How can I change which MS account my computer logs in to?

Convert the existing Windows profile to a local account first, then connect that same profile to your own Microsoft account; this changes the sign-in account without creating a new profile or manually moving its files.

Change the Microsoft account on the existing profile

Before proceeding, back up important files and save any open work.

1. Open Start → Settings → Accounts → Your info.
2. Select Sign in with a local account instead.
   • This option appears only when the current Windows profile is connected to a Microsoft account.
3. Complete the identity check requested by Windows.
4. Enter a temporary local username, password, and password hint.
5. Select Next → Sign out and finish.
6. Sign back in using the temporary local account.
7. Return to Settings → Accounts → Your info.
8. Select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
9. Enter your Microsoft account credentials and complete the prompts.
10. Select Next → Sign out and finish, then sign back in.

Microsoft documents both conversions through Accounts → Your info.^1^

This operation changes the identity attached to the current Windows profile. It is different from merely adding your account under Email & accounts, which only makes an account available to applications.

If “Sign in with a local account instead” is unavailable

Use a new administrator profile instead. This is also the appropriate path if Windows requires your wife’s credentials and you cannot complete that verification.

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Other users.
2. Under Add other user, select Add account.
3. Either:
   • Enter your Microsoft account email, or
   • Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information → Add a user without a Microsoft account.
4. Expand the newly created account and select Change account type.
5. Choose Administrator → OK. Windows documents this account-creation and administrator configuration path here.^2^
6. Select Start → account picture/icon → Sign out, then sign in to the new account.
7. If necessary, copy your personal files from the old profile under C:\Users\OldProfile into the corresponding folders in the new profile:
   • Desktop
   • Documents
   • Downloads
   • Pictures
   • Videos

Do not copy the entire old profile or its AppData folder. Some application settings and cloud files may require separate sign-in or restoration.

Remove the old profile only after checking your files

Once the new account works and all required files are accessible:

1. Sign in to the new administrator account.
2. Open Settings → Accounts → Other users.
3. Expand the old account.
4. Next to Account and data, select Remove.
5. Confirm removal.

Warning: This deletes data stored in that user profile from this PC. Back it up first. Removing the profile from Windows does not delete your wife’s Microsoft account itself.^2^

If both profiles already appear on the computer, there is no need to add another one: select Start → account picture/icon → More → the desired account to switch users.^3^

References

1. Change From a Local Account to a Microsoft Account in Windows | Microsoft Support
2. Manage User Accounts in Windows | Microsoft Support
3. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/security/user-account-access-in-windows#switch-user)