This procedure outlines how to Switch your Microsoft Account to a Local Account on your Surface tablet. It also covers how to do reverse by linking a Local Account to an existing Microsoft account.

These procedures are helpful in troubleshooting and correcting user profile related issues on Surface tablets.

If you are starting with a local account and want to switch it to a Microsoft Account, simply skip to the Switch To A Microsoft Account section below.

Switch to a Local Account

Sometimes called “unlinking” the following procedure will convert the account you use to log into your Surface (or other Windows 8.1 machine) into a local account without losing your data or installed applications.

However, you will lose a little functionality that is dependent on your Microsoft account:

• OneDrive
• Modern version of Skype
• Outlook.com Mail

The lost functionality will be restored when you re-link your account later in this process so, it’s a temporary loss for most folks. However, if you decide to leave your log in account a Local account for privacy reasons, it will remain lost.

• Bring up the Charms menu by swiping in from the right of the screen
• Select Settings
• Select Change PC Settings
• Select Accounts
• Tap the Disconnect option

• You will be prompted for your Microsoft account password. Provide it and tap Next

• You will be asked for a name, password, and password hint for the new account. Provide them then tap Next

• You’ll be taken to the screen below. Make sure you know what your new username and password is then tap Signout and finish

After your Surface restarts, you can sign in with the new local username and account.

Switch to a Microsoft Account

Now that your account is a local account, you can follow the steps below to re-link it to a Microsoft account to regain functionality dependent on the Microsoft account.

You can also use this procedure to link local accounts that have never been linked to Microsoft accounts in the past.

• Bring up the Charms menu by swiping in from the right of the screen
• Select Settings
• Select Change PC Settings
• Select Accounts
• Select Connect to a Microsoft Account

• You’ll be asked to confirm your current password. Do so then tap Next

• Next, you’ll be asked to sign into your Microsoft account. Sign into the Microsoft Account you want to use and tap Next. If you don’t have a Microsoft Account, you can use the Create a new account option to make one

• If you have two-step security turned on for your Microsoft account, you will need to either have a code sent to you (shown in this procedure) or use the identity verification app from Microsoft to proceed

• You will get the following screen telling you some things will be automatically backed up to OneDrive once the account is switched to a Microsoft Account. Tap Next

• Next, you will get the screen below. Tap Switch to complete the switch to a Microsoft Account

Once the account is switched to a Microsoft Account, You can expect there to be some network activity while OneDrive checks files and syncs and necessary changes. This can take some time and be bandwidth intensive (depending on the size of your OneDrive).