How to Change Microsoft Account on Windows 11?

Last Updated: Feb 12, 2024 by

If you recently upgraded to Windows 11, you may have noticed that your Microsoft account is automatically linked to your computer. While this can be convenient for some users, others may prefer to use a local account instead. In this article, we’ll discuss how to change your Microsoft account on Windows 11 and set up a local account instead.

Why Change Your Microsoft Account on Windows 11?

There are a few reasons why you may want to change your Microsoft account on Windows 11:

  • You prefer to use a local account instead of a Microsoft account.
  • You want to use a different Microsoft account.
  • You want to unlink your Microsoft account from your computer.

No matter the reason, changing your Microsoft account on Windows 11 is a simple process.

Setting Up a Local Account on Windows 11

Before we dive into changing your Microsoft account, let’s first discuss how to set up a local account on Windows 11. A local account is not linked to a Microsoft account and does not require an internet connection to log in.

To set up a local account on Windows 11, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings by clicking on the Start button and then clicking on the Settings icon (the gear icon).
  2. In the Settings menu, click on Accounts.
  3. Under the Accounts tab, click on Sign in with a local account instead.
  4. A pop-up window will appear asking you to verify your current Microsoft account password. Enter your password and click Next.
  5. On the next screen, enter a username and password for your local account. You can also add a password hint for added security. Click Next.
  6. Finally, click on Sign out and finish to complete the process.

You have now successfully set up a local account on your Windows 11 computer.

Changing Your Microsoft Account on Windows 11

If you already have a Microsoft account linked to your Windows 11 computer and want to change it, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings by clicking on the Start button and then clicking on the Settings icon (the gear icon).
  2. In the Settings menu, click on Accounts.
  3. Under the Accounts tab, click on Your info.
  4. Click on Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
  5. A pop-up window will appear asking you to verify your current Microsoft account password. Enter your password and click Next.
  6. On the next screen, click on Create one to set up a new Microsoft account. If you already have a Microsoft account, click on Sign in with a different account and enter your login credentials.
  7. Follow the prompts to set up your new Microsoft account.
  8. Once you have successfully set up your new Microsoft account, go back to the Your info tab in the Accounts menu.
  9. Click on Sign in with a local account instead.
  10. A pop-up window will appear asking you to verify your current Microsoft account password. Enter your password and click Next.
  11. On the next screen, enter a username and password for your local account. You can also add a password hint for added security. Click Next.
  12. Finally, click on Sign out and finish to complete the process.

Your Microsoft account has now been changed to a local account on your Windows 11 computer.

Setting Up Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account

If you prefer to use a local account on your Windows 11 computer and do not want to link it to a Microsoft account, you can set up your computer without a Microsoft account.

To set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, follow these steps:

  1. When setting up your Windows 11 computer for the first time, you will be prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account. Click on Offline account at the bottom of the screen.
  2. On the next screen, click on Limited experience.
  3. You will then be prompted to create a username and password for your local account. You can also add a password hint for added security. Click Next.
  4. Finally, click on Sign out and finish to complete the process.

Your Windows 11 computer has now been set up without a Microsoft account.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter any issues while changing your Microsoft account on Windows 11, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Forgot Your Microsoft Account Password?

If you have forgotten your Microsoft account password, you can reset it by following these steps:

  1. Go to the https://account.live.com/password/reset.
  2. Enter your email, phone number, or Skype username associated with your Microsoft account.
  3. Follow the prompts to reset your password.

Can’t Sign in to Your Microsoft Account?

If you are having trouble signing in to your Microsoft account, try the following steps:

  1. Make sure you are connected to the internet.
  2. Check that your login credentials are correct.
  3. Try resetting your Microsoft account password (see above).
  4. If you are using a VPN, try disconnecting and signing in again.

Can’t Change Your Microsoft Account?

If you are unable to change your Microsoft account on Windows 11, try the following steps:

  1. Make sure you are connected to the internet.
  2. Check that your login credentials are correct.
  3. Try resetting your Microsoft account password (see above).
  4. If you are using a VPN, try disconnecting and signing in again.

Conclusion

Changing your Microsoft account on Windows 11 is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Whether you prefer to use a local account or want to switch to a different Microsoft account, following the steps outlined in this article will help you achieve your desired result. By setting up a local account, you can enjoy a more personalized and secure experience on your Windows 11 computer.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.