Since the release of Windows 8, Microsoft has pushed users to log into the Windows operating system with a Microsoft account, and Windows 10 is no different. Right from the installation moment, Windows 10 tries to push users to sign in with a Microsoft account.
Microsoft account in Windows 10
There are a few benefits of signing in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account: you can use your digital personal assistant Cortana, download and install apps from the Store, and sync your settings across your device. Your individuality.
While it is possible to install and use Windows 10 without a Microsoft account and install apps from the Store without switching your local account to a Microsoft account, Windows 10 always tries to change your account to a Microsoft account.
For example, if you were using a local user account and signed in to the Store app with a Microsoft account, you will often get a prompt asking to enter your local user account to switch accounts easily. Your local user account to a Microsoft account.
If you’re not interested in Cortana] or are in an area where Cortana isn’t currently available, you can block or altogether disable Microsoft accounts in Windows 10.
Yes, those of you who prefer a local account with a Microsoft account will be happy to know that you can disable or block a Microsoft account in Windows 10. Windows 10 includes a provision in Group Policy that blocks Microsoft accounts and can allow this policy to block or disable Microsoft accounts in Windows 10.
For those curious, you’ll be able to install apps from the Store even after disabling or blocking your Microsoft account.
How to block or disable Microsoft account in Windows 10:
Note: Since Local Group Policy Editor is not available in the Home edition of Windows 10, this guide is limited to Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions. We will try to add a workaround for users on Home edition to block Microsoft accounts through Registry.
Step 1: Type Edit group policy in Start menu or toolbox search box and then press Enter key to open Local Group Policy Editor.
Or you can also type Gpedit.msc in the search box or Run command and then press the Enter key to open the group policy editor.
Step 2: In the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following policies:
Computer Configuration> Windows Settings> Security Settings> Local Polices> Security Options
Step 3: On the right side, find the item named Accounts: Block Microsoft accounts and then double-click on it to open its properties.
Step 4: In the tab Under Local Security Setting, click the drop-down box to see the following three options:
- This policy is disabled “This policy is disabled”
- Users can’t add Microsoft accounts “Users can’t add Microsoft accounts”
- Users can’t add or log into Microsoft account “Users can’t add or log on with Microsoft accounts”
It would help if you chose between a policy between Users who can’t add a Microsoft account and Users who can’t add or sign in with a Microsoft account.
If you select Users who can’t add Microsoft accounts, users on the computer won’t add new Microsoft accounts. This also means that you cannot switch a local account to a Microsoft account. This is the best option if you’re signed in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account but don’t want to add additional Microsoft accounts. This policy is also ideal for users who are currently using a local user account.
And if you choose Users who can’t add or sign in to a Microsoft account, users who are currently using a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 10 won’t be allowed to sign in with a Microsoft account. So, if you already use a Microsoft account, you should first switch your Microsoft account to a local account before applying this policy.
Please follow this policy if you already use a local account and block Microsoft accounts in Windows 10 completely. If you are using a Microsoft account, please switch to the local account first and then apply this policy.
After choosing the right policy, click the Apply button. You may need to log out and log in again.
The Users section of the Settings app should now display a red “ Some settings are managed by your organization ” message. Additionally, the option labeled Sign in with Microsoft account will instead be greyed out, as shown in the article’s first photo.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments.
