Microsoft will force Windows 11 Pro users to create a Microsoft account and connect to the Internet for the initial setup process. The new requirements mirror those of Windows 11 Home, which has Internet connection and account required since its launch in October last year.
Once the changes are implemented, Windows 11 will be the only major operating system that will require an account to gain access to basic system features. Apple’s macOS operating system lets you create a local account during setup, and similarly, Android takes you to the home screen without signing in. Even Chrome OS, a cloud-centric operating system, has a guest mode for basic use without an account.
“Like Windows 11 Home edition, Windows 11 Pro edition now requires Internet connectivity only during initial device setup (OOBE),” Microsoft wrote in a statement. blog post from Windows Insider. “If you choose to set up a device for personal use, MSA will also be required for setup.”
as pointed out Ars Technica, the new rule should not affect those who already have a local account set up or those who use a custom username and password to log in to work PCs. Regardless, many users are furious that the login condition will make it more difficult to donate or sell computers, image hundreds of systems (as some companies require), or set up a computer for someone else. It also gives Microsoft a method to collect more data regarding users.
“The most annoying part of this is that as a PC repair shop owner, my technicians now have to get customers’ Microsoft account information just to reboot/reformat a computer. Or do we need the customer to log in and sign in so we can finish the repair,” said one reddit user.
Dozens of people have threatened on social media to switch to a different operating system or delay upgrading to Windows 11. Others are already thinking of workarounds.
“Always bypass the newest version of Windows. Windows 10 is great, I won’t be upgrading anytime soon and not just because my computer is too old,” another user wrote. “My desire to install Linux grows every day,” said a third.
“I thought that one day I would need to update to Windows 11. This makes me decide never to do it if the requirement is really carried out,” wrote an Ars Technica reader in the comments section of the website. “What is the point of the“ Pro ” if a professional cannot make decisions regarding the accounts and use them as he wants. We are paying for the ability to have more control following all!”
“Windows 11 Pro will soon force me to install Linux,” joked another.
As part of the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build (22557), this requirement will likely go into effect in the coming months. Until no If you do, Windows 11 Pro users can bypass the sign-in process by disconnecting from the Internet during setup and choosing a local account instead.
