My apologies to my Mac users as this blog only pertains to Windows PC users.

With the advent of Windows 8 and 10, two new terms have been floating around regarding the user’s account on a computer.  When you set up a new Windows computer, you have the choice of using a “local account ” or a Microsoft account.  So, what’s the difference and which should us use?

If you used any earlier version of Windows (Windows XP, Vista, XP, e.g.) and your computer wasn’t on a network, your account on your computer was a local account.  With a local account, if you prefer to not have a password, you can go without one.  Additionally, none of your settings, etc., are shared across your other computing devices. 

With a Microsoft account, you must use a password to log onto your computer (or a PIN, facial recognition or a fingerprint based on a password).  Additionally, settings are shared across all other computers that are also using the same Microsoft account.  Also, you can reset your password online – using a different computer – should you get locked out.