On Windows 11, if you have previously created a local account, it is possible to link it with a Microsoft account to access all the benefits from the cloud.
For example, 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-powered features, such as “Find my device,” which is a feature that tracks 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.
Connect local account with Microsoft account on Windows 11
To link a Windows 11 local account with a Microsoft account, use these steps:
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Open Settings.
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Click on Accounts.
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Click the Your Info page on the right side.
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Under the “Account settings” section, click the Sign in a Microsoft account instead option for the Local account setting.
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Confirm your Microsoft account email address.
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Click the Next button.
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Confirm the account password.
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Click the Sign in button.
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Confirm the local account password.
Quick tip: If the account doesn’t have a password, leave the option blank, and click the Next button. -
(Optional) Click the Skip for now option to skip the Windows Hello setup.
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Click the Next button to create a PIN.
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Create the new PIN to sign in to your Windows 11 account.
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Click the OK button.
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Click the Verify button.
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Select the option to verify the account.
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Confirm the email address to verify the account.
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Click the Send code button.
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Confirm the code send to your recovery email address.
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Click the Verify button.
Once you complete the steps, the local account will now be linked to your Microsoft account.