There are two types of Windows 10 user accounts, “Local account” and “Microsoft account“. You can switch between Local account and Microsoft account.
Local account
Local account has traditionally been used in from previous versions of Windows. This account is only associated with the device it was added to. Offline account is just another term for Local account, not online.
A Local account works only on that specific Computer and it’s nothing more than an account to access the PC.
On the other hand, Microsoft account can be associated with multiple devices you own, syncing files, apps, and Windows settings.
Note: Even If you are logged in as a Local account, you can use Microsoft Online service such as Windows Store with entering your Microsoft account information when starting Online services.
▼ For example, when logging in with a local account and downloading an application from the Windows store as follows, you are asked to log in newly with “1Microsoft Account” to buy something.
Microsoft account
Microsoft account is the name for what was previously called Windows Live ID, and it consists of a email address and a password.
If you have ever used Outlook.com, Hotmail, Office 365, OneDrive, Skype, Xbox, Windows Phone, the email address and password you use for any of those services is your Microsoft account, then you already have a Microsoft account. The most frequently used account when logging in to this service is a mail address.
By signing in with “Microsoft Account“, you can access and use online storage service OneDrive“, E-mail service “Outlook.com“, online game, apps and games from Microsoft Store etc. by linking computer and internet service.
Even though you sign in with the single Microsoft account on multiple computers, it is possible to use it on multiple computers such as application sharing by synchronizing personal settings online.
Which account currently in use
▼ Click > Settings > Accounts, Or press Shortcut keys.
Local account
▼ You can confirm which your account in use currently is on 1Your Info tab. The type of account currently in use is 2“Local account” at the right pane. If you want to switch to Microsoft account, click 3“Sign in with a local account instead“.
Microsoft account
In the case of Microsoft Account, E-mail address or telephone number used as an account is displayed under 2Account name. You can set up any email address, such as MSN, Hotmail, Outlook.com, Gmail, Yahoo! email address.
Windows Store
Like Google Play and Apple’s iTunes App Store on Smartphone, you can access Microsoft’s Windows Store by signing in with your Microsoft account. You can download the latest apps to your computer.
Cloud Storage
When you create a Microsoft account, Microsoft gives you 5GB of free Cloud storage. This online service, named OneDrive, is a built-in Windows tool that makes it easy to store files in the online cloud storage.
It can be accessed from any device, anytime, anywhere. You can also use OneDrive to share all of your files stored in the cloud with others.
Sync Your Settings
You can also set the Synchronization with other devices using a current Microsoft account. The settings you choose to sync are also saved in OneDrive.
