On Windows 11, if you created a local account , you can link it to a Microsoft account to access all the cloud services and features that the company offers.

For example, when linking your local account to a Microsoft account, you can associate your computer’s Windows 11 product key with your account, making it easier to transfer the product key to another device or reactivate an installation after a hardware upgrade .

Also, you can sync settings, apps, and files across devices. You can use cloud features, such as “Find my device,” which enables you to track the location of a device. If it ever gets lost or stolen, you can quickly determine its last known location to find it. And, when using a Microsoft account, it’s easier to reset your account password and more.

In this guide , I’ll outline the steps to connect a local account to a Microsoft account on Windows 11.

Switch from a local account to a Microsoft account on Windows 11

To link a Windows 11 local account with a Microsoft account, follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 11.
  2. Click on Accounts .
  3. Click the Your Info page on the right side.
  4. Click the “Sign in with a Microsoft account instead” option for the Local account setting under the “Account settings” section.
  5. Confirm your Microsoft account email address.
  6. Click the Next button.
  7. Confirm the account password.
  8. Click the Sign in button.
  9. Confirm the local account password. Quick tip: If the account doesn’t have a password, leave the option blank and click the Next button.
  10. (Option 1) Click the “Skip for now” option to skip the Windows Hello setup.
  11. (Option 2) Click the Next button to create a PIN.
  12. Create the new PIN to sign in to Windows 11.
  13. Click the OK button.
  14. Click the Verify button (if applicable).
  15. Select the option to verify the account.
  16. Confirm the email address to verify the account.
  17. Click the Send code button.
  18. Confirm the code sent to your recovery email address.
  19. Click the Verify button.

Once you complete the steps, the local account will now be switched to a Microsoft account, and you will be able to access all the cloud features available for Windows 11.