how to switch to password logon in Windows 11?

Mike Ash 0 Reputation points
2025-12-05T23:04:57.84+00:00

I need to install a program on my PC--running Windows 11 Pro--that requires me to log in with my local account password. Loging in with PIN is not accepted for the program installation. I did not create a local account when I first set up windows 11 Pro. How do I create a local account for my profile so I can sign in using either my PIN or my local account password?

Windows for business | Windows 365 Business
0 comments No comments
{count} votes

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-05T23:08:05.4833333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To create a local account in Windows 11 and switch to password logon, follow these detailed steps:

    1. Open Settings: Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) at the bottom left of your screen, then select Settings (the gear icon).
    2. Navigate to Accounts: In the Settings window, click on Accounts from the left sidebar.
    3. Access Family & Other Users: In the Accounts section, find and click on Family & other users.
    4. Add a New User: Under the Other users section, click on Add someone else to this PC.
    5. Choose Account Type: When prompted to enter an email or phone number, select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information. Then, on the next screen, choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
    6. Create Local Account: Enter a username for the local account. You can also set a password and provide a password hint if desired. Click Next to create the account.
    7. Sign Out and Switch Accounts: After creating the local account, you can sign out of your current account. To do this, click on the Start menu, select your profile icon, and choose Sign out. Then, on the login screen, select the local account you just created and enter the password to log in.
    8. Using the Local Account: Once logged in, you can use this local account to install programs that require password authentication. You can also switch back to your original account using the PIN or the password you set for the local account.

    By following these steps, you will have a local account that allows you to log in using a password, in addition to your existing PIN.


  2. Mike Ash 0 Reputation points
    2025-12-05T23:11:29.99+00:00

    I have created a local account, but it does not show in the sign in screen! How to make it show up on the sign in screen?

    0 comments No comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.