Personal vs work accounts

Question

Hi, I recently got a new computer and when I set it up it asked me to input my Microsoft account details. I have a personal hotmail address and an associated Microsoft 365 Personal account. I also have my own business, so set up a Microsoft 365 Business Basic account mostly to get a work domain email address. I also work as a contractor for an organisation, so have a Microsoft account with them which includes access to the desktop apps I'll be using on my PC.

When I attempted to input my Microsoft account details, I wanted to use either of my work emails as I'm hoping to get rid of my paid Microsoft 365 Personal account given it includes everything already in the Business Basic account, and I don't see the need to pay for both. However the message was that there was no associated Microsoft account for either of the work email addresses, and my only option was to put in my personal email address. This was fine initially as it gave me automatic access to all the files on my previous desktop. However, what will happen to my access to these files if I cease my Microsoft 365 Personal account? Is it possible to change my Administrator email address on my desktop to a work email?

Also, each of my Microsoft accounts comes with access to OneDrive. All the files on my desktop are automatically synced to my Personal account. If I cease my Personal account, how do I make one of my business accounts the default OneDrive account?

I hope these questions make sense! Thanks in advance

***Move from Windows / Windows 11 / Accounts, profiles, and login***

Answer 1

Thanks Sophia. Is it possible to change the Administrator account from my personal email address to one of my business email addresses?

What would happen if I cease my Microsoft 365 Personal account? Would I still be able to use my hotmail address? Will I still be able to login to my computer and access the associated files on my computer?

Answer 2

Dear Lynds_972

Good day!!

Apologies for the inconvenience caused and please don’t worry, let’s work together on your concern and move towards a resolution path.

Note that we are as Office 365 support might not able to provide you a solid answer to this question. Please refer to the Windows HelpWindows 11 - Microsoft Community Hub

Thank you for the replay according to our testing we are unable to add a work account to Windows 11 already set up with a personal account.

• As a workaround, you can create a local user account on your PC. Go to settings>>accounts>> other users >> add account>>I don't have this person's sign-in information >> Add a user without a Microsoft account.

• After account creation >> change the account type to an administrator.

Please login to the user that you created>> use the file explore to navigate to C/ folder /users >> your previous account >> copy all your data to this account.

Appreciate your patience and understanding. Have a great day!!

Best Regards,

Answer 3

Yes, that's correct. I have a Microsoft 365 Personal account which is the address set as my administrator account on my PC. I also have a Microsoft Business Basic account and I would like to use this email address as the administrator address, but was unable to do so when setting up my PC.

I also want to know, if I cancel my Microsoft 365 Personal account, will that cause any issues for logging in to my PC and accessing my files? Will I still be able to access my files and computer using a free Microsoft account?

Answer 4

Dear Lynds_972

Good day!!

Apologies for the inconvenience caused and please don’t worry, let’s work together on your concern and move towards a resolution path.

Thank you for your reply according to your description may I know if you want to change the personal account on your PC to a work account in Windows 11 is my understanding is correct?

Appreciate your patience and understanding. Have a great day!!

Best Regards,

Answer 5

Dear Lynds_972

Good day!!

Apologies for the inconvenience caused and please don’t worry, let’s work together on your concern and move towards a resolution path.

• I understand your concern and to my knowledge. For your first question, you can add your work email to your PC by following the steps in this article. click here -->> Add or remove accounts on your PC
• For your second question that backup your desktop folder to work account onedrive, you can first log in to OneDrive for Business from online, then click settings icon, sync onedrive, follow instructions to finish onedrive setup.
• After that, follow steps in this article ( Back up your folders with OneDrive) to backup your desktop folder to work account.

Appreciate your patience and understanding. Have a great day!!

Best Regards,

Sophia