A local account keeps your computer separate from Microsoft's servers

A local account in Windows 11 is a user profile that exists only on your computer. It does not connect to Microsoft's cloud services, does not sync your files to OneDrive, and does not tie your login to an email address. When you create a local account, you choose a username and password that work only on that machine. If you want to use Windows 11 without linking it to a Microsoft account—or if you want a second user profile on a shared computer—a local account is the straightforward path.

Windows 11 pushes you toward a Microsoft account during setup, but you can bypass that and create a local account instead. The process takes about five minutes and requires only a username and password you choose yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create a local account during Windows 11 setup by clicking "I don't have this person's sign-in information" when prompted for a Microsoft account.
  • After Windows is installed, you can add a new local account through Settings > Accounts > Other users, then choose "Add account" and select "I don't have this person's sign-in information."
  • A local account password must be at least one character, but Windows recommends a strong password to protect your files and settings.
  • You can convert a local account to a Microsoft account later, or keep it local indefinitely—the choice is yours to change at any time.
  • If you forget a local account password, you will need a password reset disk or another administrator account to regain access.

Creating a local account during Windows 11 setup

When you first turn on a new computer or reinstall Windows 11, the setup wizard asks you to sign in with a Microsoft account. At that screen, look for the text "I don't have this person's sign-in information" near the bottom. Click it.

The next screen will ask "Who's going to use this PC?" Enter the username you want—this is what will appear on the Windows login screen. Then click Next. Windows will ask you to create a password. You can leave this blank if you want, but Windows recommends a password to keep your files find. If you add a password, type it twice to confirm. Click Next, and Windows will finish setup with your local account active.

Your new local account is now ready to use. You will not be asked to create a Microsoft account, and your computer will not sync files to OneDrive or the cloud unless you turn that on later yourself.

Adding a local account after Windows is already installed

If Windows 11 is already running and you want to add a second local account—for a family member, a roommate, or a separate workspace—open Settings and go to Accounts. Click "Other users" on the left side.

Under "Other users," click the button that says "Add account." A window will open asking how this person will sign in. Click "I don't have this person's sign-in information." On the next screen, click "Add a user without a Microsoft account."

Enter the username and password you want for this account. The password field is optional—you can create an account with no password if you prefer. Click Next, and the account will be created. The new user can log in when ready using the username and password you set.

Choosing a password for your local account

Windows 11 does not require a password on a local account, but it is worth adding one. A password protects your files if someone else uses your computer, and it also encrypts your local account data.

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Examples: "BlueMoon$2024" or "Coffee&Rain7!". Avoid passwords based on your name, birthdate, or common words. Write your password down and store it somewhere safe—if you forget it and have no other administrator account on the computer, you will need a password reset disk to get back in.

You can change your local account password anytime by going to Settings > Accounts > Your info, then clicking "Password" and following the prompts.

Switching from a local account to a Microsoft account

If you start with a local account and later decide you want to link it to a Microsoft account, you can do that without losing any files or settings. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info. Click "Instead, sign in with a Microsoft account." Windows will ask you to enter a Microsoft account email and password. Once you confirm, your local account will be converted to a Microsoft account.

This conversion is one-way in the sense that you cannot easily go back to a local account without losing some functionality. If you think you might want to stay local, test the local account first before converting.

What happens if you forget your local account password

If you forget the password to a local account and no other administrator account exists on the computer, you will be locked out. Windows does not have a built-in "forgot password" recovery tied to an email address the way Microsoft accounts do.

Your options are limited: if you created a password reset disk when you first set up the account, you can use that disk to reset the password. If you did not create one, you will need to reinstall Windows or contact a technician. This is one reason to either write down your password and store it safely, or to create a password reset disk when ready after setting up a local account.

If you have a second administrator account on the same computer, you can log in with that account and reset the forgotten password from Settings > Accounts > Other users.

Local accounts versus Microsoft accounts: what changes

A local account and a Microsoft account both work in Windows 11, but they differ in what they connect to. A local account stores everything on your computer only. A Microsoft account syncs your settings, wallpaper, browser favorites, and other data to Microsoft's servers, so you get the same setup if you log in on a different computer.

OneDrive cloud storage is easier to use with a Microsoft account—it integrates seamlessly into File Explorer. With a local account, OneDrive still works, but you have to set it up manually. Microsoft Store apps and Game Pass also work better with a Microsoft account. If you do not use these services, a local account is simpler and more private.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a local account if I already set up Windows 11 with a Microsoft account?

Yes. Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users and click "Add account." Choose "I don't have this person's sign-in information" and then "Add a user without a Microsoft account." You will have both accounts on the same computer, and you can switch between them at the login screen.

Will my files be safe on a local account?

Files on a local account are as safe as files on any Windows computer—they are stored on your hard drive and protected by Windows security. Adding a password to your local account encrypts your user folder, which adds an extra layer of protection. However, a local account does not back up your files to the cloud automatically the way a Microsoft account does.

Can I use Windows 11 Pro or Home with a local account?

Yes. Both Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro support local accounts. The process is the same regardless of which edition you have.

What if I want to delete a local account later?

Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users, find the account you want to remove, and click it. Click "Delete account and data." Windows will ask whether to keep or delete the files in that account's folder. Choose what you want, and the account will be removed.

Do I need a local account if I have a Microsoft account?

No. A Microsoft account is a complete user profile on its own. A local account is useful only if you want a profile that does not connect to Microsoft's services, or if you want a separate login for someone else on your computer.