Typically, when creating a user account on a Windows PC you are prompted to sign in with or create a Microsoft Account. Signing in with a Microsoft Account can provide you with many benefits and make the transition easier if setting up a new PC. But, in a digital world full of users and logins, you may not desire having to create another account and remember another password. Although it may not be outwardly advertised, Microsoft still provides a way to create a user account on your PC without having to sign in with a Microsoft Account.
To Create a User Account Without a Microsoft Account:
- Before creating a new user account, ensure you are signed in with an account that has administrator permissions
- Open the Settings ⚙️ Application, you can do so by holding down the Windows ⊞ key and the letter I on your keyboard
- On the left side of the Settings window, select Accounts
- On the right side, select Other Users (if you don't see this option, you are not signed in to an account with administrator permissions)
- Under Other Users, select Add Account
- In the window prompting you to sign in to a Microsoft Account, select I don't have this person's sign-in information
- When it prompts you to create an account, select Add a user without a Microsoft Account
- Continue setting up the user account (enter the user name and password)
- If you don't want to sign in to the user with a password, leave the password boxes empty and select Next
When created without a Microsoft Account, you'll see that the account is labeled as a Local Account. A Local Account means that the account is only available on the PC it was created on and not linked to a Microsoft Account.
