
On Windows 11, if you created a local account, you can link it to a Microsoft account to access all the cloud services and features that the company offers.
For example, when linking your local account to a Microsoft account, you can associate your computer’s Windows 11 product key with your account, making it easier to transfer the product key 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 enables you to track the location of a device. If it ever gets lost or stolen, you can quickly determine its last known location to find it. And, when using a Microsoft account, it’s easier to reset your account password and more.
In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to connect a local account to a Microsoft account on Windows 11.
Switch from a local account to a Microsoft account on Windows 11
To link a Windows 11 local account with a Microsoft account, follow these steps:
-
Open Settings on Windows 11.
-
Click on Accounts.
-
Click the Your Info page on the right side.
-
Click the “Sign in with a Microsoft account instead” option for the Local account setting under the “Account settings” section.
-
Confirm your Microsoft account email address.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Confirm the account password.
-
Click the Sign in button.
-
Confirm the local account password.
Quick tip: If the account doesn’t have a password, leave the option blank and click the Next button. -
(Option 1) Click the “Skip for now” option to skip the Windows Hello setup.
-
(Option 2) Click the Next button to create a PIN.
-
Create the new PIN to sign in to Windows 11.
-
Click the OK button.
-
Click the Verify button (if applicable).
-
Select the option to verify the account.
-
Confirm the email address to verify the account.
-
Click the Send code button.
-
Confirm the code sent to your recovery email address.
-
Click the Verify button.
Once you complete the steps, the local account will now be switched to a Microsoft account, and you will be able to access all the cloud features available for Windows 11.