A local account is a user account that is created and managed on a single PC, while a domain account is a user account that is created and managed on a network domain.

A local account is typically used to log in to a single PC and access the resources and services available on that PC. Local accounts are useful for personal computers or small networks where there is only one PC or a few PCs that are not connected to a larger network.

A domain account, on the other hand, is used to log in to a network domain and access the resources and services available on that domain. Domain accounts are typically used in larger networks, such as corporate or enterprise environments, where there are multiple PCs and servers that are connected together.

The main difference between local and domain accounts is the scope of their availability and the level of control that is available to the network administrator. With a local account, the user has complete control over their account and the resources and services available on their PC. With a domain account, the network administrator has more control over the account and can set policies and restrictions that apply to all users on the network.

How do you convert a local account to a domain account?

To convert a local account to a domain account, you will need to be logged in to the PC using the local account that you want to convert. Then, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Control Panel and go to the User Accounts section.
  2. Click on the Manage another account option.
  3. In the Manage Accounts window, select the local account that you want to convert and click on the Change the account type link.
  4. In the Change Account Type window, select the Domain account option and then click on the Change Account Type button.
  5. You will be prompted to enter the username and password for a domain account. Enter this information and click on the OK button to complete the process.

Once the account has been converted to a domain account, you will no longer be able to log in to the PC using the local account.

Instead, you will need to log in using the domain account credentials you provided in step 5. Keep in mind that this process may also affect your access to certain resources and services on the PC, so you may need to set up your account again to access these things.

If you are not sure how to do this, it is best to consult with a Pisys Engineer for assistance.

For more assistance on your PC account get in touch with our Pisys engineers.