how to deactivate microsoft account in windows 10

Your Microsoft account is the key to your Windows 10 experience, syncing your settings, files, and favorite apps across devices. But sometimes, you might prefer a more localized setup, or perhaps you’re preparing a computer for a new user. Whatever your reason, you might be looking for a way to step back from the connected ecosystem. Knowing how to deactivate microsoft account in windows 10 is a straightforward process that gives you more control over your computer’s login method.

What to Know Before You Start

First, it’s important to clarify what “deactivating” means in this context. You aren’t deleting your Microsoft account from existence. Instead, you are removing it as the primary login method for your specific Windows 10 computer. This process involves switching your login from a Microsoft account to a traditional, local user account. This local account exists only on that PC and won’t sync your data to the cloud.

How to Deactivate Microsoft Account in Windows 10

The process is handled entirely within your Windows settings. Begin by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon to open Settings. From there, navigate to Accounts, and then select Your info. On this screen, you will see an option that says “Sign in with a local account instead.” Click this link to begin the process.

Windows will ask you to verify your identity by entering the password for your current Microsoft account. This is a security step to ensure it’s really you making this change. After verification, you’ll be prompted to set up your new local account. You will need to choose a username, a password (and a password hint), for this new account. Once you complete these steps and click Next and then Sign out and finish, your computer will switch over. The next time you log in, you’ll use your new local account credentials.

What Changes After the Switch?

After you successfully make the switch, you’ll notice a few differences. You will no longer have automatic access to services like OneDrive, your Microsoft Store purchases, or email through the Mail app without manually signing back into each one. Your desktop background and some personal files will remain, but settings like your theme and browser favorites will no longer sync with other devices. Your computer will feel more self-contained, which can be perfect for a shared family PC or if you simply prefer more privacy.

Switching to a local account is a reversible decision if you ever change your mind. By returning to the same “Your info” settings page, you can choose to sign back in with a Microsoft account, bringing all your synced settings and connected services back to that device.