The Windows operating system requires the creation of an account during its installation. This can be an online account or a local account. For several years Microsoft has been trying to make the latter disappear. A new step has just been taken.
Since the launch of Windows 11, the Home edition of the OS requires a Microsoft account and an Internet connection for its installation. Redmond removed the local account option when setting up windows for the first time. Fortunately, some workarounds exist. The simplest is to disconnect the machine from the Internet during the installation process.
Windows 11 Pro, more option for creating a local account
The latest preview of Windows 11 introduces a major change in this regard. The same approach is now applied to the “Professional” edition. In short, if you want to install Windows 11 Professional, you need a Microsoft account and an Internet connection. Normally the solution of disconnecting the machine from the Internet during the installation process should make it possible to circumvent this situation.
We do not yet have a specific date for when this important change will apply to the general public. For the moment it only affects PCs registered in the DEV channel of the Windows Insider program.
Microsoft explains
Similar to Windows 11 Home edition, Windows 11 Professional edition now requires internet connectivity during initial device setup (OOBE). If you choose to configure the device for personal use, MSA will also be required for configuration.”
Microsoft promised to deliver improvements faster. It is therefore not excluded that this new “restriction” will be introduced as part of a quality update. That means it may land in the next few months before the first feature update is released. She is supposed to land next fall.