Should You Use an Offline or Online Account? - Windows 10 & 11 Tutorial

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Is it better to have an offline or online Windows account? In this video? In this tutorial, we'll be discussing the pros and cons of using an offline or online account on Windows 10 and 11. We'll take a look at the differences between the two, and help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

Whether you're a power user who wants to maintain your own security measures or someone who values convenience, this tutorial will provide valuable information. We'll explore the benefits of using an offline account, such as increased security and more control over your data, as well as the benefits of using an online account, such as seamless integration with other Microsoft services and the ability to access your files from anywhere. By the end of this tutorial, you'll have a better understanding of the options available to you and be able to make an informed decision about which type of account to use.

#windows10 #windows11 #microsoft #windows #tutorial #offline
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[Akamiwow]

It's also alarming on how many people didn't know they could have all local account. Most people just mindlessly proceed through. More awareness the better!

[b.c.]

On Win 11 they already don't offer to set a local account during Win installation, but there is a method to do this, you have to fill a wrong email an few times to try to log in with it, then It will say that it is a wrong account and will offer the option to go ahead with a local account. You don't need an old version of Windows 11.

[termlimit]

What was the website to download windows from? I didn't see it in the comments and the audio is hard to hear. Thank you!

[StaySicEver]

So far I can still skip and use local account in installation. Using Rufus for bootable USB there is option that helps too. I'm sure we will always be able to have local account.
On Android it's more aggressive as far as logging in online.

[thrillvilled]

Really the only advantage of a Microsoft account is to prevent you from having to repurchase the Windows license when installing on a new drive for a computer. Recommend using a Microsoft account that has no real name and an email that is used for verifications. After that just switch to the local account and switch off the telemetry stuff in the Services program.

Also the Microsoft account does help sync your Halo saves if you wish to play Halo Master Chief Collection but only sign through the Xbox Live service not the windows service.

[renegeeder]

Most of problems related to OneDrive or other Microsoft related services are so much easier to fix on a local account, that should be reason enough to stick to offline.
More of than not, using a MS account causes these issues in the first place, which I've seen first hand. Are a joy to diagnose and fix.

[Ljosi]

Your data = your behaviour = targeted ads;

also you as a human being are worth whatever energy can be extracted out of you and harvested via targeted ads

[ninjanerdstudent]

On Windows 11, I made the online account, then made the offline account, then I deleted the online account. It is a hoop to jump through, but it was necessary. I use each of my computers for different purposes. I do not want all of them to have the same apps or files, just the necessary apps and files.

[BerserkPublishing]

You may want to update the video. Microsoft has done some changes in the latest update where the local account is a bit tougher to find. It is now refers to logging into apps as opposed to local account. One other thing none of these videos I keep watching address. All this data is stored on onedrive. You can uninstall onedrive. That stops the synchronization of your data.

For me, I stear more to a local account for two reason. First, my work machine and my game machine are two totally different configurations. Secondly, and more importantly, is data security. OneDrive has had a less than steller reputation when it comes to data longevity. Files tend to disappear on their own. Sometimes they are in the trash, sometimes not so much. I'm not sure what Microsoft thinks PCs are used for, but for me, being an author and grandfather, my data files of all types are too important to trust OneDrive with them.

So, moral of the story, if you want to login with a Microsoft account, but don't want data sync'd to the cloud, simply uninstall OneDrive under apps.

[unitybeing]

I use offline thanks to u and your video about it. I use raptor USB but I don't trust it anymore, I'm repairing my system as we speak. Thank you Logan. Stay Safe.

[Nick]

Microsoft couldn't lay straight in bed. I'm sick of getting the notification. Account problems. Now I just delete it. I will never sign in with a Microsoft account. My PC belongs to me, not Microsoft!

[ScottyJ]

You can see over the many years the mission creep from Microsoft were for Gamers it is getting more and more problematic staying on a Windows platform. I do not use Windows but I feel sorry for you folks that have no where to go, I use Linux but I do not game so it is not a problem for me.

[jantestowy]

What is the most chilling thing is Exchange online- if you have a on site exchange hosted by yourself, but you also use office 365 there is a thing- if you chceck the box in office 365 licensing that is called exchange online, it will move your freaking "local" account in to the cloud. I shit you not.

[sonicjms]

I almost always sign in my Microsoft account eventually, I hate that it doesn't let you name your user folder during setup though so I make a local account first.

[WolvenSpectre]

Offline Only. 10 Only. My next main OS isn't going to be Windows if 12 is as bad/worse than 11.

[PuchoWebSolutions]

Hello From New York City! When changing from an online to an offline account, does Windows create a new home directory for the local account? Thank you for video.

[anthixious]

I've always used local accounts because the sky is blue. Nah seriously it's the only logical choice, I knew right when Microsoft started doing all this the multiple issues that could in theory happen and it swayed the scale towards local account creation forever for me. So much easier, I don't have to worry about getting locked out because I always have remembered the password, data backup is easier, nothing I have to connect to the internet for JUST FOR LOGGING INTO the PC I already own.

[jsebean]

You can also just pick Use for Business or whatever it says, rather than personal use, go to sign in options, and pick "Domain Join". Microsoft needs offline accounts to set up domains, so this will pretty much always work for getting an offline account. Pro only of course, don't use home.

[Trylen]

I won't use the MS account, Local or nothing for me. Onedrive gets disabled, then uninstalled after a new install. I just don't trust MS with my stuff.

[BNHardwarereviews]

Mate, I have to stop you right there, the idea is good, but there is a easy way to skip it, just type "Admin" in the field where you have to type email, and admin again in the password, it will said a error and then you can make a offline account, does not matter wich version or build you are on "Windows 11". Try it and reply here :)

For all Windows 11 home, you dont have the option to skip, but this works on even that.