Microsoft’s own virtual digital assistant “Cortana” is always ready to serve to your queries just upon a call to it. You can almost ask any question to Cortana and get a legit response, if there’s a proper info available in its ever growing library. However, it is to be noted that Cortana makes use of your Microsoft account in order to store and use information regarding you.
But last year, the company came out with important update that lets you make use of Cortana with other local user accounts in case you don’t have a Microsoft account. However, even if here you need to convert your local user account to a Microsoft one, you still have to furnish details (or create one) of a Microsoft account in order for Cortana to function. This new created account won’t be used for anything else accept for Cortana and your local user account remains as it is.
Follow the simple step-by-step guide about using Cortana with a Windows 10 local user account
Step 1: The first and foremost thing you need to do is just login to your local user account. You would see the Cortana search field at the Taskbar. Click on it.
Step 2: The Cortana dialog box will open where it will introduce itself to you and ask you in case you want to enable it. Just click on the Next button at the bottom.
Step 3: As stated above, at this stage, Cortana itself will inform you that she will make use of your information and connected devices for her to “do her best work”. This is declaration of the Privacy Statement and you can go through it completely to know what all is being covered. Once you’re done reading and you want Microsoft to allow using your information, you can click on Use Cortana in order to continue with your setup.
Step 4: Once you agree to all the privacy terms, Cortana will ask you to sign in to your Microsoft account. In exact words, she will say “Before we get started, I’ll need you to sign in with a Microsoft account”. However, as we stated earlier that Cortana needs a Microsoft account in order for her to provide her services effectively. So here, you need to sign in to an already existing Microsoft account or create a new one which will be used only by Cortana. Note, you need not worry as you local user account will remain as it is.
So click on the Sign In button as shown below.
Step 5: Enter the details for your Microsoft account and click on Sign In. In case, you don’t have an existing Microsoft account, click on the “Create One” option.
Step 6: An instruction box will appear wherein Microsoft requests you to convert your local user account to a Microsoft account. Just do not worry! Check carefully as below the password entering box, there is an option saying “Sign in to just this app instead”. Upon clicking this, your new Microsoft account can only be used by Cortana and not by any other app or feature.
Step 7: Once done, you’re all-ready to use Cortana with your local user account.
