Microsoft Account vs Local Account - Windows 10

[Dirk41]

Hi everyone !

Looking at your security config I saw that some /many of you use a local account on Windows .

I open this thread to ask you why ? For security ? Is there any difference regarding security ?


I added a poll so you can select what you use

Looking forward to hearing from you .

 

[DardiM]

HI !

A good explanations of the differences :
Should you use a local or a Microsoft account in Windows 10?

 

[jamescv7]

No difference on security but rather convenience to access certain features.

 

[kiric96]

also to note: No matter if you are using a local account or a microsoft one, all the cloud services will be running no matter which type of account you choose (doing pretty much nothing) so, it is most likely the same at least for me xD . The only difference is that with a microsoft account, microsoft is able to trace your steps more efficiently

 

[SecretKeeper]

I only use a Microsoft account on my devices so my themes and settings get synced across one and other, without having to do it all manually. And, so I can use the Xbox DVR & Check my outlook and what not.

Local, I don't think does much difference but locks you out of certain apps and features.

 

[Deleted member 2913]

Local Account

I dont have any use of MS Account And dont like Online/MS Account

Only Win 10 Store app in use (occasional) here & signed in with MS Account

 

[SmileMore]

So far, I didn't experience difference (I did use both account in the past). It's not same for microsoft because with MS account, they can trace you more easily (tracking people is a billions dollar business). For privacy purpose, it's suggested to use local account...

 

[tim one]

Starting from Windows 8, MS is pushing users to use MS account.
Personally I use a local account because I do not need synchronization.
When you log in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account, you are using the same credentials that you normally use to sign in to your account on Outlook.com, Hotmail, Windows Live and so on, but I rarely use MS services.

 

[Evjl's Rain]

Local account causes a problem that I and many users cannot change Default Apps (to chrome, VLC,...). IT can only be fixed when we use MS account and yes, it did fix for me. When I changed it back to local account, the problem appeared again. I don't wanna reset or reinstall windows

I much prefer local account than MS one but for this problem. It forced me to use MS account

 

[mlnevese]

I use a Microsoft account for syncronization. It's quite nice when you buy a new computer and you don't lose any time configuring wireless connections and even some windows configurations, for instance. I don't care if Microsoft is tracking me or not and any ads directed at me will be blocked anyway.

 

[frogboy]

I use a MS account for much the same reason as @Evjl's Rain so i can change default apps and to sync across machines.

 

[Fritz]

I already gave M$ money for the licence, I don't see why I should be paying with my data as well. So of course, it's all local accounts here.

Changing default apps is a bit funny, in fact they try to get you from doing it just like having a local account by hiding it rather well. Always worked for me, though.

You can still log into M$ services, like their store, by providing your details just there.

Everybody who doesn't have a problem with tracking should be aware of the fact that, while they have a choice now, that might just not be an option in the future any longer if the majority stays complacent about their privacy. And I'm sure there's a valid reason you don't live in a glass house either or send letters while postcards would arrive just the same.

 

[Dirk41]

Sorry for the delay

As soon as I can I will give you a little reason to use a MS account .
If you use a local account ( not linked with a MS account ) it is possible to reset the pw of Windows using a restore usb created with built in Windows tool ,or with a bootable usb with a W10 iso ( like I did days ago with my old netbook , because I did not remember the pw).

I discovered this reading this guide
reset password utente locale windows in caso di emergenza #windows

It's in Italian , but as soon as I can I will translate it for you in English
( of course someone should have your PC for some minutes )

 

[Andy Ful]

Local account causes a problem that I and many users cannot change Default Apps (to chrome, VLC,...). IT can only be fixed when we use MS account and yes, it did fix for me. When I changed it back to local account, the problem appeared again. I don't wanna reset or reinstall windows

I much prefer local account than MS one but for this problem. It forced me to use MS account

Have you tried 'Open With' in Explorer context menu (example for Sumatra PDF):
Right click on PDF file - Open with - Choose another app - SumatraPdf - check: Always use this app to open ...

 

[tim one]

Have you tried 'Open With' in Explorer context menu (example for Sumatra PDF):
Right click on PDF file - Open with - Choose another app - SumatraPdf - check: Always use this app to open ...

About Sumatra PDF or also MPC-HC I always follow this procedure and I've never had any problems, indeed

 

[Deleted member 2913]

Local account causes a problem that I and many users cannot change Default Apps (to chrome, VLC,...). IT can only be fixed when we use MS account and yes, it did fix for me. When I changed it back to local account, the problem appeared again. I don't wanna reset or reinstall windows

I much prefer local account than MS one but for this problem. It forced me to use MS account

If I remember correctly, I once faced the same prob with Local Account. I signed in i.e online account & was able to set default apps. And when I changed back to local account, set default apps were fine & no probs later.

 

[Evjl's Rain]

Have you tried 'Open With' in Explorer context menu (example for Sumatra PDF):
Right click on PDF file - Open with - Choose another app - SumatraPdf - check: Always use this app to open ...

I know this one. It did solve the problem but with microsoft accound we can change everything more freely. I don't understand why MS doesn't fix it, also the bug for missing audio icon after a reboot

sometimes I wanted make an app default but it didn't appear in Default Apps, for example utorrent for magnet links. choosing yes when the popup asked for default downloader was not applied. It prompted everytime I restarted utorrent

 

[Der.Reisende]

Reason for me was that both PC's shared the same Microsoft Account to log in, therefore they also shared the OneDrive.
Now get infected by some ransomware happily encrpyting the cloud storage, too.
Had this once, was luckily able to roll it back, but that's the reason I have a M$ Account for production, and a empty of personal data but common software, local account one on the laptop I use to test malware on, too.

 

[ForgottenSeer 55323]

Local account

Because I always seem to get frustrated after attempting to make a Microsoft account. (It doesn't work)

 

[larry goes to church]

I have a domain controller running in my house so i use a domain account lol.