How to Change Microsoft Account on Windows 10

All Microsoft products and services are signed into your Microsoft account. Even Windows offers the option to log in using the same account. That said, many users have multiple Microsoft accounts to keep their personal and professional life separate. Others prefer to use a local account. But, how to change the Microsoft account on your Windows 10 computer when needed? How to create / add a new account?

Although a Microsoft account is not required to use a Windows 10 computer, it is still recommended. There may be other reasons to update or change your Microsoft account details on your computer:

• You bought a used computer and the last owner failed / forgot to format it.
• You lead a double life and have multiple jobs requiring you to log into different accounts.
• You are an advanced user, an enthusiast, or a developer who loves to tinker.
• You want to use two OneDrive accounts to maximize the free storage space it offers.

Let’s find out how you can switch Microsoft account on Windows 10 computer and what you need to keep in mind.

Add an email ID and number to the same Microsoft account

Many users wanted to change the email address and sign-in phone number for their Microsoft account. No need to create a new account just for that. You can add up to 10 usernames and email numbers to the same account as “alias” without creating a new account for each. You can also replace the old account details with a new one or make the new ID “primary”.

Step 1: Open the management area of ​​your Microsoft account and under Account Alias ​​where you can add a new username or email number.

2nd step: Choose the first option if you want to create a new Outlook account directly on the spot and the second option if you are using a third-party email provider like Gmail.

You should know that there is no way to move aliases from one Microsoft account to another. You also cannot retrieve aliases. If you delete an alias in a Microsoft account, it will be permanently deleted from Microsoft servers and you or anyone else will not be able to use it on another Microsoft account.

Change Microsoft account to Local and Vice Versa

Other users wanted to get rid of their Microsoft account and go local or vice versa.

For the uninitiated, there are two types of accounts you can create on Windows computers. You can create a local account or a Microsoft account. A local account is one that only requires a username and password. You can also delete your password later. None of your Microsoft data leaves your computer or is synchronized with another Windows device. It stays offline and on one device. However, several Microsoft apps like Store, Skype, etc. will not work or download without a Microsoft account.

On the other hand, a Microsoft account will sync all your activities across devices and keep all data in the cloud on Microsoft’s servers. The advantage is obvious. Do you want to change between them?

Step 1: Press Windows key + I to open Settings and click Accounts.

2nd step: Click on the “Sign in with a local account instead” option to begin the process.

Then follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to enter your current Microsoft account password / pin for verification.

To switch from a local account to a Microsoft account, you will follow the same steps. This time, you’ll select the ‘Sign in with a Microsoft account instead’ option which should be visible because you’re using a local account instead.

Change your Microsoft account or add a new Microsoft account

You have a new Microsoft account with a different email ID (Outlook.com or Live.com, which is owned by Microsoft) and want to use this new account on your Windows 10 computer.

Step 1: Open settings again (Windows key + I) and go to Accounts> Family & other users.

2nd step: Click the “Add someone else to this PC” button.

You will now follow the onscreen instructions and enter the new Microsoft account ID and password to add this account to your computer. The setup instructions will include settings such as 2FA and Windows Hello. Just like when you added your first Microsoft account.

What you do is create a new user account on your computer with this new Microsoft account. You can switch between these two users as you normally would from the Start menu or restart your computer.

Double accounting system

Microsoft allows many ways to manage your Windows 10 computer. Unlike Windows 7 and earlier versions, you have more options like using a local or Microsoft account, opening up new possibilities. I suggest you take the time to think about what you want to do and how you want to do it. This will save you from having to go back and forth between settings and accounts. Always protect your account with features like Hello or 2FA. Eitehr will save you a lot of headaches one day.

Let us know if you have any questions in the comments section below.