Windows 11 Accounts (Which Type?)

Just upgrading to Windows 11 and could use some advice about accounts. It appears there are two types of accounts: Microsoft Account and Local Account. (Is this correct?) I've been trying to understand the pros and cons of each type of account and I'm honestly unclear on which is better. I'd really appreciate some advice on which to setup for both administrator and non-administrator accounts.

Thanks

The Microsoft account is also an Administrator account - in that you have full privileges.


I should add if you want the full Windows experience, you will need (want) the Microsoft account.

Dru2 said:

The Microsoft account is also an Administrator account - in that you have full privileges.

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That is a pretty big assumption.

Which type of account is better is largely a matter of personal opinion. A local account is exactly that - local. This has the advantage that it tends to be more stable. For example, the password for the account is stored on the computer and should only be able to be changed with access to that computer. With the Microsoft Account, the password is stored both on the computer and at Microsoft. But, if you change the Microsoft Account password, the change will be pushed to all the other devices with Microsoft Accounts. People have changed their password on their MS account, not really intending to and then it pushes to another computer and they try to log in, locking themselves out of their account, and the lockout pushes to all their other devices....

A lot of information regarding the Microsoft Account is stored at Microsoft, so when you log onto a new computer with the same Microsoft Account some of your preferences and settings will follow you. MS also uses a lot of your information for advertising and marketing purposes, just like most other websites and companies do.

I always advise people to maintain at least one local administrator account on their computers. I use a Microsoft Account for normal daily activities. Also, whether the account is MS account or local account has no bearing upon whether or not that account is an administrator.

fwshaw said:

It appears there are two types of accounts: Microsoft Account and Local Account. (Is this correct?)

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Welcome to Eleven Forum.

There is a third way.....

Thanks for the comments / replies to my question about Win 11 accounts. The information was very helpful. I've decided to use local accounts; at least for now.

fwshaw said:

Thanks for the comments / replies to my question about Win 11 accounts. The information was very helpful. I've decided to use local accounts; at least for now.

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The 'hybrid account' in post #5 let's you have the benefits of a Microsoft account, while letting you keep your local account. That's what I use on my machines.