How to Create a Local Account in Windows 10

(Image credit: Future)

When setting up a Windows 10 profile for the first time, Microsoft requires the use or creation of a Microsoft account. If you don't want the computer linked to your Microsoft account, you can use a local account.

There are two ways to start using a local account in Windows 10. You can change your current profile into a local account or create a separate local profile.

Change Current Profile into a Local Account

This process will turn your current Microsoft account profile into a local Windows 10 profile.

1. Open the Settings menu and go to Accounts > Your info. This will open a screen with account options for your current Windows 10 profile.

(Image credit: Future)

2. Click Sign in with a local account instead. You will be prompted to confirm your Microsoft account password. Follow the prompts to complete the local account creation.

(Image credit: Future)

Create a Separate Local Profile

Create a local profile separate from your current profile using this process.

1. Open the Settings menu and go to Accounts > Family & other users. This will open a menu with options to create additional profiles. 

(Image credit: Future)

2. Click Add someone else to this PC. A wizard will appear to guide the account creation process.

(Image credit: Future)

3. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information at the bottom of the window. 

(Image credit: Future)

4. Choose Add a user without a Microsoft account. This will open the local profile account creation form. 

(Image credit: Future)

5. Create a username and password for the local profile. Click next and follow the prompts to complete the account creation.

(Image credit: Future)
Ash Hill
Freelance News and Features Writer

Ash Hill is a Freelance News and Features Writer at Tom's Hardware US. She manages the Pi projects of the month and much of our daily Raspberry Pi reporting.

  • Colif
    If you want to do this at Installation, and use a local account instead of a MSA, you have a few options
    If its Home, you have to make sure PC isn't attached to internet before you start
    If its Pro, you get access to a Domain Join menu that lets you create a local user.
    Reply
  • eugbug
    What if settings doesn't work? Is there a workaround for creating a new user account?
    Reply