Starting with Windows 10 Home v1903, users in particular, no longer have the option of creating a local account when setting up the out-of-box experience (OOBE). In this article, we are going to prescribe the workaround which may allow you to continue to ignore the use of Microsoft account during setup. It's imperative to point out that the rationale behind this approach is that Microsoft wants Windows 10 users to use the cloud-based account system to take advantage of its additional benefits.
Create a local account during or after installation
Windows 10 Home users who prefer the simplicity, privacy, and security of a local account, which was one of the reasons why the option was available during the process of installation – the next time you reboot, set up a new device, or clean up the installation, you can use one of the workarounds shown below if you want to create a local account.
Create a local account when installing Windows 10
To create a local account in the ready to use experience for Windows 10 Home, during the account setup step, do the following:
1. Disconnect the computer from the network.
2. In the Connect with Microsoft page click on the Next without specifying an account name.
3. Click on the Create an account option.
4. Click on the Jump button.
5. Specify a name for your local account.
6. Click on Next.
7. Create a password for the local account.
8. Click on Next.
9. Confirm the password.
10. Click on Next.
11. Select your first security question using the drop down menu.
12. Confirm your first answer.
13. Click on Next.
14. Repeat steps 11 through 13 two more times to complete the configuration of local account security.
15. Continue with the on-screen prompts.
Once the OOBE steps are completed, you will be back on the desktop. You can now reconnect the device to the network and continue using Windows 10 with a local account.
Create a local account after installing Windows 10
To create a local account after completing installation and OOBE using a Microsoft account, do the following:
1. Press Windows key + I to launch the Settings app.
2. Click on Accounts sub-category.
3. Click on Your info.
4. Click on the Log in with a local account instead option.
5. Click on Next.
6. Specify your account information, such as username, password, and password hint.
7. Click on Next.
8. Click on the Log out and finish button.
Once the steps are complete, you can reconnect to the account to continue your Windows 10 experience using the newly created local account.
You can also follow the instructions in this guide to create a local account.
Or you can create a new local account through the console of the Computer Management snap-in.
Here's how:
- Right click beginning and select Computer management.
- In the window, click on the chevron on Local users and groups to reduce the section. Click on users.
- Now right click on the middle column and select New user.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to provide the new user details.
- Once finished, restart your PC.
You now have the option to sign into Windows 10 Home using the Microsoft account or the local account.
That's it, friends!
PS: This workaround will apply to Windows 10 Pro – if in the foreseeable future Microsoft decides to also adopt this configuration approach for this edition of Windows.