Sign-in & Login Problems

How to Sign In as a Local Administrator on an Azure-Joined Device

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need to know the correct procedure to log in as a local administrator on a device joined to Azure AD, and whether they need to repeat the Windows setup process.

How to Sign In as a Local Administrator on an Azure-Joined Device

Product: Windows 10 / Windows 11
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Accessing a newly assigned or shared Azure AD-joined device using local administrator credentials.
Observed behavior: The Windows setup experience and PIN configuration prompts appear repeatedly for each new local administrator or Azure account logging into the device.

Before you start

Ensure you have the exact local administrator username and password or the appropriate Azure AD credentials provided by your IT administrator, and verify that the device is connected to the internet.

Solution 1Recommended

Sign in Using Local Administrator Credentials

Use the correct credential formatting to bypass the default Azure AD domain login and access the local administrator account.

When a Windows device is joined to Azure AD, the default login screen expects an Azure AD email address. To log in with a local account, you must explicitly tell Windows to look at the local machine rather than the network domain.

Select the alternative login option

On the Windows login screen, click on 'Other user' located in the bottom-left corner of the screen.

Format the local username

In the username field, type '.\' (a period followed by a backslash) immediately followed by your local administrator username (for example, '.\Administrator'). This forces Windows to recognize a local login.

Enter the password

Type your local administrator password in the password field and press Enter to sign in.

Complete the profile setup

Follow the on-screen Windows out-of-box experience (OOBE). You will be prompted to configure privacy settings and create a Windows Hello PIN for this specific local account.

Sign in Using Local Administrator Credentials

Windows Setup Process: The Windows setup experience, including PIN configuration, runs separately for each new user profile created on the device. This is normal behavior to secure individual accounts.

Solution 2

Sign in with an Azure AD Administrator Account

Log in using an Azure AD account that has been granted local administrator rights via Intune or Azure AD device settings.

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1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer to your newly configured local administrator profile.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to deploy the software on your Windows device.
3. Open and edit files: Launch WPS Office to instantly access, edit, and save your existing Microsoft Office documents without formatting issues.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight design ensures fast installation and minimal resource usage on Azure-joined devices.Familiar user interface allows for a seamless transition with zero learning curve for new local administrators.All-in-one productivity suite that includes Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and a robust PDF editor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Windows ask me to create a PIN again when I log in as a new local administrator?

Windows treats every new user login—whether a local administrator or an Azure AD account—as an entirely separate user profile. The initial out-of-box experience (OOBE) and Windows Hello PIN setup will run automatically to establish personalized security settings for that specific profile.

How do I force Windows to recognize a local account instead of an Azure AD account on the login screen?

You can force a local login by typing '.\' (a dot and a backslash) immediately before your local username (for example, '.\Admin'). This syntax instructs Windows to look for the credentials on the local machine rather than authenticating against the Azure AD domain.

Can IT manage local administrators on Azure-joined devices centrally?

Yes, IT administrators can manage local administrator groups on Azure AD-joined devices using Microsoft Intune endpoint security policies or through the Azure AD device settings to automatically assign local admin rights to specific organizational users.

Login & Account Issues