How to Get Local Login Back In Windows 8
Returning to a Local Account Login in Windows 8
A new installation of Windows 8 typically guides users towards establishing a cloud-synchronized login. While Microsoft’s live login system offers certain advantages, many users prefer the simplicity of a traditional, local account.
Understanding the Concern
We received a query from a reader, “Local Login 4 Life,” expressing frustration with the seemingly mandatory creation of a Microsoft account during the Windows 8 setup process.
The user desired a straightforward login, similar to those found in earlier Windows versions – a username and password combination – rather than being required to use an email address and password associated with a Microsoft account.
Addressing the Issue
It’s understandable to feel constrained by the setup process, which often implies that a Microsoft account is the only option. However, reverting to a local account is achievable with a few straightforward steps.
The following instructions will guide you through the necessary procedures to eliminate the cloud-based login and reinstate a conventional local login experience.
Steps to Revert to a Local Account
To regain control and utilize a local login, a series of simple adjustments are required. These steps will effectively disconnect your account from the cloud synchronization features.
Let’s proceed with a detailed breakdown of each individual step involved in this process.
- First, navigate to the Settings menu within Windows 8.
- Then, select Change account settings.
- Within the account settings, you will find an option to Connect a local account.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to disconnect your Microsoft account and create a new local account.
Completing these steps will successfully transition you back to a local account login, providing the simplicity and privacy you desire.
Establishing a Local User Profile
The initial step involves the creation of a new local user account. Begin by logging into your Windows 8 system utilizing the Microsoft Account that was established during the initial setup or configuration. Position your mouse cursor towards the top-right corner of the screen to reveal the charm bar and search icon, then select the search icon.
Type "users" into the search field to access the user account management options.
The primary search result will be labeled "Add, Delete, and manage other user accounts". Select this option to navigate to the Accounts settings panel.
From the options presented, choose "Other account". Then, click the "Add an account" button.
A potential complication arises at this point. The interface initially suggests the necessity of providing an email address or creating a new Microsoft account:
However, careful examination of the smaller text at the bottom of the screen reveals an alternative path.
Select "Sign in without a Microsoft account (not recommended)" and proceed by clicking "Next". Further insistence on a Microsoft Account is then presented.
Review the provided information if desired, but ensure you click the "Local account" button to initiate the creation of a genuine local account.
The subsequent screen will prompt you for standard account details, including a username, password, password confirmation, and a password hint:
Input all required information and click "Next". A confirmation screen for the new user will then appear. Select "Finish" to complete the process. A new local user account, independent of the Microsoft Account cloud services, has now been successfully created.
Granting Administrative Rights to the Local Account
Prior to removing the existing Microsoft Account, it is necessary to assign administrative privileges to the newly created local account. Following the account creation process, you were returned to the Accounts settings panel. Select "Other accounts" from the sidebar, then double-click the entry corresponding to the local user account you just established.
An "Edit" button will become visible upon selecting the account; click it to proceed.
A dropdown menu is located directly below the user account name, allowing you to modify the account's privileges.
Currently, the account is likely configured as a "Standard User". Change this setting to "Administrator". Confirm your selection by clicking "OK".
Important Note: Maintaining strong security involves utilizing a dedicated administrative account for system management tasks and a separate standard user account for everyday use, even on single-user computers. Consider creating two local accounts – one standard (e.g., Bill) and one administrative (e.g., Admin) – to adhere to this best practice.
However, for the scope of this guide, we are directly substituting the Microsoft Account (with its administrative access) with an equivalent local account, now also possessing administrative rights.
Upon clicking "OK", you will return to the Accounts screen. The new local user account, configured with administrative privileges, is now ready for use.
Microsoft Account Removal
Having successfully established a local user account and granted it administrative privileges, the next step involves removing the previous account.
Removing the existing Microsoft Account will result in the deletion of all data linked to it. This encompasses files within My Documents, saved bookmarks, and any personalized settings. If the computer was recently set up and this guide is being followed to eliminate the Microsoft Account, data loss will be minimal. However, for users who have utilized the Microsoft Account for a considerable duration, a data backup is absolutely essential before proceeding.
Ensure all necessary data is backed up, or confirm that no backup is required. Subsequently, sign out of the Microsoft Account currently in use. Utilize the WinKey+L shortcut to swiftly access the login screen and switch to the newly created local user.
Log in to the local user account and replicate the initial steps outlined in this tutorial. Employ the search function to locate "users," then select "Add, Delete, and manage other user accounts." Now logged in with the local account, the Microsoft Account will be listed under "Other accounts." Click this category, then double-click the entry corresponding to the Microsoft Account:
Select the "Remove" button.
As previously cautioned, all associated data will be permanently deleted. If a complete backup has been performed (or no data requires backing up), click "Delete account and data." Should data still need backing up, select "Cancel" and revisit these steps when prepared.
The process is now complete, and the Microsoft Account has been removed, leaving only the local user account active. Any remaining traces of the former Microsoft Account may appear within the "Network Locations" section of the "This PC" explorer on your Windows 8 computers. Since a network location is generated for each user account, examine this section for any lingering entries related to the old account – for example, a location named someaddress@live.com (office-pc) instead of your local user’s name. If found, right-click and delete these phantom entries.
This concludes the procedure! By creating a new account with appropriate permissions, we were able to successfully remove the cloud-based account and transition the computer to a local user system.
