If you use a Windows 11 computer, you might want to control whether you or others can sign in with a Microsoft account. This guide will show you easy ways to enable or disable Microsoft accounts on your PC.

What is a Microsoft Account?

A Microsoft account is an online account you can use to sign in to Windows and access Microsoft apps like Outlook, OneDrive, Skype, Xbox Live, and more. It lets you sync your settings and files across devices.

Sometimes, you might want to stop people from adding or using Microsoft accounts on a Windows 11 PC — for example, on shared or work computers. You can do this using built-in Windows tools:

• Local Security Policy Editor (for controlling policies on your PC)
• Windows Registry Editor (advanced settings area of Windows)

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How to Enable or Disable Microsoft Accounts Using Local Security Policy

This way is handy if you want to allow or block Microsoft accounts on your PC.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
2. Type secpol.msc and press Enter. This opens the Local Security Policy editor.
3. In the left panel, click Local Policies > Security Options.
4. Find and double-click “Accounts: Block Microsoft accounts”.
5. Choose one of these options:
   • Disabled: Microsoft accounts work normally.
   • Users can’t add Microsoft accounts: New Microsoft accounts cannot be added.
   • Users can’t add or log on with Microsoft accounts: No Microsoft accounts can be used on this PC.
6. Click OK to save your choice.

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How to Allow or Block Microsoft Accounts Using the Registry Editor

If you’re comfortable with a more advanced method, you can use the Windows Registry to control Microsoft account access.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to this location:
   

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesSystem

   
   
3. Look for a value named NoConnectedUser in the right pane.
4. If it’s not there, right-click on a blank area, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it NoConnectedUser.
5. Double-click NoConnectedUser and set the value data to:
   • 1 – Block adding new Microsoft accounts.
   • 3 – Block adding and signing in with Microsoft accounts.
   • Delete NoConnectedUser to allow Microsoft accounts again.
6. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.

Important: Editing the Registry can be risky. Please back up your PC before making changes. Follow this guide if you want to learn how to safely back up your registry: How to Open the Registry in Windows 11.

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Summary

• Microsoft accounts let you sign in and use many Microsoft services on Windows 11.
• You can block or allow Microsoft accounts using the Local Security Policy Editor or Registry Editor.
• The Local Security Policy Editor is easier and good for managing settings on a single PC or in organizations.
• The Registry Editor method is more advanced and should be used carefully.
• Always back up your computer before changing system settings.

By following these steps, you can control how Microsoft accounts are used on your Windows 11 PC.