 computer, and then use a Microsoft account to download and install apps from the Windows Store.
Other benefits of using a Microsoft account with Windows 10 include free cloud storage via OneDrive, syncing account settings such as network profiles, managing passwords and settings for Windows Store apps, and a familiar experience with apps and devices.
The main disadvantages of a Microsoft account are that it can be hacked, requires internet access to use the last saved settings, less privacy, and it automatically syncs your settings across all your devices. If you block your account, you will also not be able to access other devices that you use with that account.
How to set up Windows 10 without a Microsoft account
Windows 10 tries to make sure you are using a Microsoft account, but you can still create a local account by following these steps.
Note. If you’re on home and connected to the Internet, you won’t be able to install Windows 10 without a Microsoft account, so the first step is to disconnect from the Internet.
Windows 10 Home
- If you are connected to your network using an Ethernet or Wi-Fi cable, the first step is to unplug the cable or disconnect your computer from Wi-Fi. For Wi-Fi connections, you can skip the process at the beginning of the setup wizard by clicking the Back icon in the Windows 10 setup toolbar, and then try to create a Microsoft account.
Either press the airplane mode button on your laptop to turn off Wi-Fi, or turn off your router for a minute if all else fails. When you see the “Something went wrong” error message, click “Skip” to skip the account creation step.
- On the Who Will Use This PC screen, create an offline account and sign in to Windows 10 without using a Microsoft account.
Windows 10 Professional (Professional)
If you’re using Windows 10 Professional, you can create a local account by selecting the Join Domain option at the bottom left of the setup screen.
If for some reason you don’t see the Join Domain option, you can still use the same trick we described above for Windows 10 Home, disconnect from the Internet, and create a local account
Create a “dummy” Microsoft account
If the first method doesn’t work for you, you can still create a local account by following Microsoft’s instructions. Create a Microsoft account during the installation process and then change it to a local user account.
- Sign in to your Microsoft account and go to Settings> Accounts.
- Click Details in the left pane.
- Then click Login with Local Account. Windows 10 guides you through the process of switching to a local user account.
Once you get a local account, you can remove the fictitious Microsoft account from the system.
Use Windows 10 your way
While we’re not sure what steps Microsoft will take in the future in the account creation process, these two methods should allow you to install Windows 10 without a Microsoft account for now. We’d love to hear from you if these steps worked for you or not. Unmute in the comment below.
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