12 Signing inWindows 8.1 FeaturesSigning inYou can sign in to Windows 8.1 using either a Microsoft account or alocal account.Microsoft accountNOTE: To sign in using a Microsoft account for the first time,your computer must be connected to the Internet.Using a Microsoft account synchronizes settings, customizations, and so on,with your Microsoft account and other Windows 8.1 devices that you sign into using the same email ID. It also associates the email, OneDrive, and otherlinked accounts with your user profile on the computer. The settings of yourcomputer are backed up in your Microsoft account so that you can restorethem if needed.To sign in using an existing Microsoft account, type the email IDand password.To create a new Microsoft account, tap or click Sign up for a new emailaddress and follow the instructions on the screen.Local accountTap or click Sign in without a Microsoft account and follow the instructionson the screen.Locking and unlocking your computerLocking your computer:1. Access the charms sidebar and tap or click Start.2. Tap or click your account picture in the upper-right corner and thenselect Lock.Unlocking your computer:1. Swipe-up from the bottom edge of the screen (or press any key if youare using a keyboard) to dismiss the lock screen.2. In the log on screen, login to your computer using the method of yourchoice.NOTE: To use a different sign-in method, tap or click Sign-in optionsto see the available options.
