How to Create a Local User Account in Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Pro lets you use the operating system with either a Microsoft account or a local user account. A local account is tied to the computer rather than an online Microsoft profile. It can be useful when you want a simpler sign-in process, fewer cloud-connected features, or separate profiles for family members and guests.
Creating a local profile takes only a few minutes through the Settings app. You can also convert an existing Microsoft account into a local account without removing your personal files, installed programs, or desktop settings. The important steps are choosing a strong password, selecting security questions carefully, and confirming the new profile has the permissions it needs.
The process described here applies to standard Windows 10 Pro installations. Names can vary slightly after feature updates, but the account options remain in the Accounts area of Windows Settings.
Why Use a Local Account
A local account stores its credentials on the Windows 10 computer instead of using an email address and password managed through Microsoft’s online services. You can sign in with a username of your choice, and the account remains available even when the computer is offline. This makes it practical for a home PC, an older device, or a computer used for a focused task.
A local profile also provides a clear separation between the computer and Microsoft services such as OneDrive, Microsoft Store synchronization, and cloud-based settings. Those services can still be used separately when needed, but they are not automatically connected to the Windows sign-in profile.
There are a few trade-offs. Password recovery is less convenient because Microsoft cannot reset a local password through its online account system. Features such as automatic settings synchronization may also be unavailable. For many users, the added control and straightforward login are worth these limitations.
Prepare Before Adding the Account
Sign in to Windows 10 Pro with an administrator account before beginning. An administrator can create another user and decide whether that person should have standard or administrative access. If you are using a work-managed computer, account creation may be restricted by organizational policies.
Decide on the account name and permission level in advance. A standard account is safer for everyday use because it cannot freely change system-wide settings or install software without administrator approval. An administrator account is appropriate only when the person needs to manage programs, drivers, accounts, or Windows configuration.
Back up important files if you plan to change an existing account rather than create a separate one. The conversion process is designed to preserve data, but a current backup is still sensible before changing login settings. You can also review related Windows 10 tips for guidance on profiles, privacy, and everyday system maintenance.
Create a New Local Profile in Settings
Open the Start menu, select the gear icon, and choose Accounts. In the left-hand menu, select Family & other users. Under Other users, click Add someone else to this PC. Windows may open a Microsoft account sign-in screen, but you can bypass it by selecting I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
On the next screen, choose Add a user without a Microsoft account. Enter the username for the local profile, then create a password if the account needs password protection. Windows also asks for three security questions. Choose questions with answers that are difficult for other people to guess, and record the answers somewhere secure if necessary.
Select Next to finish creating the account. The new profile will appear under Other users. At this stage, it is usually a standard user. That is the recommended setting for routine work, web browsing, and school or family use.
To change the permission level, select the new account and click Change account type. Choose Administrator or Standard User, then select OK. Windows may require administrator approval when you make this change. Sign out of the current profile and select the new username from the Windows sign-in screen to test it.
Compare Account Options and Switch Existing Profiles
A new local account gives you a clean profile with its own desktop, documents, settings, and application preferences. Converting an existing Microsoft profile keeps the same Windows user folder and usually retains its files and installed applications. The right option depends on whether you want a separate workspace or simply want to disconnect the current login from Microsoft.
| Account choice | Best for | Main advantage | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| New local account | A separate person or workspace | Clean profile and independent settings | Files may need to be copied from another profile |
| Existing Microsoft account | Cloud-connected Windows use | Synchronization and easier online recovery | Uses Microsoft credentials to sign in |
| Microsoft account changed to local | Users who want to keep their current profile | Preserves the existing desktop and files | Some online features may need separate sign-in |
| Standard local account | Everyday computing | Limits system-wide changes | Requires administrator approval for some tasks |
| Administrator local account | System maintenance | Full control over the PC | Greater security risk if compromised |
To convert your current Microsoft account, open Settings > Accounts > Your info. Select Sign in with a local account instead. Windows will ask you to verify the current Microsoft account password or PIN. Enter a local username, password, and password hint, then choose Next and Sign out and finish.
After signing back in, Windows uses the local credentials for that profile. Your personal files should remain in place, but OneDrive and other Microsoft services may ask you to sign in independently. If you use encrypted files, shared folders, or specialized applications, check them after the conversion to ensure they still work as expected.
Secure and Verify the New User
A local account should have a password that is unique to the computer. Avoid using a name, birthday, address, or a short word that someone familiar with you could predict. A long passphrase is easier to remember and generally stronger than a short password containing only minor character changes.
The password hint is visible from the sign-in screen, so it should not reveal the answer. Security questions deserve the same care. If another person can easily find the answers through social media or casual conversation, choose different answers or use private information that is not publicly associated with you.
Use these checks after the first sign-in:
- Confirm that the username appears correctly under Settings > Accounts > Your info.
- Open File Explorer and verify that the profile has access to its own Documents, Pictures, and Desktop folders.
- Test a normal application and confirm that personal settings are saved after signing out.
- Check the account type under Family & other users and make sure administrator access is intentional.
- Create a password reset disk if the account is important and the computer supports this recovery method.
If the new user needs access to shared documents, store them in a common folder or adjust folder permissions carefully. Avoid giving every account administrator rights simply to make file sharing easier. Separate permissions provide better protection against accidental changes and unwanted software.
Solve Common Account Problems
If Add someone else to this PC is missing, the Settings app may not be loading correctly, the current profile may lack administrator privileges, or a system policy may be blocking account changes. Restart Windows, install pending updates, and try again from an administrator profile. You can also open Settings > Accounts directly by pressing Windows key + I and selecting the account section.
When Windows repeatedly requests a Microsoft account, look for the links I don’t have this person’s sign-in information and Add a user without a Microsoft account. These options are easy to overlook because Microsoft presents online account registration first. Selecting the links in sequence leads to the local profile form.
A newly created account may appear unable to install programs or change settings because it is a standard user. Return to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, select the profile, and use Change account type. If the profile cannot be elevated, sign in with another administrator account and approve the change through User Account Control.
Some account issues are actually caused by damaged system files or incomplete Windows servicing. Run Windows Update from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, select Check for updates, and restart when prompted. The Windows 10 update guidance can help when update downloads fail or the update screen reports an error.
If the local account does not appear on the sign-in screen, restart the PC and check that the profile is enabled. You can also open Computer Management, expand Local Users and Groups, and select Users to inspect the account. The Local Users and Groups console is available in Windows 10 Pro, although it may not be present in Windows 10 Home.
After setup, sign in with the local profile for several days before removing an old account. Confirm that documents, browser bookmarks, email settings, and application data are available. If you decide to delete an unused account later, copy any needed files first because removing the profile can erase its local data.
A local account gives Windows 10 Pro a more traditional, device-centered sign-in experience. Create a separate profile when you need clear user boundaries, or convert your current profile when you want to keep its files and settings. Complete the security checks, apply current updates, and keep a reliable backup so the new account remains dependable for everyday work.