Wonder what account should you sign in to? This article will tell you how to sign in with a local account instead of a Windows domain login. Let’s get started!
Since the birth of Windows, it has provided users with several types of accounts. However, which one should you use to sign in to your Windows? In today’s article, we will help you differentiate the various sorts of Windows accounts as well as walk you through steps on how to sign in with a local account instead of using a Windows domain login. Let’s scroll down to read!
Type Of Windows Account In Windows 10
When you log in to your Windows on a domain-joined device with a username, a local account has the same name; the domain account might take priority. There is also another type of account, which is a Microsoft account. These three accounts might confuse users while using Windows. Therefore, do not worry, as we will tell you the features of each type of account and differentiate them in the content below!
Local Account
As the name reveals, the local account can only be used on a particular machine. Users can’t sign in to this account on another device. To be more specific, it will require you to provide credential numbers, the same valid user names, and passwords. Local accounts have two sub-categories: administrators and users.
User accounts: With this sort of account, users can sign in to the Windows system, work finely on most programs, and be able to implement a wide range of tasks. However, they can’t upgrade the system to a higher level.
Also, they won’t allow you to install new applications within the system. Windows seems to be weird when it requires the correct permissions for specific elements. Advanced keyboards that possess custom drivers, on the other hand, would be used for administrator-level access to install the support packet.
Administrator account: Users are advised to have an additional administrator-level account for password recovery cases. If you want to log in to your user account but suddenly forget your password, this account will help you to reset the password by answering the security questions. In case you don’t have one, make sure you have version 1803 activated.
Microsoft Account
Microsoft account is known as an account conducted by Microsoft and can be used on different devices. Once you are signed in, it won’t ask you to authenticate while signing again. One of the great features we like about this account is password recovery is much easier than local and domain accounts.
Explained further on this feature, it is like a web-based account that you can simply recover your user account either by your telephone number or email address. Many people like this account because of its convenience as it synchronizes data across all devices. Users can also access their saved information from other screens easily. However, everything has its pros and cons! This feature will increase privacy risk for users once their account gets intruded.
Domain Account
If local accounts are applied for single systems, domain accounts have more advantages. With these accounts, you can create many users for various machines and different devices. Furthermore, users can access their accounts easily from another device. Compared to the two types of Windows accounts above, here are benefits the domain account can bring to users:
It minimizes the risks of data leaking out and keeps your network healthy in case an unauthorized person accesses your account.
Like a Microsoft account, a domain account facilitates the reset password process.
Domain accounts are also grouped into two categories: domain users and domain admins. Your network will be small or large depending on the task you do. The only negative thing about this type of account is that using multiple accounts in a big network system can confuse some users. Therefore, you need to pay attention to define the account that is necessary for you to access.
“Which type of account should you choose?” The answer to this question is based on the network system you are using or require to use. If you are using a standard device, a local account is good enough. But if you are in a multiple network connection, and your job requires you to exchange information, then a domain one will be much more suitable.
How To Sign in Local Account Instead Of Windows Domain Login-Detailed Solution
Following the first part, we will instruct you on how to sign in to a local Windows account in this part. Let’s get started!
Local-login
You can choose which account to sign in with the Active Directory domain. Here you are allowed to select either a local user or a domain user to use. There are a few steps that you need to follow in order to log in to a local account.
First, on the desktop of Windows XP and Windows 2003, you will see a blue screen, choose “this computer” as below photo:
Choose the type of user account.
How about with the newer Windows version? Can you do the same? The answer is “No,” as there won’t be any drop-down menu for you to choose from. Subsequently, you will see an interface appeared in front of you as in the photo:
Newer Windows versions provide users new interface for signing in
On this interface, you will see a message that possesses the name of the computer/server. If you want to join the computer with a local account, type this name in the box of the User name field! And don’t forget the password. For some private reasons, the name might be a bit challenging for you to type due to its long length.
Type the given name in the Userbox
As a result, you can use your Windows under a local account. If you have many accounts, the upcoming steps will guide you on choosing one of them to log in.
Show All Local Accounts On Welcome Screen
Users can use more than one local account on Windows 10 and Windows server 2016/2019. Furthermore, you can also make the list of all these accounts appear on the Signing desktop screen. To do so, follow our following steps:
Log in to the local group policy editor.
Follow the route: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Login before enabling the policy “Enumerate local users on domain-joined computers.”
Enabling the policy
Then, upgrade the local policy within your computer by following the update order statement.
After that, sign out before pressing on the combination of Logoff, press combination of Ctrl, Alt, Delete keyboards.
Choose one of the local accounts to sign in to
As a result, a list of local accounts will appear on your screen. And your task is to choose one of them to sign in.
Windows 10 Sign In With Local Account Without Typing A Name
In Windows, the dot is used as an alias sign for a local computer. Therefore, enter the combination of dots and a backlash symbol in the username box. It will help you switch to your local user with ease without typing the name.
Type down the combination of dot and “\” symbols
Next, continue to write the name of your account after the backlash symbol. This name will get along with you during the time using Windows.
Type the name after the symbol and set your passwords
Now you can log in to a local account on a domain-related computer on Windows versions. However, please be mindful that you can apply this trick to Windows Vista to Windows 10 only.
How To Sign in Local Account Instead Of Microsoft Account
In the later versions of Windows, we suggest you use Microsoft accounts instead of local accounts. For example, on Windows 10 1909, users cannot create a local account with Internet conditions while installing Windows operating system.
However, you can still choose either a Microsoft account or the traditional one depending on which one they are more inclined to. Below, we will walk you through the steps on how to select a local account. Let’s have a closer look!
Log in your info section within your menu settings.
Then click on the sign-in button! Don’t forget to type in the password of your Microsoft account.
Choose the second option to sign in with a local account
At this step, you must specify all needed information like username and password. After that, select sign out and finish the process. Your Windows will automatically select the local account every time you sign in.
The Bottom Line!
Different types of Windows accounts suitable for certain user needs and demands. Also, each of them provides customer pros and cons while using. More importantly, we hope you have known how to sign in with a local account instead of using a Windows domain login after finishing reading this article. Have a great time using your Windows!
