Forum Discussion
New user Local account
I run windows 11
I made a new user account local with a pin
but when I get to the desk top and tell windows the email that is associated with the account windows has me make a new pin
what is that pin for?
3 Replies
- Rc2_phoneCopper Contributor
The format is asking to make a pin not enter
- SMARTGAMER2026Brass Contributor
Hi there! This is a really common point of confusion in Windows 11, so don't worry—you haven't done anything wrong.
To understand what’s happening, think of it in two parts:
The First PIN (Local Account): When you created the 'local' account, that PIN is strictly for locking and unlocking your physical computer. It lives only on your hard drive and never leaves your machine. It’s just like a house key.
The Second PIN (Microsoft Services): When Windows asks for an email address and a new PIN after you’ve reached the desktop, it is trying to connect your specific user profile to Microsoft services (like the Microsoft Store, OneDrive, or Outlook). Even if you want to keep your Windows login local, Windows 'links' that email to the apps you use. That second PIN is essentially a 'fast-pass' to access your cloud services without having to type your full email password every single time you open an app like the Store or Mail.
How to handle it:
If you want to keep your PC as 'local' as possible, you have two choices:
If you don't use Microsoft Apps: You can simply choose 'Sign in to apps only' if the prompt gives you the option, or just skip the email association entirely. You don't actually need that email attached to your account to use the computer.
If you do use the Store/OneDrive: You can go ahead and set the PIN. It acts as a shortcut. It doesn't turn your 'local' account into a 'Microsoft' account (your login to turn on the PC will remain your local PIN), but it does grant that specific email permission to sync data on your machine.
In short: The first PIN gets you into the computer. The second PIN gets you into your Microsoft apps. They are two different keys for two different doors!
It might be asking you to sign in with Microsoft account, PIN would remain same.