Win 10 / 11 · Security

Create a local account that doesn't phone home

Microsoft accounts sync your activity to their servers. A local account keeps everything on the machine — ideal for shared or guest PCs.

DifficultyMedium
Time10 min
RiskLow
ReversibleYes
PlatformWin 10 / 11
UpdatedAug 18, 2026

Written and tested by emdottech

What that means

Low risk. This fix only checks things, or changes settings you can switch back in the same place. This change is reversible — you can return to the previous state without professional help or data loss.

Setting up a local Windows account without a Microsoft Account — username and password at standard level, admin rights only when needed, files kept isolated from your own

Steps

01
- SettingsAccountsOther usersAdd account, then click 'I don't have this person's sign-in info'
02
- Choose 'Add a user without a Microsoft Account' and set a username + password
03
- Faster route from an admin prompt: net user GuestName StrongPass /add — promote with net localgroup Administrators GuestName /add if needed
04
- Keep it a standard account by default; only grant Administrator when the person genuinely needs system-wide control
05
- Verify: sign out, log in as the new user, and confirm its files stay isolated from your own profile

How to verify the fix

You can sign in as the new local user and its files stay isolated from your own profile.

If this didn't fix it

The account syncs to a Microsoft account anyway, or you can't sign in — remove it and re-add via I don't have this person's sign-in info.

Next stop: the related fixes below, or start a guided diagnosis.

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Create a local account that doesn't phone home

Steps

✓How to verify the fix

!If this didn't fix it

Related fixes

How to verify the fix

If this didn't fix it