Solved Can 8.1 use a local account

I really don't want to use a MS account to login to Win 8.1. Can I choose a local account during install? I've seen a few posts that indicate this is not possible.

Actually, this morning I decided to give 8.1 a go. When I got to where I had to sign in with a MS account I screwed up the password, and then 8.1 said OK to continue, login to account later.

Upshot of all that is 8.1 is installed just fine, and I did not ever have to sign in with a MS account. I used the update version from store.

I had no problem installing the 8.1 Preview from an ISO using a local account.

You would need to login to your MS account to access the Windows Store to be able to do the install from there.

I used the iso file to install Win 8. Where is the iso file for 8.1?

You can download the ISO here: Download Windows 8.1 Preview - Microsoft Windows

See also: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/27188-windows-8-1-preview-download-install.html

Thank you. I read the faq's and it seems the preview is for pros which I am not. I will wait for the release build soI don't get in trouble.
May I ask if it is better to use the iso as I did for Win 8 or the download?
Their is so much speculation about cost and I wonder if it played into what and when one takes action. Thank you again.
Peter

Ztruker said:

I really don't want to use a MS account to login to Win 8.1. Can I choose a local account during install? I've seen a few posts that indicate this is not possible.

Click to expand...

It's possible. Already did it.

I didn't try botching the password, but if it works, hey why not ??

I'm wondering though; Was yours an update or a clean install from the ISO ?? I slicked the machine I put it on, so it had nothing to install over or upgrade.

By the way; I am using it as my main Windows machine here at work. I have others to fall back on / use while I'm working on this one, but I use it as my main machine because I want to thoroughly test everything in a real world environment.

...and no I'm not crazy for putting it on a production machine. As I said before, I have plenty of other hardware to fall back on in the event I need to.

8.1 doesn't give the option to create a 'Local Account' during installation but you can switch later in UAC.

Hi there
try and run it as a Virtual machine --VMware player is FREE and it will give you some practice as well using Virtual Machines. That way you don't need to alter anything on your existing OS.

Cheers
jimbo

VM

jimbo45 said:

Hi there
try and run it as a Virtual machine --VMware player is FREE and it will give you some practice as well using Virtual Machines. That way you don't need to alter anything on your existing OS.

Cheers
jimbo

Click to expand...

>>You have no idea how hard I tried to set up a vm. Once I did but it was trouble. I am too old, sick and unskilled but I thank you very much for the suggestion.
I also need to find out if it is better to use the download or the iso as I did for Win 8 and also costs etc. which seem unknown now.
Thank you and I whish I could up my skills over night.

@ Peter2:

An easy way is create a new partition on your C drive, if you have the room, and dual boot W8.1 beside W8.

Edwin said:

@ Peter2

A easy way is create a new partition on your C drive, if you have the room, and dual boot W8.1 beside W8.

Click to expand...

>>It is way above my skill level but I thank you.

Hopachi, how did you install using a local account? Edwin (and others) say the option to do so does not exist.

Ztruker said:

Hopachi, how did you install using a local account? Edwin (and others) say the option to do so does not exist.

Click to expand...

I've upgraded through the store while I was using a local account.

If you used the ISO and couldn't see the option (in 8.0 it was well-hidden that local account choice) try to switch afterwards when you're logged in. It should still be possible.

image 8.1 to 8

Although I cannot use a VM or dual boot, I was wondering if I could install Win 8.1 and if necessary, use my Macrium to recover Win 8?
If so, would the store or the iso be better. I want a local account and am not sure if getting a disc at this point is wise, via the iso.

For those of you wishing to install the 8.1 Preview with a Local account, do the install from the ISO WITHOUT an active internet connection, the install will not be able to setup using your MS account and so will prompt you to install with a local account.

Great to hear about the iso file to disc and installing off line. Thanks for that.
What do I use for a product key?

I read 8.1 cannot be removed.
However, will a Macrium Reflect image recover from 8.1. to 8 if there are too many issues?

strollin said:

For those of you wishing to install the 8.1 Preview with a Local account, do the install from the ISO WITHOUT an active internet connection, the install will not be able to setup using your MS account and so will prompt you to install with a local account.

Click to expand...

Good find, rep for you :thumb:

Thanks strollin, good info for sure. Now if I can only get past the 0X000000C4 error during install I'll be all set.