Windows 11 Pro will soon force you to make a Microsoft account
You’ll be unable to finish Windows 11 Pro’s setup process without a Microsoft Account
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Setting up a newPCrunningWindows 11 Prowill soon be more of a hassle as you’ll need to create aMicrosoftaccount to do so if you don’t have one already.
As reported byArs Technica, Microsoft is now testing out a number of new features, UI changes and redesigned apps in the latest Windows Insider preview for Dev channel users following the first major post-release update forWindows 11.
While these new features and improvements such as a major upgrade to the Task Manager and the the ability to drag items in to the Taskbar (as was possible inWindows 10) will likely be a welcome addition, requiring users to sign in to theirMicrosoft accountduring set up could be frustrating for some users.
Microsoft account required
Towards the bottom of the changelog inWindows 11 Insider Preview Build 22557, Microsoft notes thatWindows 11Pro will now require internet connectivity and for a user to log into their Microsoft account during the initial setup of newbusiness computersandbusiness laptops.
Previously in Windows 11, you could create a local user account during setup if your PC wasn’t connected to the internet. Going forward though, both Windows 11 Home and Pro will require users to be connected and to sign in to setup their devices.
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Signing in is often a requirement to enable app stores,cloud storage, cross-device sharing and syncing and other features but Windows 11 will soon be the only majoroperating systemthat requires account sign-in to access even the most basic functionality. For instance,Applestill allows for local account creation during setup in macOS and evenChromebooksfeature a guest mode that lets you browse the internet without having an account.
Although this change won’t be too big of a hassle for most users, developers who frequently set up new Windows installations for testing and those trying to set up a new PC in a place that doesn’t have an internet connection will be affected. As of now though, it’s still unclear as to when Microsoft plans to require Windows 11 users to sign in during setup.
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ViaArs Technica
After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.
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