Switch Between Windows Accounts and Local Accounts in Windows 8

Arun Choudhary
Sep 06, 2012
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Introduction

When Windows 8 is installed, you can choose the Windows Account (e.g. Hotmail Account) or to use a Local Account. One advantage of using a Windows Account is that your settings and contents are sync'ed up with your Windows Live account and you will get the updated content and settings when you login to your Windows 8 account from the different device. Windows 8 provides the ability to switch between a Windows Account and a Local Account. You can configure what account to use to sign in to the Operating System in Windows 8. In Windows 8 you can go Charms > Settings >More PC Settings > Users and you can switch between a Window Live Account (or Windows Account or Hotmail ) and a Local Account.

You can change the user sign-in options in three way.

You can change your password.
You can create a picture password.
You can create a pin.

You can also add multiple user accounts to your device. This will allow you to have multiple users able to sign in to your PC or Laptop.

Microsoft Account

You can use your Windows Live Id email address and password to sign in to Windows 8.
When you sign in with Microsoft Account and then your PC connected to the cloud.
Your friends contact info and statuses are automatically up to date from your Hotmail, Facebook, Twitter and other accounts.
You may get to and share your photos, documents, and other files from Facebook, and other accounts without signing in to each one.
You can also save time with sign-in credentials, because now the same credentials are available for the different apps and websites you use.
You can automatically sign in to apps and services.
Your personal settings are synced to any PC running Windows 8 Consumer Preview that you sign in including your themes, language preferences, browser favorites, and apps.
You can get applications in the Windows Store and use theme in Windows 8 Consumer Preview that you sign in to.

Local Account

You can use the user name and password to sign into Windows 8.
A Local Account gives you access to the PC.
None of your settings will be synced between the PCs you use.

From the Metro UI click or swipe the upper right corner of the screen to show the Charms menu. Click on More PC Settings.

From Local Account to Microsoft Account

Select Users and then click on "Switch to a Microsoft Account".

Type in the Local Account Password.

And then enter your Live ID or Hotmail account. If you do not have already one to use then you can create one by clicking the link "Sign up for a new email address" and answer the security question to confirm your identity. You may receive an SMS message from your mobile phone that shows "Security info was added for xxx".

We are logged in with your Windows Account. Some Metro Application is now showing e.g. photos, email and store associated with your Live ID Account.

However, your desktop apps are still running under your previous local account. If you run in CMD prompt, you will see your local account name displayed.