Local accounts in Windows

With the recently released 1903 update, I decided to reinstall Windows from scratch. During the setup process I was only given the option to create a Microsoft Account using an email address. Has the option to create a local account on a PC been scrapped? JAY DERBYSHIRE

The local option is still present in the 1903 update, and in fact is slightly easier to find now – when prompted to create an account, click ‘Offline account’ followed by ‘No’. Some PC manufacturers have hidden the option during the setup process – if you can’t find it, restart the setup process while disconnected from the internet to hopefully force it into view.

Similarly, the option for creating new local user accounts in Windows itself is buried deep: head to ‘Settings > Accounts > Family & other users’, opt to create another account and then click ‘I don’t have this person’s sign-in information’ followed by ‘Add a user without a Microsoft account’. It’s also worth remembering that attempting to sign into certain Microsoft services – such as downloading apps from the App Store – can lead to local accounts being converted to Microsoft ones. If this happens, you can try converting it back again via Settings > Accounts > Your info – click ‘Sign in with a local account instead’ and follow the prompts. We recommend taking a drive image before you attempt to convert it back – just in case something goes wrong. IAN SLEIGHTHOLM

SOME PC MANUFACTURERS HAVE HIDDEN THE OPTION DURING THE SETUP PROCESS – IF YOU CAN’T FIND IT, RESTART THE SETUP PROCESS WHILE DISCONNECTED FROM THE INTERNET TO HOPEFULLY FORCE IT INTO VIEW.