Windows 11 22H2 forces more users to have Microsoft accounts to install

Windows 11 22H2 apparently removed the option to set up the device using a local account, even if your installation is Windows 11 Pro. Previously, changes for Windows 11 Home users removed the option to use a local account, forcing users to set up their devices with a Microsoft account.

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, as Microsoft is now forcing users to link accounts on Windows 11 Pro as well. However, Windows 11 Enterprise is not affected and users can set it up the way they want.

When you connect your accounts, Microsoft will automatically configure OneDrive for your devices and start syncing data between your devices. This includes automated settings and preferences across different devices to help you manage multiple PCs with ease.

While linking a Microsoft account to Windows 11 can be a very useful thing, not everyone wants Microsoft to have access to their information.

In Build 22616, Windows 10 Pro installation forces a Microsoft account to be set up, and users must have an active Internet connection during the installation process.

This only occurs if you choose to set up the device for personal use. If you select the work or school account option, you will be prompted to use your organization's domain instead.

Currently, it is still possible to bypass the account requirement by entering a non-existent Microsoft account email and password. This will result in an error message, but you can click the Next button and create a local account. This is hardly particularly convenient for the user, but it seems like the simplest solution.

On Windows 10, you can set up a local account if the machine is not online during the installation process. On the other hand, an internet connection is mandatory on Windows 11. Of course, there is a way to disable the internet connection requirement, but the process is complicated as it requires you to edit operating system files.

Is it a good idea to force a Microsoft account?

This is an industry-wide trend. For example, Google has been forcing the use of Google accounts on Android phones using Play Services. On Apple products, this process is not mandatory and you can set up your iPhone without creating an Apple ID, but some apps or services (such as the App Store) may not work properly.

It goes without saying that there are many benefits to setting up Windows with your Microsoft account, especially if you're heavily invested in Microsoft's ecosystem. Benefits include access to services like Xbox, your phone, OneDrive, automatic syncing of your settings across devices, and more.

However, Windows users like to have a choice. Many people, including those who don't care about their privacy, may feel more comfortable having a local account.

The above is the detailed content of Windows 11 22H2 forces more users to have Microsoft accounts to install. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!