For a long time it was possible to use Windows with a local account. Now, however, the account requirement is tightened. Users need to get a Microsoft account to install Windows.
Most Windows users will probably not like the current news at all. Microsoft will probably expand the account requirement in a future update. It was clear from the start that you had to get a Microsoft account for Windows 11 Home. But now the tech company is going a step further.
Account requirement for Windows 11 Pro
Also for Windows 11 Pro, an “account requirement” will soon be introduced. This means that you can no longer install Windows 11 Pro with a local account on the PC or laptop, but a Microsoft account is required.
The local option in the home version will be dropped as early as 2021. Now, with the 22H2 update, this should also apply to the Pro Edition. But with this comes another change in addition to the account requirement. A working internet connection is also a requirement, reports Windowslatest. However, this requirement will probably bother significantly fewer users.
Also read: Microsoft announces many new features for Windows 11
More pros than cons
Basically, a Microsoft account is quite useful for Windows users. Because during the installation, the cloud service OneDrive and Co. are synchronized directly with your own account, so that you can easily manage your data on several PCs. If you use the Microsoft ecosystem to the full, then such an “account requirement” can be quite useful. However, personal data is also passed on or made available to Microsoft. Not every user agrees to this.
Currently, you can bypass the account requirement in the Pro version by entering a non-existent email address and password. Logically, this leads to an error message, which can be bypassed with the “Next” button. But with the update, which is expected in autumn 2022, Microsoft will also do away with this.
Also read: When Windows users should not shut down their PC
Basically, there is only one model without an account requirement – and that is Microsoft 11 Enterprise. This version is basically intended for companies. Admins or users can freely decide whether they want to log in with a local account or a Microsoft account.