If you’re using a Windows 10 device, you may have signed in without using your Microsoft account. When you follow the steps below, you’ll be able to see which account you’re currently using. To sync your settings and Microsoft Store purchases across all your devices, you’ll need to sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Select Start , then select Settings > Accounts > Your info (in some versions, it may be under Email & accounts instead).
- Select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead. You’ll see this link only if you’re using a local account. Note that if you see Sign in with a local account instead, you’re already using your Microsoft account.
- Follow the prompts to switch to your Microsoft account.
But it might happen that instead of smooth process it ends up with “error something went wrong please try again later”
One simple trick to try is:
Please try the following fix and check after each:
1. Log out and log in back to the Microsoft store.
Open the Windows Store app, and click on the user icon located on the top right-hand side of the window.
Select the user name, and click on Sign in.
If you are already signed it then sign out.Close the Store app, open it again, and check if you are logged out of the Microsoft Account in Windows Store then log back in.
Now try again switch from a local account to a Microsoft account. If still fails then give another try after rebooting computer.
A Microsoft account vs a local account
A Microsoft account and a local account are two types of accounts you can use to log in to Windows 10 or Windows 11. They have some differences in terms of features, security and convenience.
A Microsoft account is an online account that you can use to access various Microsoft services and devices, such as Windows Store, OneDrive, Xbox, Skype, Outlook.com, etc. You need an email address and a password to create a Microsoft account. Some benefits of using a Microsoft account are:
– You can sync your settings, preferences and files across multiple devices²³.
– You get free cloud storage with OneDrive².
– You can download apps from the Windows Store².
– You can use features like Windows Hello, Cortana and Family Safety³.
Some drawbacks of using a Microsoft account are:
– You need an internet connection to sign in for the first time or after changing your password².
– Your personal data is stored online and may be less secure than on your local machine¹³.
– Your email address is displayed on the login screen when your screen locks².
A local account is an offline account that you can use to sign in to one specific Windows PC. You don’t need an email address, only a username and a password (optional). Some benefits of using a local account are:
– You have more privacy and security as your data is stored locally on your PC¹³.
– You don’t need an internet connection to sign in or change your settings².
– You can choose a custom login name that doesn’t show your email address on the login screen².
Some drawbacks of using a local account are:
– You can’t sync your settings, preferences and files across multiple devices²³.
– You don’t get free cloud storage with OneDrive².
– You can’t download apps from the Windows Store (unless you sign in with a Microsoft account separately)².
– You can’t use features like Windows Hello, Cortana and Family Safety (unless you sign in with a Microsoft account separately)³.
The choice between a Microsoft account and a local account depends on your personal preference and needs. If you want more convenience and access to various Microsoft services and features, you may prefer a Microsoft account. If you want more privacy and security and don’t need online services or features, you may prefer a local account.
(1) The Difference Between Local and Microsoft Accounts in Windows – Lifewire.
(2) Local account vs. Microsoft account: Which one should I use?.
(3) Difference Between Microsoft Account and Local Account.
(4) Difference Between Microsoft Account and Local Account.