Microsoft isn't shy about its preference that you create a Microsoft Account over a Local Account on Windows machines. But it's now made information about Local Accounts harder to find.
As Tom's Hardware reports, Microsoft hid a tutorial for creating a Local Account that was online as of June 12, as per the Wayback Machine. By June 17, the tutorial was gone.
(Credit: Joe Hindy / PCMag)The support site notes: "Microsoft recommends using a Microsoft account, not a local account, when signing in to Windows. Using a Microsoft account in Windows allows for seamless integration of Microsoft services, enhanced security, and sync across devices, unlike a local account."
You can still convert to a local account; it's just harder to find directions from Microsoft. To do it, open the Settings app, navigate to Accounts, and then Your info. Click the link that says, "Sign in with a local account instead," and follow the instructions.
Microsoft's opposition to the Local Account made headlines in February when Elon Musk blew up on X over a new laptop that he said wouldn't allow him to create a local account on setup. His followers attempted to help via Community Notes, but that only prompted him to declare that "Community Notes is failing here."
As Tom's Hardware notes, Google and Apple already require you to make full accounts to access their services.