How to link local account with Microsoft account on Windows 11

You can switch from a local to a Microsoft account quite easily, and here's how on Windows 11.

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@Pureinfotech
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Windows 11 switch local to Microsoft account
Windows 11 switch local to Microsoft account

On Windows 11, if you created a local account, it is possible to link it to a Microsoft account to access all the cloud services and features that Microsoft offers.

For instance, when linking your local account to a Microsoft account, you can associate your computer’s Windows 11 product key to your account, making it easier to transfer the license to another device or reactivate an installation after a hardware upgrade.

Also, you can sync settings, apps, and files across devices. You can use cloud features, such as “Find my device,” which lets you track the location of a computer, so if it ever gets lost or stolen, you can quickly find out the last known site to find it. And, when using a Microsoft account, it’s easier to reset your account password and more.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to connect a local account to a Microsoft account on Windows 11.

Switch from local account to Microsoft account on Windows 11

To link a Windows 11 local account with a Microsoft account, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

  2. Click on Accounts.

  3. Click the Your Info page on the right side.

  4. Under the “Account settings” section, click the “Sign in a Microsoft account instead” option for the Local account setting.

    Switch local account to Microsoft account

  5. Confirm your Microsoft account email address.

  6. Click the Next button.

  7. Confirm the account password.

    Microsoft account password

  8. Click the Sign in button.

  9. Confirm the local account password.

    Current local account password

    Quick tip: If the account doesn’t have a password, leave the option blank, and click the Next button.

  10. (Optional) Click the Skip for now option to skip the Windows Hello setup.

  11. Click the Next button to create a PIN.

  12. Create the new PIN to sign in to Windows 11.

    Create account PIN

  13. Click the OK button.

  14. Click the Verify button (if applicable).

    Verify Microsoft account

  15. Select the option to verify the account.

  16. Confirm the email address to verify the account.

    Verify email address

  17. Click the Send code button.

  18. Confirm the code send to your recovery email address.

  19. Click the Verify button.

    Switch to Microsoft account

Once you complete the steps, the local account will now be switched to a Microsoft account, and you will now be able to access all the cloud features available for Windows 11.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].