In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to switch a local account in Windows 8 to Microsoft Online Account.
There are two primary account types in Windows 8: Local Account and Microsoft Online Account. If a user is assigned Local Account type, he/she will use a local account profile to login. This account is similar to that in Windows 7 and previous.

Microsoft Online Account uses your online accounts like @hotmail.com or @live.com to sign you in to Windows 8. This account type lets you synchronize your online profiles, images, data and access them from anywhere using any Windows 8 computer.

Objectives:

  • Convert Local Account in Windows 8 to Microsoft Online Account
  • Enjoy!

To get started, gradually move and hover your mouse to the right corner of your display (bottom or top) to show the Charms bar. Or press Windows Key + C

When it opens, select ‘Settings’

 

 

Then click ‘Change PC Settings’

 

 

On the list, select ‘Users’ and below the account you wish to switch, click ‘Switch to a Microsoft account’.

 

windows8_switch_to_Online_account

 

Then type your current password to begin the process.

 

windows8_switch_to_Online_account_1

 

Next, type your online account email address. This can be a @hotmail.com or @live.com address.

 

windows8_switch_to_Online_account_2

 

Next,  you’ll get prompted to enter your password to sign into your online account.

 

windows8_switch_to_Online_account_3

 

Then verify your info and make any changes you want before continuing.

 

windows8_switch_to_Online_account_4

 

Finally, click Finish. Restart and your online account will be used to sign in.

 

windows8_switch_to_Online_account_5

 

To change it back to a local account follow the same process.

 

Enjoy!