Microsoft has been promoting Microsoft accounts since a few years ago. The default option when installing an application also wants you to enter a Microsoft account, but the option of the local account is still reserved, so that you can choose to enter a password and account number when logging in. However, something seems to have changed in the new Windows 11 22H2 version, and an operation to kill the local account is underway.
Windows 11 22H2 forces users to install with a Microsoft account
Microsoft has previously removed the option to use a native account for Windows 11 Home users, forcing users to use a Microsoft account for settings. Starting with Windows 11 version 22H2, Microsoft wants to link operating system installations to your Microsoft account. This measure is no longer limited to Windows 11 Home Edition, as Microsoft is now also forcing Windows 11 Pro users to link accounts. But there is an exception, Windows 11 Enterprise will not be affected, and users can set it up the way they want.
When you connect your Microsoft account, Microsoft will automatically configure the OneDrive service for your device and start syncing related data between your devices, including automatic settings and presets across different devices, making it easier to manage multiple computers . While linking a Microsoft account to Windows 11 can be a very helpful thing in every way, not everyone wants to give Microsoft access to their information.
In Insider version 22616, when installing Windows 10 Pro – when you choose to set the device for personal use, the system will force a Microsoft account, and the user must have an active connection to the Internet during the installation process. If you select the Work or School Account option, you will be prompted to use your organization’s network instead. Currently, the account requirement can still be bypassed by entering a non-existing Microsoft account email and password, although an error message will appear, but you can still press the Next button and create a local account. For the user, although this is not particularly convenient, it is the easiest solution. On Windows 10, a local account can be set up if the computer is not connected to the network during installation; on Windows 11, on the other hand, an active network connection is required.
Is it a good thing to force a Microsoft account?
It should be said that this is the trend of the entire technology industry. For example, Google has always forced users to log in to a Google account on Android phones through Play Services; this process is not mandatory on Apple products. You can set up an iPhone without creating an Apple ID, but some services and functions may Not working, like the App Store.
The benefits of setting up Windows with a Microsoft account are great, especially if you have a large budget in the Microsoft ecosystem. These benefits include access to services such as Xbox, Phone Link, OneDrive, automatic syncing of your settings across devices, and more. However, consumers like to be selective, and it is more appropriate to leave the user to choose whether to use a native account or a Microsoft account.