Microsoft wants you to use an online account with Windows 11, but what do you really miss out on if you stick with a local account?

I use my own individual Windows computers at home but also share a PC with my wife and my cat, Mr. Giggles (don't ask). To ease that process, I set up dedicated accounts for each person (and feline).

To access the Accounts settings in Windows 11, right-click on the Start Menu and select Settings. Now, in the Settings app, select the Accounts category from the left pane. This will open the Accounts ...

Microsoft has previously allowed people running Windows 11 Pro to set up their PCs offline and run local accounts rather than signing in with a Microsoft account, unlike the Home version. Windows 11 ...

If you want to create a new Local Account in Windows 11, here is how you can do that. There are three ways to create an offline account in Windows 11 when you are already signed in, and all of them ...

Choose to set up Windows 10 or 11 with a local account, and you're required to select three security questions to answer if you ever get locked out. Those questions include the typical ones, such as ...

Upgrading to Windows 11 is still possible even after Windows 10 reached the end of support on October 14, 2025. Although many devices continue to run the retired operating system, switching to Windows ...

How to Create a Local Account in Windows 11 Pro Your email has been sent Yes, you can log into your personal PC without using a Microsoft account. Here’s how to ...