How to switch *back to* a local account from a microsoft account on windows 10?

Question

I really dislike having a microsoft account on my PC instead of a local account, mainly because that microsoft account is on an email i don't have access to, AND it is preventing me from enabling windows defender, as it is "managed by my organization". So, on my windows 10 PC(can't and don't want to use windows 11), how would i change my microsoft account back to a local account? As an additional question to this, would switching to a local account remove my access to ESU? FYI; I'm using windows 10 pro version, & when i goto settings > accounts > your Info, it does NOT show "sign in with a local account instead"

Answer 1

In the Settings App, go to Accounts - Your Info.

If the setting to 'Switch to a Local account is missing, do you see a setting labelled 'Stop automatically logging into apps with this account', that setting will also switch your user account to a Local account.

Answer 2

To switch from a Microsoft account back to a local account on Windows 10 and address your ESU concern, follow these steps.

1. Open the Settings app (Windows + I).
2. Go to Accounts > Your info (or use this shortcut: Your info).
3. Under your account details, select Sign in with a local account instead. This option appears only if currently signed in with a Microsoft account.
4. When prompted, enter the current Microsoft account password.
5. Create the local account by specifying:
   • Username (must be different from any other on the device)
   • Password
   • Password hint
6. Select Next, then Sign out and finish.
7. Sign back in using the new local account credentials.

Important notes:

• Microsoft recommends using a Microsoft account for better integration, security, and settings sync across devices, but a local account works fine if preferred.
• When using a local account, it is recommended to create a password reset disk; otherwise, if the password is forgotten, it cannot be recovered.

Regarding ESU (Extended Security Updates):

• The provided context shows that ESU enrollment and use are tied to being signed in with a Microsoft account when enrolling, but it does not state that ESU access is removed if switching back to a local account afterward.
• One example shows a user needing to sign in with the correct Microsoft account to enroll in ESU, but there is no information indicating ESU is disabled by later using a local Windows sign-in.
• Therefore, based only on the available information, switching to a local account affects how the device sign-in works, not the ESU entitlement itself, which is associated with the Microsoft account used for enrollment.

If ESU is critical, ensure ESU is successfully enabled and fully configured while signed in with the correct Microsoft account before switching to a local account.

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References:

• Change From a Local Account to a Microsoft Account in Windows
• How to create a new Microsoft account
• How to change your user account name
• How to remove Microsoft Sign In - Microsoft Q&A
• Extended Security Updates (ESU) Slovenia Win10 - Microsoft Q&A
• Audio garbled after new Windows 10 installation - do I need different drivers? - Microsoft Q&A