Switch To A Windows Local Account to Increase Your Privacy
Many users when initially setting up Windows 8 or 8.1, have set up a Microsoft account because they think there is no other way. Microsoft doesn’t require that users set up an account with them when completing the install or when adding another user. The Windows 8 install routine does everything possible to make it appear that a Microsoft account is required.
Using Your Windows 8 PC like Windows 7
If you use your Windows 8.x machine like you did your windows 7 machine, there is no need for the Microsoft account. If you are like many other users who prefer to use only a local account to improve privacy, or for other reasons, this can be done easily.
Before you make this change, you need to know that there are some benefits to using a Microsoft account. Your settings can be synchronized between multiple Windows 8.x machines, that you use with the same Microsoft account. This includes wallpaper, network preferences, language settings and similar settings. You will be able to use certain applications across multiple Microsoft platforms such as Windows Phone and even Xbox One. You will be able to utilize some synchronize features in Calendar, Explorer and several other apps such as One Drive. But no worries here you can easily use Dropbox instead of One drive, it is better anyway! Last but not least, you will need a Microsoft account to buy apps from the Windows Store.
While the services provide by linking to a Microsoft account can be useful, they have no impact on your ability to use the normal Windows functions, application programs and maintenance of the operating system. Windows 8.1 will continue to receive updates and run desktop applications with no problem. If you have already set up a Microsoft account you can switch to a local account. 
Others want to get rid of their Microsoft account for privacy reasons. With an account open with Microsoft, you are creating another set of private data that must be guarded and monitored. Disabling and deleting the Microsoft account is the sensible choice for users who don’t need or want the account’s benefits.
Switching from a Microsoft account to a Local account is not difficult. Here are the steps you need to take:
- Save any open work before you begin
- Open up the Charms bar by hovering your cursor in the upper right hand corner
- Select “Settings”
- Select “Change PC Settings”
- Select “Your Account”
At this point you will see a screen similar to the one you used when setting up your account initially.
You’ll be prompted to re-enter your Microsoft Account password, then you’ll be taken to a screen where you can setup your local account. You will see fields for your User Name, Password and Password. You may be interested to note that only the username must be filled out at this point. If you leave the password field blank, you will not need to provide one to log in. A password can be added later if you choose.
At this point you will be asked to proceed. Once you confirm you will be signed out of your Microsoft account. At this point, you will have only a local account, which will be used as the default account when you boot your PC.
Remember using the procedure above only disconnects your Microsoft account, it does not delete it. Any information you already have associated with your account will remain in the account. If you want to permanently delete your Microsoft account, this must be done from a browser. Simply follow Microsoft’s instructions to completely delete the account, and all data associated with it.Your Microsoft Account Must Be Deleted Manually!
Later if you want to revert back to a Microsoft account you can reverse the process by again opening the Accounts menu. You’ll see a “Connect to a Microsoft account” option where “Disconnect” was before. You can re-link to your Microsoft account at any time so long as you remember your password. Of course, you won’t be able to do this if you deleted the account permanently.
Microsoft is trying to capture some of the appeal of the Apple App store, and to do that they need you to create a Microsoft account. If you want to use your PC in a PC only mode with traditional applications, you only need a Local Account.
Which Do you use a Microsoft Account or a Local one? Leave us you comments and thoughts!