Merge my Microsoft account with my local Windows 10 account

Introduction

When it comes to using a Windows 10 computer, it is important to have an account that can help you access all the features and applications that you need. There are two types of accounts that you can use: a local account and a Microsoft account. A local account is one that is specific to the computer you are using, while a Microsoft account is one that is associated with your Hotmail, Outlook, or other Microsoft email address. In this blog post, we will discuss how to merge a local Windows 10 account with a Microsoft account.

Understanding Local Windows 10 Accounts and Microsoft Accounts

Before we dive into the process of merging a local Windows 10 account with a Microsoft account, let’s take a moment to understand the difference between the two. A local account is one that is specific to the computer you are using. It is created and stored on your computer’s hard drive, and it is not associated with any email address or online account. A local account allows you to use your computer without having to provide any personal information or link it to any online accounts.

On the other hand, a Microsoft account is one that is associated with your Hotmail, Outlook, or other Microsoft email address. It allows you to access a wide range of Microsoft services, such as OneDrive, Skype, and Xbox Live, and it also allows you to download and install apps from the Windows Store. When you sign in to your Microsoft account on a Windows 10 computer, you can access all of your settings, files, and applications on any device that you use.

Merging a Local Windows 10 Account with a Microsoft Account

Now that we have a better understanding of local Windows 10 accounts and Microsoft accounts, let’s discuss how to merge the two. The process is relatively simple and can be completed in just a few steps.

To merge your local Windows 10 account with your Microsoft account, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start menu and select “Settings.”
2. Click on “Accounts.”
3. Click on “Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.”
4. Enter your Microsoft email address and click “Next.”
5. Enter your Microsoft account password and click “Sign in.”
6. Choose whether you want to use your Microsoft account to sign in to your computer, or just to access your apps and settings.
7. Click “Next.”
8. Review the information on the “Make it yours” page and click “Next.”
9. Click “Accept” to agree to the Microsoft Services Agreement and Privacy Statement.
10. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Once you have completed these steps, your local Windows 10 account will be merged with your Microsoft account, and you will be able to access all of your settings, files, and applications on any device that you use.

What Happens to Your Applications?

One of the main concerns that people have when merging a local Windows 10 account with a Microsoft account is what will happen to their applications. If you have installed applications on your computer using your local account, you may be worried that you will have to reinstall them all over again once you switch to your Microsoft account.

The good news is that you do not have to worry about losing any of your applications. When you merge your local Windows 10 account with your Microsoft account, all of your applications will still be installed on your computer. You will not have to reinstall them, and you will still be able to use them just as you did before.

Benefits of Using a Microsoft Account

Now that you have successfully merged your local Windows 10 account with your Microsoft account, let’s discuss some of the benefits of using a Microsoft account.

1. Easy access to all of your settings, files, and applications on any device that you use.
2. The ability to download and install apps from the Windows Store.
3. The ability to use Microsoft services, such as OneDrive, Skype, and Xbox Live.
4. The ability to sync your settings and preferences across all of your devices.
5. Enhanced security features, such as two-factor authentication and device encryption.

By using a Microsoft account, you can take advantage of all of these benefits and more.

Conclusion

In conclusion, merging a local Windows 10 account with a Microsoft account is a simple and straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. By doing so, you can access all of your settings, files, and applications on any device that you use, and take advantage of a wide range of Microsoft services and features. So if you haven’t already done so, consider merging your local Windows 10 account with your Microsoft account today.

It is not possible to merge a local Windows 10 account with a Microsoft account. However, there are a few options you can try to avoid having to reinstall your apps when switching between accounts:

1. You can try using the same Microsoft account to log in to both the local account and your Microsoft account. This will allow you to access the apps you installed for the local account when logged in to your Microsoft account, and vice versa.
2. You can try moving the app installation files to a location that is accessible to both the local account and your Microsoft account. For example, you could move the files to a shared folder or a network drive.
3. You can try using a tool like Ninite to install your apps. Ninite allows you to install multiple apps at once and creates a single installer package that can be used on any account.

I hope these suggestions help. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Rather than creating a new account, it would be better to log in to your existing local account and then add your Microsoft account to it.

You can achieve this by accessing the User settings on your computer while logged in to your local account, and then adding your Microsoft account to the current user.