How to Manage Microsoft Accounts and Local Accounts on PC (Windows 10 or 11)

How to add/remove a Microsoft account in Windows 10 and 11? How to add/remove a local account? How to change user?

Having multiple different PC accounts allows multiple people to use the same device, each with their own login credentials, files, preferred browser, and other desktop settings. Even without having several separate people using the machine, having multiple accounts allows you to separate workspaces, with an account for personal, such as an account for work. In the article below, we will guide you on how to manage accounts on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC.

How to Add/Remove Microsoft Account in Windows 10

In Windows 10 (Home or Professional), adding a Microsoft account to a machine is very easy:

1. Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Under Other Users, select Add someone else to this PC.
3. Enter your Microsoft account information to add and follow the instructions.

The account has now been created and is available for use. To remove it, if needed, still under Family & Other Users, select the person’s name or email address, then click Remove. The operation does not delete the person’s Microsoft account, only their login information on your computer.

How to Add/Remove Microsoft Account in Windows 11

In Windows 11, the process is very similar. Direction “Start”> “Settings”> “Accounts”> “Family and other users”, then in the “Other users”section, click “Add another user”and finally “Add account”. There you must enter your Microsoft account details to add and follow the instructions.

Removal is available through the same window. After selecting the pop-up menu for the account you want to remove, simply click Remove. The account in question is simply removed from the machine, the Microsoft account still exists.

What about local accounts?

Windows also allows you to use local accounts rather than Microsoft accounts if you wish. In Start > Settings > Accounts > Your Information, you can find out if you’re using a Microsoft account or a local account. If you see Sign in with a Microsoft account instead, you’re using a local account. If you see “Sign in with a local account”instead, you’re already using your Microsoft account.

How to change user account in Windows

Switching users is the next logical step after adding different accounts. There is nothing easier for this. In Windows 10, click the Start button on the taskbar. Then, on the left side of the Start menu, select the account name icon (or picture), then “Switch user”and “Different user.”

In Windows 11, select Start, right-click the account name icon (or picture), then select Change User.