When you’re first setting up Windows 8, it’s recommended to use your Microsoft account, but there is an option to login without using your Microsoft account.

But, most users will use their Microsoft account to to set up their machine. Here’s how to create a local user account after you’ve already set up Windows 8. When I tried to log in with out a Microsoft Account, I got this screen. I didn’t have time to sit and mess with creating a local account, but I did later. Open Control Panel » PC Settings and under Your Account, click Add a User. Now, click Don’t Want This User to Sign In With a Microsoft Account.

Next, on the Add User screen, click Local Account.

Enter in the User Name, Password and Password Hint. Then hit Next.

That’s it! Click Finish.

The next time you log off of restart your machine, you can log into your local account. However, it’s not that obvious. To see it, click the arrow on the left of your online logon.

Then you’ll see the new account, click on the local account you just created.

Go ahead and log in to your Windows 8 system. I recommend using a different password that  your Windows Account.

There you have it! Now you can check your local files and get things done without having Internet access.

While the Live login is nice in a lot of situations because it syncs between machines, sometimes you just want to log in locally. Good thing there is a way! but sometimes the offline caching of the password just bugs out and will not let you login…. SO…. how do we set up Win8 for internet use WITHOUT having to access an MS based account to start the PC? Called up Microsucks. They have me go through the reset process again and again but that didn’t help much when Microsucks can’t even keep their own service up running!!… this is what’s been going on for 2 days now!! The error from Microsucks: “There’s a temporary problem There’s a temporary problem with the service. Please try again. If you continue to get this message, try again later.” The solution is: You need to have a local user from day one! If you don’t and are not able to retrieve your password, well too bad for you as to the only solution Microsucks can come up with is to re-install your system and consequently lose everything on your computer. So let me just say this: I am pissed!! :-( – Lana von Flittner Comment

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