What Is a Local Account?
If you’ve ever signed in to a home computer running Windows XP or Windows 7, then you’ve used a local account. The name may throw off novice users, but it’s nothing more than an account to access your computer as a default administrator. A local account works on that specific computer and no other computers. Benefits of using a local account include:
More secure: You create a complex password that works on one computer and nowhere else.Private: Your settings and computer uses don’t transmit to remote servers. Everything is stored locally on one computer.Internet-independent: A Microsoft login requires a connection to the internet to retrieve user settings and preferences; a local login does not require an internet connection.Custom login name: You don’t use your email address as a login name, so it won’t display on the login screen when your screen locks.
Choose a local account if you want to keep your experience like it was on previous versions of Windows. You’ll log in, change your settings, install software, and keep your user area separate from others on the system. However, you’ll miss out on a bunch of features made possible by Microsoft accounts.
What Is a Microsoft Account?
A Microsoft account is a new name for what used to be called the Windows Live ID. If you’ve used services such as the Xbox network, Hotmail, Outlook.com, OneDrive, or Windows Messenger, you have a Microsoft account. Microsoft combined these services, providing access to them with a single email address and password. Having a Microsoft account means you’ll have easier access to all of Microsoft’s services, but using it with Windows 10 provides a few more perks.
Access to the Windows Store
Signing in to Windows gives you access to the Windows Store, where you can download apps to your Windows computer. These apps are similar to the apps found in the Google Play Store or the iTunes App Store. The difference is that Windows Store apps can be used on a PC. On Windows 10, the Windows Store apps can be used like regular desktop apps. You’ll find thousands of free apps in categories, including games, sports, social, entertainment, photo, music, and news. Some are paid apps, but there are many free games and other apps available.
Free Cloud Storage
Setting up a Microsoft account provides you with 5 GB of storage space in the cloud, free of charge. This service, known as OneDrive, stores files online so you can access them from your other devices. Not only is your data easier to access with OneDrive, but OneDrive also allows you to create links for files that you want to share with others. All the recipient has to do is click the link to view your file—no need to email the attachment. OneDrive also provides tools for editing your files using Office Online, a suite of simplified Microsoft Office programs for editing and creating documents stored in OneDrive.
Sync Your Account Settings
Perhaps the most exciting feature of a Microsoft account is that it stores your Windows 10 account settings in the cloud. When you log in to your account on one Windows computer, your changes apply to settings across all of your Windows devices. With a Windows 10 account, you can sync your network profiles, passwords, and Windows Store app settings. Windows 10 also makes it possible for you to share Wi-Fi passwords seamlessly in the background with your friends and colleagues.
Cons of Logging in With a Microsoft Account
Some of the downsides of using a Microsoft account to log in to your Windows computer include:
Hackable: Microsoft stores your account info on the internet, so if someone hacks your account, the hacker gains access to your computer and every Microsoft service you use. Internet needed: Logging in to your computer when you’re offline requires an extra step to confirm that you want to use the latest saved settings. Shared password: If you share a Microsoft login with anyone, they have access to your Microsoft services, and they can view any sensitive information stored there. Less privacy: Microsoft saves your computer settings, computer usage, sites you visit, and apps you use on their servers. Synced settings: Settings automatically sync on all devices that use your Microsoft account. Locked out of all accounts: Being locked out of your Microsoft account also means you’re locked out of all devices you use with that account. It takes anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes to recover your Microsoft password.
Which Account Type Should You Choose?
A Microsoft account offers many features that a local account does not, but that doesn’t mean a Microsoft account is for everyone. If you don’t care about Windows Store apps, only have one computer, and don’t need access to your data anywhere but at home, then a local account will work just fine. It’ll get you into Windows and provide you with personal space to call your own. If you’re interested in accessing all the features that Windows 10 has to offer, you’ll need a Microsoft account to take full advantage of them.
