Microsoft has released a new Windows Insider Preview Build 26220.6772 that could make it harder or impossible to set up Windows 11 without first signing in to a Microsoft account. Spotted by our ...

A Microsoft account has some advantages, but a local account is fine for Windows 11. Microsoft doesn't make it easy to set up a local account on a new PC. There are workarounds, but they depend on ...

Microsoft's latest Insider Preview, Build 26220.6772, introduces a significant policy change: removal of known workarounds to skip Microsoft Account setup during Windows 11 installation (OOBE).

Microsoft is blocking another way to choose a local account in Windows 11. You'd force a local account by disconnecting from the network. The block is currently in place in the latest Windows 11 ...

Use left and right arrow keys to seek audio. Microsoft appears to be turning over several new leaves with Windows 11 - or indeed rewriting the entire book to an extent - with plans to improve and fix ...

Microsoft is removing more methods that help users create local Windows accounts and bypass the Microsoft account requirement when installing Windows 11. The change ...

Microsoft confirms Windows 11's OOBE is getting faster by end of 2026, but Pavan Davuluri's update says nothing about ...

Guide When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Microsoft is making it harder to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft Account, but ...

Microsoft is removing known workarounds for local account creation in Windows 11 setup (OOBE), effectively making a Microsoft Account (MSA) mandatory for most users. The company cites proper ...

Of the many minor to medium-size annoyances that come with a modern Windows 11 installation, the requirement that you sign in with a Microsoft account is one of the most irritating. Sure, all ...

Microsoft knows we want local accounts, not Microsoft accounts, but I don't think they'll deliver it -- even on the Windows 11 apology tour. After years of pissing me and other Windows 11 users off, ...