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Link Microsoft account to my Windows 10 computer

I want to link my Microsoft account to my Windows 10 computer. Windows suggests that I have to be authenticated with my Microsoft account, but that's not what I need. I want to keep my Windows login and password, and just link my computer to the Microsoft account, to see it online on the MS web site. Can anyone please help?

Moved from: Windows / Windows 10 / Windows settings

Hi Audrey. I'm Greg, a volunteer installation specialist and 8 year WIndows MVP here to help you.

See here how to associate your Microsoft Account with your WIndows 10 install while still keeping your Local Account: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-keep-your-lo...


I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.
Windows MVP 2010-2020 (ret).
Millions helped via my tutorials and personally in forums for 14 years.
Please notify me in my articles' Comments if a tutorial link is outdated or ads intrude.

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Here is how you do it:

To begin, click Start > Settings > Update & security > Activation.

There are some interesting changes users will see. The first one is the obvious change from Windows is activated with a digital entitlement to Windows is activated with a digital license. At the bottom is a new option called Add a Microsoft Account.

Click Add an account to start linking your account; you will be prompted to sign in using your Microsoft Account and password.

After signing in, Windows 10 activation status will now display Windows is activated with a digital licensed linked to your Microsoft account. A mouthful I know, but this is how Microsoft will reduce the need always to know that 25 alphanumeric product key users are accustomed to losing or misplacing.

Learn more: https://www.groovypost.com/how-to-use-digital-l...
Best,
Andre
twitter/adacosta
groovypost.com

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When I see this, should I proceed? It's kind of misleading when it says that I will use my Windows password "one last time".

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Yes, because it will switch to your Microsoft Account, you can always switch back to a local account any time if you wish.
Best,
Andre
twitter/adacosta
groovypost.com

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What happened after that: I was unable to login into Windows using my local account, the only available account at sign-in was the Microsoft account. Computer was linked to the MS web site, however. But after I switched back to the local account, I couldn't see my computer under "My devices" on the web site. Any suggestions?

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Last updated February 29, 2024 Views 17,728 Applies to: