How Do I Go Back to a Local Account after Setting Up Windows 11 with a Microsoft Account?

[@askleonotenboom]

✅ Watch next ▶ Set Up Windows 11 With Only A Local Account ▶ kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4i1g4SvfL-EeK8

[@ChagoiSteve]

Hey Leo, in your 1st example, when you create the local account, leave the pwd blank. And you don't get asked for the security questions. Once all the other steps you demonstrated. Eg std to admin, etc. and have logged in with the account. You can add a pwd to it if desired without being forced to answer the security questions.😊

[@mikepanchaud1]

The security questions are for your benefit if you forget your password, so not wise to skip!

[@enginerd80]

​@@mikepanchaud1I've never used them, and the specific questions are dumb or outright not applicable to me. (And if I'd have to think of questions of my own and remember the answers to them, it's not really easier than remembering the actual password.) They are more an attack vector for someone who might find out basic stuff about the user with social engineering. When the not-really-security questions are forced on me, I just smash the keys randomly -- letters, numbers, special characters, until the field is full (=stops scrolling further).

[@denisrennes830]

@@mikepanchaud1 These security questions are unnecessary if you're using a password safe or password manager.

[@mikepanchaud1]

@@denisrennes830 Totally agree. In fact if forced to, I note the questions and answers in my password manager notes field! I guess they see it as a 2 factor authentication, but all very annoying . I use KeepassXC.

[@Green_House]

I opted for a clean Windows 11 installation and found it VERY therapeutic. I carefully documented every App and link needed to setup Windows again, took a screen shot of my home screen icon layout and exported my Google Bookmarks. I have a separate Data (D:) drive so data backup was not a concern. I made sure I had all the required installation programs in my Data (D:) ‘Downloads Programs’ folder (I normally keep EVERY version of App installation programs for recovery purposes.) Then, at my leisure, I did a clean install on both my wife’s and my own desktop computer. I carefully documented every step for possible future recovery purposes. It took me about 2 days for my computer and 1 day for my Wife’s computer. As I say, very therapeutic and re-assuring to knowing I CAN do a complete re-install should a catastrophe occur.

[@Ko-Deckard]

Now definitely do an image backup (highly endorsed by Leo). Then next time you will have your system back to how it is today "clean" within one hour instead of days.

[@darrennew8211]

Having been working on computers since before the IBM PC was a thing, this is definitely the way to go. Save every program, every link, keep it organized. Never "upgrade" an operating system to a new major version. Also, yea, do them backups. Keep every version, because one day they'll upgrade it in a way that breaks you, and you can just go back to the previous version.

[@Green_House]

@@darrennew8211 Spot on ! ! ! Once I was all for the 'latest' version of everything. Now I figure, if it ain't broke and if it does all I need, DON'T upgrade! OFTEN they take features away or want to start charging so that you're left with the dumbed down 'free' version. I've even paid for software that eventually gets crippled and becomes useless with so called updates.

[@PhD63]

There’s a much easier way to switch to a local account. From settings go to Accounts/ Accounts/ My Info/ and under Account Settings click on ‘Sign in with a local account instead’. Job done.

[@jvlivsakamaxiaid]

That's what I did. But is it maybe only available in W11 Pro?

[@PhD63]

@@jvlivsakamaxiaid I have Home edition.

[@markg9967]

@@jvlivsakamaxiaid I didn't finish the process but it seems to be available in W11 home.

[@PhD63]

@@jvlivsakamaxiaid I have Win11 home.

[@PhD63]

I did it on my win 11 home edition.

[@mikepanchaud1]

It feels like a constant battle with Microsoft!

[@erroneouscode]

One in which they will ultimately lose. It's one of sheer numbers and those seeking challenges.

[@johnburgess2084]

I like the beginning of that "Privacy" screen at 3:55, where it says, "Microsoft puts you in control of your privacy." In other words, "For NOW, Microsoft LETS you be in control of your privacy." (If you trust that they really honor those settings.) That's like one spouse telling their friends, "I am in charge at my household . . . when my spouse lets me!"

[@darrennew8211]

"Don't use a local account where your bitlocker password is only known by you. Instead, give it to us, so it's open to hackers, employees, and law enforcement!"

[@fabshop6359]

Cheers, Leo, just brilliant!

[@jmacdono]

I don't think this option is available on the Windows 11 Home Edition, but on Windows 11 Pro, you can click on Account > Your info, and can switch your account to a local one under Account Settings, then click Sign in with a local account instead. Great video as always Leo!

[@KironKabir]

Thanks Leo, I've been using MacOS for a long time and I'm also jumping onto the Windows platform. It's good to know the details regarding Windows through your videos.

[@kevindie]

*_Why on earth would you do that? LOL_*

[@KironKabir]

@@kevindie steam pc gaming

[@kevindie]

@@KironKabir *_Yeah, I hear ya. :(_*

[@JimE6243]

I just set up a new laptop and did the MS account thing when doing so. What are the advantages of one over the other. Are there real negatives with just using the MS account? Thanks. JimE

[@karma_moths]

Hi Leo. Great Vid, Does a local account still have the same security/protection that a Microsoft account has, such as virus scanner, windows defender, malicious software removal tool.? Thanks.

[@askleonotenboom]

Yes.

[@bme7491]

I'm disappointed that MS chose to go to the Dark Side. I like Windows, but it could be SO much better if MS had just listened to customers and given them what they want versus becoming a software dictator trying to herd us all towards some MS agenda. Of course, they bend over backwards for corporate customers but then, those customers pay a lot of money to get what they want.

[@IraQNid]

Is it possible to delete the unwanted MS Windows account after you have switched over to the local account? If so, what is the process for that? I like the first method. Get a new Windows 11 PC, go create a second admin account, logout of the MS Windows account, then into the new local admin account. Since it is a new PC, there wouldn't be any need to reinstall software.

[@oldwizzy]

As soon as BitLocker will make its appearance, which is called basically enabled, an MS account is basically necessary, so the necessary steps are taken. BitLocker can be compared to the encryption that is present in Linux, which many people are desperately difficult to understand nowadays. BitLocker can still be disabled, not so much for a PC, but for a Laptop it is not advisable to disable this security layer because of theft, for example, or you forget to take this thing from somewhere.

[@Zendukai]

I can't see any problems with using bitlocker, I don't use it yes as I'm still using my old win10 pro system. And I use a Microsoft account too. I'd feel a bit more at ease using bitlocker knowing that it'd make it harder for someone to get your data if they stole your puter. I think using a local account just leaves you open for issues. Yes you can use another encryption program, but why? I haven't had MS banging on my door wanting me to explain why I have different stuff on my puter, I don't care about adverts. We're all going to get hammered by them wherever you go, just ignore it all, that's for me anyway.

[@darrennew8211]

There's no problem with using bitlocker on a local account if you can prevent it from uploading your encryption keys to where the hackers, employees, and law enforcement can all see it. I don't even have a password on my local account. What could would that be, where there's a password to decrypt my entire disk?

[@apriljohnson6191]

Thank you! Succinct and well written!

[@johnburgess2084]

It seems that by using a Microsoft account, they are snooping and tracking everything you do, whether you use any of their tools or not. If you set up and use a local account, can you still log in to, and use, SPECIFIC Microsoft tools, like One Drive? Or does logging in to a Microsoft account from your local account then enable Microsoft to track everything, as if it was a Microsoft account? Or can we trust that by using One Drive, Microsoft gets ONLY the files and data pertinent to your use of One Drive?

[@SteveH-gt3wz]

When I installed Window 11 I could not get around the create Microsoft account, so I created a Microsoft account and as soon as I installed Window 11 I created a Local Administrator account and then logged into my Local account and deleted the Microsoft account... that was over a year ago, and things still seam to run fine. Though, I'm in the process of switching to Linux Mint.

[@gjoseph1628]

Mostly makes sense. I should have read at least your comment before I asked my question.

[@ReneB099]

I did the same with my desktop.

[@MariaAnderson-g9d]

i love you leo!

[@ronhoffman1008]

Leo, what is the method for only using alocal account on Windows 10?

[@askleonotenboom]

Either the same as in the video, or setting up windows from scratch with only a local one.

[@hkorteweg]

Win11 Home here, I had to go to the Configuration Manager before I could ad a local user. What you showed was not possible on my computer.

[@garrylawson6557]

Leo, is there a way to share clipboards between Windows PCs without a Microsoft account?

[@askleonotenboom]

There are some third party tools that apparently do it, but I've no experience with them, and don't have a recommendation.

[@BennettRussell]

I am not a computer geek. After using windows 11 for some time, today I added a local account which I am using now. I do notice in the windows security window, there is a yellow triangle over the Account protection. Looks like I need to sign into window to correct that. So, is there a way to get around this? Thanks in advance.

[@Hitescape]

I installed W11 with a Microsoft account, added a local user and elevated it to administrator, signed out of the Microsoft account, logged into the local account, copied all of the files to my local account just as described. Then I DELETED the Microsoft account and all files associated with it. I did this three months ago and have never seen a problem and just ignore the occasional nagging messages from MS telling me to use a MS account. Does this create some problem that I have not anticipated?

[@Me-eb3wv]

I’ve been interested of doing this tbh

[@JTDPM]

@@Me-eb3wv I'm also curious about this approach.

[@MaxRiley]

I totally understand and appreciate you do this for educational purpose, but all the hassle to reinstall, or move data etc to what pro? Why? I mean, what's the advantage of doing all this other than just fulfilling the needs of some paranoids? Not to feel under Microsoft siege perhaps when they actually use Google and Meta services 24/7?? People do silly uncoherent things... Having that said, thanks for sharing your knowledge, Leo. Regards from an IT consultant in Milan, Italy.

[@geoffphil]

What happens to access to Word, Excel etc? I assume I would no longer have these programs available if they were part of my Microsoft account

[@askleonotenboom]

You can still use them, even when signed in to Windows with a local account, but you'll have to sign in to Office using the Microsoft account.

[@windfire5380]

I've recently heard that during new Win11 installs they now prevent the Shift-F10 command prompt and "OOBE\BYPASSNRO" option. Ugh. Instead of hearing the customer, they are further suppressing. :(

[@billaveda6408]

Microsoft does what it does because the majority of personal computer users have no idea how to do anything but follow MS instructions. So, MS makes a bundle of money mining consumer computers for data and selling to advertisers. Matter of fact, CIA has admitted that to get around security laws, they just go buy the data that MS and other software mining companies are selling on the open market. BTW: Thanks for the videos.

[@askleonotenboom]

Can you supply a source for that "CIA has admitted" part? I'm genuinely interested.

[@gjoseph1628]

Is creating and switching to the local account best done EARLY upon setting-up Windows? If internet access is lost, does this mean that user cannot sign-in to the computer's Microsoft account until internet is restored?

[@MikaelKKarlsson]

The user can still log in as Windows store the most recently working password credentials locally as well.

[@gjoseph1628]

@@MikaelKKarlsson What? Does that mean "yes", and for both questions?

[@MikaelKKarlsson]

@@gjoseph1628 1: Doesn't matter. 2: User can still login.

[@stiyfo9550]

I am having a hard time logining into anything. I have a local account connected but when I go to sign into Microsoft store it won’t log me in. Does anyone know a fix?

[@ionu4535]

What begs the question in these great videos you do is this: for most of us out here, how or why does a Local Account trump a MS account?

[@janelleb4862]

I believe it allows us to login to laptop or computer with no internet available

[@darrennew8211]

Microsoft says "In order to avoid any accidental security holes, please install a version of Windows with three known intentional security holes!" How many letters have you gotten this year from companies apologizing for leaking your personal data? Why do you think Microsoft is immune to leaking your password and encryption keys? Altho I think the biggest problem is picking "Windows Home" and then trying to play power user. And why would you need password hints to get back into your account? Just remember your password. It isn't that difficult. Write it down if you have to.

[@choiyuna7832]

What to do with the microsoft account after setting up new local account? Plz guide

[@askleonotenboom]

Nothing. I mean, keep it perhaps for any email notifications you get and other Microsoft services you might be using associated with it, but you don't have to "do" anything with it because you're now using a local account.

[@choiyuna7832]

Whether to set Microsoft account as also administrator account or standard account?

[@askleonotenboom]

@@choiyuna7832 Up to you. I tend to have them both be administrator accounts.

[@choiyuna7832]

Can you guide, what is the main difference between administrator and standard account? Sorry but I know little about computers. Just started learning.

[@askleonotenboom]

@@choiyuna7832 No problem :-). I'll start you here: askleo.com/whats-the-difference-between-an-administrator-account-and-a-limited-user-account/

[@retireditguy9493]

It would be worth investigating if using a local account actually offers any more privacy than a Microsoft account. I don’t believe it does. I use only a local account on a Windows 10 machine and recently had an extended power outage. I was running on a generator, but had no internet access. When I booted my machine I got the message that Windows could not login to my account and my desktop was that of a guest account. That was the case until Internet access was restored.

[@darrennew8211]

I can guarantee if you set it up without a microsoft account, it works just fine without internet etc.

[@markanderson2155]

This is interesting, so I guess if you don't have an internet connection for whatever reason I guess you're out of luck. This is one reason why I think Microsoft has gone to the deep end. Because not everyone has or even wants an internet connection, again for whatever reason. I have one machine that does not use the internet that is a windows 10. Experimental machine with a local account.

[@CT-4819]

My local account somehow magically got converted into an online account. What happened?

[@askleonotenboom]

Chances are you signed in to a Microsoft account in order to use some service (Office, OneDrive, Outlook, something else), and didn't notice that Windows "helpfully" offers to then let you sign in with that same account.

[@VA3JPX]

What about using: net user username password /add from the command prompt? Thats all I ever use and it doesn't ask security questions.

[@MihaiKrieger]

Yes, that's even better

[@mihailvormittag6211]

👍

[@frenchcreekvalley]

What a miserable mess, Microsoft!!!

[@halrichard1969]

I simply want to turn on my PC and NOT have to use ANY password. Can you give us that? There are many fake solutions that just dont work. All they do is discourage people from trying to get around a Password Log-in.

[@franciscohorna5542]

im fin with microsoft account i use it have no issues

[@noexcuses6727]

and Microsoft is loving you or that

[@franciscohorna5542]

@@noexcuses6727 you use microsoft account there with yer windows at all

[@JohnAllenRoyce]

Weak-link alert

[@bme7491]

The cloud is just someone else's computer. Remember that.

[@gregwessels7205]

@@bme7491 And yet almost every 'professional' under the sun recommends using the cloud as one of your backups.

[@jimdavis6833]

I just wasted 6:22 of my life. There's nothing new here, or in the comments, that hasn't been known for a year or more.

[@askleonotenboom]

By you, perhaps, but not by many others. It's a question I get to this day.

[@atwa70]

I noticed that you hate everything from Microsoft?!

[@askleonotenboom]

Who, me? Hell no. I'm quite happy with most of their stuff. Remember, I used to work for them. However they absolutely have made some mistakes that I disagree with strongly.

[@tonywood3660]

Use Linux....