Switch to a local account The contents of this PC are encrypted to protect your privacy if this PC is lost or stolen. Windows automatically stores your recovery key with your Microsoft account. Before you switch to a local account, you should back up a copy of your recovery key. If anything happens to your PCI you'll need your recovery key to sign in and access your important files and photos. To back up your recovery key, close this dialog box and use the Search charm to search for "device encryption." Tap or click "Manage BitLocker' and then follow the backup instructions for each encrypted drive on your PC.

How Do I Switch to a Local Account Sign-in for Windows?

Windows 10 and 11 setup want you to log in with a Microsoft account. I’ll show you how to restore a local account sign-in.

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