How to Change the Microsoft Account on Windows 10

To change the Microsoft account on Windows 10, you have two options. To switch the account on your current profile, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info, select Sign in with a local account instead, then choose Sign in with a Microsoft account instead and enter the new account. To use a different account as a separate profile, add it under Family & other users and sign in to it.

The first option keeps your files, apps, and desktop. You’ll need your current password or PIN, and the new Microsoft account’s email and password.

Note: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027. The steps are similar on Windows 11.

Quick Answer

Settings > Accounts > Your info > Sign in with a local account instead, restart, then Sign in with a Microsoft account instead with the new account.

Method 1: Switch Your Profile to a Different Microsoft Account

1. Back up important files, and make sure you know your current Windows password or PIN.
2. Open Settings > Accounts > Your info.
3. Select Sign in with a local account instead.
4. Confirm your identity, then create a local username and password.
5. Select Sign out and finish, and sign back in with the local account.
6. Return to Settings > Accounts > Your info and select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
7. Enter the new Microsoft account’s email and password, then confirm your current local password.
8. Set up a PIN if asked. You’re now signed in with the new account, with the same files and apps.

Method 2: Add the New Account as a Separate User

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Select Add someone else to this PC and enter the new Microsoft account email.
3. Sign out and sign in with the new account. It gets its own desktop and folders.
4. Optional: make it an administrator with Change account type, copy files over, and remove the old account later.

Which Method Should You Use?

	Switch profile (Method 1)	New user (Method 2)
Keeps files and apps	Yes	No, starts fresh
Old account stays on the PC	No	Yes, until you remove it
Best for	Changing your own login	Giving the PC to someone else, or a clean start

Things That Change With the Account

• OneDrive: Sign out of the old account in OneDrive settings and sign in with the new one. Files stored only in the old OneDrive won’t appear.
• Microsoft Store and Office: Purchases stay with the old account. Sign in to the Store and Office with whichever account owns them.
• Activation: A digital license linked to the old account stays linked to it. Windows usually stays activated on the same hardware.
• Email and calendars: Remove the old account in Email & accounts if you no longer want its mail.

OneDrive has its own sign-in; on Windows 11, see how to change the OneDrive account.

Need to delete a whole user profile instead? Here’s how to remove an account from Windows 11.

To update the name shown at sign-in, see changing the Windows 10 sign-in screen name.

Troubleshooting

• “Sign in with a local account instead” is missing: You’re already on a local account, or the PC is managed by work or school. Look under Access work or school.
• The new account says it’s already in use: It’s linked to another profile on this PC. Remove that profile first.
• PIN doesn’t work after switching: Sign in with the password, then set up a new PIN in Sign-in options.

To remove the old profile afterward, see how to remove an administrator account; the steps are nearly the same on Windows 10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the email on my Microsoft account instead?

Yes. Add a new alias in your Microsoft account’s online settings and make it primary. Windows then shows the new email without switching accounts.

Will I lose files when switching?

Not with Method 1. Back up anyway before changing accounts.

Summary

1. Switch to a local account, then link the new Microsoft account.
2. Or add the new account as a separate user.
3. Update OneDrive, the Store, and Office sign-ins afterward.