How to Allow to Block "Microsoft Accounts" in Windows 8 and 8.1
InformationThis tutorial will show you how to allow or block all users from being able to sign in, create, and switch to Microsoft accounts in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, or Windows RT 8.1.
You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.
You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.
NoteIf you select the block adding Microsoft accounts option, users will not be able to create new Microsoft accounts on this computer, switch a local account to a Microsoft account, or connect a domain account to a Microsoft account. This is the preferred option if you need to limit the use of Microsoft accounts.
If you select the block adding and signing in with Microsoft accounts option, then in addition to the above, all existing Microsoft account users will not be able to sign in to Windows 8. This will also include any administrators that are using Microsoft accounts, so you might not want to do this option if this is the only administrator account on the computer.
If you select the block adding and signing in with Microsoft accounts option, then in addition to the above, all existing Microsoft account users will not be able to sign in to Windows 8. This will also include any administrators that are using Microsoft accounts, so you might not want to do this option if this is the only administrator account on the computer.
EXAMPLE: Switch to Microsoft Account Blocked
OPTION ONE
To Allow or Block Microsoft Accounts using a REG File Download
NoteThe .reg files below are for the registry key and value below.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
NoConnectedUser DWORD
0 = Allow Microsoft Accounts
1 = Users can't add Microsoft Accounts
3 = Users can't add or Sign in with Microsoft Accounts
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
NoConnectedUser DWORD
0 = Allow Microsoft Accounts
1 = Users can't add Microsoft Accounts
3 = Users can't add or Sign in with Microsoft Accounts
1. Do step 2, 3, or 4 below for what you would like to do.
2. To Allow Microsoft Accounts
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 5 below.
Allow_Microsoft_Accounts.reg
3. To Block Adding Microsoft Accounts
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 5 below.
Block_Adding_Microsoft_Accounts.reg
4. To Block Adding and Signing in with Microsoft Accounts
NOTE: This option will completely block the usage of Microsoft Accounts for all users.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 5 below.
Block_Add_&_Sign-in_of_Microsoft_Accounts.reg
5. Save the .reg file to the desktop.
6. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to Merge it.
7. If prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK.
8. When finished, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
OPTION TWO
To Allow or Block Microsoft Accounts in Local Security Policy
NOTE: This option for using Local Security Policy is only available in the Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Enterprise editions.
1. From the Start screen, start typing secpol.msc and press Enter when finished.
NOTE: You could also press Windows+R to open the Run dialog, type secpol.msc, and click/tap on OK.
2. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.
3. In the left pane, click/tap on to expand Local Policies and open Security Options. (see screenshot below)
4. In the right pane of Security Options, double click/tap on Accounts: Block Microsoft accounts. (see screenshot above)
5. Do step 6, 7, or 8 below for what you would like to do.
6. To Allow Microsoft Accounts
A) Select This policy is disabled, click/tap on OK, and go to step 9 below. (see screenshot below step 8A)
NOTE: This is the default setting.
7. To Block Adding Microsoft Accounts
A) Select Users can't add Microsoft accounts, click/tap on OK, and go to step 9 below. (see screenshot below step 8A)
8. To Block Adding and Signing in with Microsoft Accounts
NOTE: This option will completely block the usage of Microsoft Accounts for all users.
A) Select Users can't add or log on with Microsoft accounts, click/tap on OK, and go to step 9 below. (see screenshot below)
9. You can now close the Local Security Policy window if you like.
That's it,
Shawn
Related Tutorials
- How to Sign up for and Create a Microsoft Account
- How to Close Your Microsoft Account
- How to Switch from a Local Account to a Microsoft Account in Windows 8 and 8.1
- How to Switch from a Microsoft Account to a Local Account in Windows 8 and 8.1
- How to Change Email Address of Your "Microsoft Account" in Windows 8 and 8.1
- How to Add or Remove Aliases for your Microsoft Account
- Fix Microsoft Account Issues in Windows 8 with "Microsoft Accounts Troubleshooter"
- How to Turn On or Off "Two-step Verification" for your Microsoft Account
- Create or Remove App Passwords in your Microsoft Account when Two-Step Verification is Turned On
- How to Add or Remove Trusted Devices for your Microsoft Account
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