A user account on the computer allows you to customize the environment according to your needs. This includes files, folders, apps, wallpaper settings, cursor movement, night mode, etc. This is why you feel comfortable working on your PC, which may be 5 years old, rather than a brand new one. This ease of working comes with the facility to create different accounts for different users on the same PC. Moreover, it even provides privacy. The account holders cannot change settings or access other users’ files without administrator privileges.
With things changing in the technological sphere, how these accounts were created and used is also changing. Now, users can create a cloud-based account to sign into different devices and view their files and settings on any device from anywhere. This means that unlike the traditional PC-specific accounts, called Local Accounts, users can now create a Microsoft Account, which allows them to sign in with an email and password to any compatible device around the globe. With this basic understanding of the difference between Local and Microsoft Accounts, let’s dive in and understand how these accounts differ and which wins the race. Meaning which will suit your needs better.
Also Read – How To Change Windows 11 Account Password
What Is A Microsoft Account?
It is a free online account that allows access to Microsoft’s services and apps. This central login credential links you to the Microsoft ecosystem, offering a more integrated experience across devices and services.
What Is A Local Account?
It is a user account that exists only on a specific Windows device, without any connection to Microsoft’s cloud services or online accounts. It’s a standalone account that allows you to sign and use the device without syncing your settings, files, or preferences across other devices or storing information in the cloud.
Also Read – How To Enable Hidden Administrator Account on Windows 11
Where to Find User Account Settings?
Open the Settings app (press Windows + I) and click on the Accounts tab in the left bar. You can manage user accounts, sign-in options, family settings, and other account-related preferences on the right side.
What Are The Differences Between Local Account And Microsoft Account?
These two user accounts are used to sign in to a Windows device and offer different integration features. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences –
Account Type
Local Account—This is the traditional account that exists only on a particular device and works without the Internet.
Microsoft Account—This cloud-based account syncs settings and apps (OneDrive, Xbox, Office, etc.) on all devices signed in.
Sign-In Method
Local Account – A username and password must be stored on the PC.
Microsoft Account – Requires Email address and password that is authenticated online.
Synchronization
Local Account – All settings, files, and preferences are stored only on the local device.
Microsoft Account – Your settings, preferences, themes, and files can be synced across devices.
Cloud Integration and Services
Local Account – Does not integrate with cloud services like OneDrive or other Microsoft services.
Microsoft Account – Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft’s cloud services, including OneDrive, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Store, Xbox Live, Outlook, and more.
Password Recovery
Local Account – If you forget your password, you can only reset it locally on that device.
Microsoft Account – Password recovery is more flexible, as you can reset it online using your Microsoft account credentials.
Security
Local Account – Offers basic security, including a password, PIN, or biometric sign-in option.
Microsoft Account – It provides enhanced security options, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), account recovery, and the ability to remotely lock or wipe your device if it’s lost or stolen.
Device Management
Local Account – If you want to manage your device settings or make changes across devices, you need to do so separately for each device.
Microsoft Account—This allows you to manage your device remotely, track it, or even remotely wipe it in case it’s lost or stolen.
Also Read – How to Fix “The Referenced Account Is Currently Locked Out” Error in Windows
How Can I Create A Microsoft Account?
You can add a user account through the Settings app on your Windows device.
1. Open the Settings app and select Accounts.
2. Click on Other users and then click Add account.
3. Enter the account details for the person you want to add:
4. Enter their email address if they already have a Microsoft account.
5. If they don’t have a Microsoft account, you can create one by entering their most frequently used email address and selecting Sign up for a new email address.
6. Create an email address as a Microsoft Account and provide the details to the new user.
How To Remove A Microsoft Account From Your PC?
Here’s how to delete a Microsoft account from a Windows PC:
1. Click the Start menu, select the gear icon, or press Windows + I.
2. In the Settings menu, click on Accounts.
3. On the right side, click on Other users. On the right, you’ll see a list of users. Find and select the Microsoft account you want to remove.
4. After selecting the account, click the Remove button. A prompt will appear asking if you want to delete the account and all its data.
5. To confirm, click Delete account and data.
Important : This action will permanently delete all files associated with that account, including those in Documents, Pictures, and Music folders. Be sure to back up any important data before proceeding.
Also Read – How to Protect Your Social Media Account From Being Hacked
How Do You Set Up A Local Account?
You can add a user account through the Settings app on your Windows device.
1. Open the Settings app and go to Accounts > Other users
2. Under Add other users, click Add account.
3. Choose the option I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
4. Select Add a user without a Microsoft account to set up a local account.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the account setup.
How To Delete Local Accounts From Your PC?
To remove a local account from your Windows PC, follow these steps:
1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. In the Settings window, click on Accounts in the left pane.
3. Click on Other Users on the right side to see a list of all user accounts on your PC.
4. Find the local account you want to delete.
5. Click on the account you want to remove.
6. After selecting the account, click Remove.
7. You’ll be prompted with a message asking if you want to delete the account and its data. Click Delete account and data to confirm.
Bonus Tip – How to restrict certain users from accessing specific files/folders?
To restrict certain users from accessing specific files or folders on your Windows computer, you can adjust the permissions for those files or folders. Windows provides built-in tools to control access to files and folders, allowing you to set who can read, write, or modify content. Here’s how to do it:
1. Locate the file or folder you want to restrict access to.
2. Right-click on it and select Properties.
3. In the Properties window, go to the Security tab.
4. This tab shows a list of users and groups with access to the file or folder, along with the permissions granted to each.
5. Click the Edit button to modify the permissions.
6. You may need administrator rights to make changes.
7. In the Permissions for [File/Folder] window, you’ll see a list of users and groups with access.
8. Select their name from the list to restrict access for a specific user. If the user isn’t listed, click Add and type their username (or group name) to add them.
9. After setting the desired permissions, click Apply, then OK to confirm the changes.
10. You can test the new permissions by attempting to access the restricted file or folder as the user you’re trying to block. If the restrictions are set correctly, you should receive an “Access Denied” message.
Editor’s Tip – Use Advanced System Optimizer To Maintain Your PC
The more accounts you have on your PC, the more temp files will occupy your valuable hard disk space. To regain your lost space, we recommend that you optimize your PC from time to time. Advanced System Optimizer is the best application that you can use to maintain your PC and avoid most major/minor errors. Here is how you can optimize your PC –
- Advanced System Optimizer helps users detect and remove all the junk, temp, and unwanted files, including cache and cookies, stored on their PCs.
- It allows users to repair Registry issues and optimize the size of Windows Registry.
- Identify disk issues and defragment your drive.
- It also includes a module to identify and remove duplicate files.
- The System Protector module helps detect malware on the PC.
- Advanced System Optimizer includes features that help optimize the PC’s memory and create an optimized environment for gaming.
- It also allows users to update the drivers on the PC.
- Users can uninstall the apps without leaving any traces and manage startup programs.
Conclusion
A local account is more private and simple, perfect for standalone devices or users who don’t need cloud integration. On the other hand, a Microsoft account offers a more connected experience, with cloud storage, synchronization across devices, and easier access to Microsoft’s online services and apps.
