With Windows 10 version 1903 (May 2019 Update), Microsoft is forcing users to select an online-only account during the installation process. Many users reported that the local account option is no longer available. After the forced Windows update fiasco, this is Microsoft’s last step to bring more Windows users online. Microsoft recommends that having an online account brings additional features like OneDrive storage, password sharing, files and settings sync, and more. However, there have been a few discussions around background telemetry services, so I always prefer a local account. Fortunately, there is a way out, and during installation I will show you how to create a local account in Windows 10. The steps are pretty easy so don’t worry on that front. Now, without any delay, let’s jump right in.
Create Local Account in Windows 10 During Installation
The key is to not provide internet access to the PC, forcing it to offer an option for a local account. Here’s how you can circumvent Microsoft’s online setup process.
one. If you are using an Ethernet connectionBefore installing Windows 10, be sure to disconnect it from your computer.
2. If you are using WiFi and after connecting your PC to an access point, turn off your router for a while or restart your PC and click “Skip” in the Network window.
3. Now comes the crucial part. After disabling internet access, Click “Create Account”.
4. When unable to connect to a network, a “Skip” button will appear below. Click on it.
5. Now, Enter a name for your PC and continue with the onscreen instructions just like you would for a local account. This is how you can create a local account in Windows 10 during the setup setup.
Switch to Local Account in Windows 10 After Installation
in case, you are already signed in with a Microsoft account, You can easily switch back to a local account. This ensures that your data stays locally on your computer and is not used for user tracking or ad targeting. Here’s how to do it.
1. Press the Windows key once and type “account”. After that, click on the first result: “Manage your account”.
2. Here, Click on “Sign in with a local account instead”. It will ask for your confirmation again, just press “Yes” and the online Microsoft account will be removed. After that, it will ask you to set a password for your local account.
3. make sure the online account is completely removed, go to the “Email and accounts” tab and click on the linked account. Next, click “Manage” and remove the Microsoft email account from your computer. You have successfully switched to a local account in Windows 10.
Create a Windows 10 Local Account and Protect Your Privacy
This was our short article on how to circumvent Microsoft’s recent push to use an online-only account. As a software company, Microsoft wants to provide a better Windows experience using consumer data, but the massive amount of data collection in the background makes one wary of privacy and user tracking. Anyway, there is still a way out if you want to use a local account in Windows 10 and luckily the steps are pretty easy. If you run into any issues switching to a local account, comment below and let us know. We will definitely look into your issue.
