Microsoft user account or not?

[cookie_monster]

Well the title says it all really. I've just bought a Windows 8.1 laptop and I'm wondering if I should use a local or Microsoft user account.

 

What pitfalls if any are there to a Microsoft account? Does it create issues if I need to delete or recreate the user account?

 

Opinions?

 

Thanks all.

[plexer]

Didn't think you could use a local account unless it was joined to a domain with 8.1?

 

Ben

[abillybob]

Hi Mate,

 

I use a Microsoft account just because I like it to automatically sync things like my OneNote and IE Favorites etc.... across all Microsoft Devices, though you can sign into these separately on a local account but that require time and effort! Bottom line I'd use a Microsoft account personally but it depends how much your invested into Microsoft's ecosystem to care I suppose. @plexer no you can create a local account on a machine just skip the part where it says login to your Microsoft Account at Windows setup.

 

Hope this helps

[plexer]

Weird I didn't see that option when I set up a win 8.1 machine the other month, doh!!!

 

Ben

[cookie_monster]

I might give it a go, I do use One drive and Livemail so it prob makes sence I just wanted to check that there weren't any massive pitfalls first

 

Plexer, I can see that you can convert a local account to a Microsoft account and back again quite easily........apparently I haven't tried it yet

[EduTech]

The OOBE Experience will by default take you down a path to use and sign-in with your Microsoft Account aka Live ID as this is recommended and required if you want to use any of the connected online services such as the Store etc. If you do not have a Microsoft Account then you get the option to Create a New Microsoft Account, If you select this option it is only at this point that you then get the opportunity to break out of the normal flow and just create a Local Account which is what most enterprises do especially when creating deployment images etc.

 

If you do use an Image to build your new machine, then when it's been domain joined and you sign-in with your Domain Account today you then would have to Link the Domain Account to a Microsoft Account to be able to use any of the connected online services such as a Store etc.

 

I hope that helps,

James.

[cookie_monster]

Wow the new mail app seems a bit naff, where are all the options and settings boxes? Can't move the reading pane, can't seem to set.......well anything

[EduTech]

Wow the new mail app seems a bit naff, where are all the options and settings boxes? Can't move the reading pane, can't seem to set.......well anything

 

download the outlook application from the Microsoft Store if that is not what you are already using... you should find that better than the standard 'Mail' application. :-)

 

James.

[p858snake]

I have local on both my laptop and mum's due to preference (Although we both do have MS accounts to use)

 

- Me: Personal preference, I see no need to have a linked account just to use a laptop. (Already had the account from setting up my windows phone)

- Mum: Doesn't want to have to enter a password just to use her laptop, The HP OOBE forces you to create or use a MS account, no ifs no buts about it (or at least that I could find).

[cookie_monster]

I'll take a look at the Outlook app. I've actually installed Livemail which is better.

 

I tried a local account and I couldn't use Onedrive it only works if you have a Microsoft account. I use camera roll on my phone to backup picks so its handy to have it on my laptop as well.

 

Having to enter my Hotmail password every time was a pain as its quite long, then I realised my new laptop has a fingerprint scanner so its not an issue now :)/

Edited January 3, 2015 by cookie_monster

[Arthur]

The HP OOBE forces you to create or use a MS account, no ifs no buts about it (or at least that I could find).

When you get to the Sign in to your Microsoft account screen, click Create a new account (bottom left) then on the next screen click Create a local account.