Article ID : 00021940 / Last Modified : 03/29/2019Print

How to switch from a local user account to a Microsoft account.

    From a local user account, follow these steps to log in to a Microsoft® account:

    1. Point to (but do not click) the lower-right or top-right corner of the screen, and then click to select the Settings charm. Image

      NOTE: The Windows Logo + I key combination will also take you to the Settings screen.

    2. In the Settings screen, in the lower-right corner, click Change PC settings. Image
    3. In the PC Settings screen, click the Users tab.
    4. On the Users tab, click Switch to Microsoft Account. Image

      NOTE: If prompted to confirm your current account, type the local account password and then click the Next button.

    5. In the Sign in with a Microsoft account screen, enter a valid email address and then click the Next button. Image
    6. In the Enter your Microsoft account password screen, enter the appropriate password, and then click the Next button. Image
    7. At the Add security info screen, enter a phone number and then click the Next button. Image

      NOTE: This phone number will be used as verification when requesting a password recovery, should it be necessary.

    8. In the Sign in with a Microsoft account screen, click the Finish button.