How to Disable Windows 10 Email Login

Infopackets Reader Alice K. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I just installed Windows 10 on my PC, and I was disappointed that I now have to sign on with a Microsoft account email address. I would much rather not have to login to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account. Is there any way I can login to Windows 10 normally without an email address? "

My response:

Windows 10 and its services are largely based on the user having an Internet connection and a Microsoft account. For example, OneDrive, which allows users to store files seamlessly on the Internet, requires a Microsoft account in order to operate. The reason you need a Microsoft account is that Microsoft wants to be able to have direct contact with you in order to manage certain services and (presumably) to market new and upcoming services.

Other reasons for signing on with a Microsoft account include:

• Syncing information. If you use the same Microsoft account on more than one device, you can then sync / access / share and save user files using only one account (including documents, music, photos, etc) via OneDrive. This is incredibly convenient, especially for mobile devices with limited storage.
   
• A Microsoft account allows you to download and install Apps from its Windows Store.
   
• Two-step verification (when enabled on a Microsoft account) makes it extremely difficult for hackers to break into any account or device it is attached to.

With that said, these features may not be needed by most users, and so a local account may be more desirable.

Update 2016/05/30: I am being inundated with requests from people who have upgraded to Windows 10, created an email account / password to login to Windows 10, and then forgot their Windows 10 email password. If you are locked out of your system because you can't remember your email password, please read this article. Also please note that I am not able to assist if you have locked yourself out of the system, so please do not email me for help asking this question. Instead, read the article I wrote as it explains how to get back in.

How to Disable the Windows 10 Email Login

It is possible to ditch the Windows 10 email login altogether and use what is called a "Windows 10 local Account". However, please note that by using a local account, you will lose access to certain Microsoft services unless you sign into each service independently with a Microsoft account (and only if the app provides the functionality).

I personally only use a local account and when it comes to OneDrive, I'm prompted to login to OneDrive using my Microsoft account through the app's interface. But since I currently don't use OneDrive, I've disabled it altogether from the startup using Task Manager's Startup tab.

To login with a local account and disable the Windows 10 email login, do the following:

1. Click Start and type in "user accounts" (no quotes); click the User Accounts icon that appears in the list.
   
   OPTIONAL: If you are signed on as the Administrator user, click the "manage another account" link. Then select the account you want to change.
    
2. Your user account will be displayed with the title "Make changes to your user account". Directly underneath that heading there is a link that says "Make changes to my account in PC Settings"; click that link.
   
   If you don't see the "Make changes to my account in PC Settings" link, then do this instead: click Start, type in "change your account" and wait for "Change your account picture or profile settings", and click that link. Proceed to the next step.
    
3. The "Settings" app will now open a new window. Click on the "Your email and accounts" heading on the left.
    
4. Next, click the link that says: "Sign in with a local account instead".
    
5. Enter your password on the proceeding page and click Next.
    
6. Enter your new user name, password, and password hint, and click Next.
    
7. On the proceeding page, click "Sign out and finish" and you will be taken to the login screen where you can login using your local account.

All of this can be reversed if needed -- the only difference is that in Step 4 you would click on a link that says "Sign in with a Microsoft account instead". It's also worth noting that you can assign your Microsoft Account login to any local account at any time.

How to Disable Windows 10 Password (No Login Screen)

Update 20151116: Based on this article, I've also included instructions on How to: Remove the Windows 10 User Password (so that there is no login screen). This effectively allows you to boot straight into Windows 10 without having to type in your password - if that's what you want to do. Note that you can only disable the password prompt if and only if you can login to the system, have access to your desktop, AND you have administrative rights. If you can't login at all, see the next section below.

HELP! I Forgot my Windows 10 Email Password and Can't Login!

Reminder: If you are locked out of your system because you can't remember your email password, please read this article.

Additional 1-on-1 Support, From Dennis

If all of this is over your head or if you need help settings things up, you are welcome to contact me for remote desktop support assistance. Simply send me an email briefly describing your problem and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Also please note that I am not able to assist if you have locked yourself out of the system, so please do not email me for help with this question. Instead, read the article I wrote that explains how to reset your Windows 10 email login password. If you still can't figure it out, please contact a local computer repair shop and have them do it for you.

Got a Computer Question or Problem? Ask Dennis!

I need more computer questions. If you have a computer question -- or even a computer problem that needs fixing -- please email me with your question so that I can write more articles like this one. I can't promise I'll respond to all the messages I receive (depending on the volume), but I'll do my best.

About the author: Dennis Faas is the owner and operator of Infopackets.com. With over 30 years of computing experience, Dennis' areas of expertise are a broad range and include PC hardware, Microsoft Windows, Linux, network administration, and virtualization. Dennis holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science (1999) and has authored 6 books on the topics of MS Windows and PC Security. If you like the advice you received on this page, please up-vote / Like this page and share it with friends. For technical support inquiries, Dennis can be reached via Live chat online this site using the Zopim Chat service (currently located at the bottom left of the screen); optionally, you can contact Dennis through the website contact form.