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 ...

If you use a Windows 11 device in a multi-user environment, for example, in a large family, or in a small office setup with multiple workers, there's always a risk to your privacy. Other users can ...

Microsoft really doesn’t want you creating a local account on Windows 11. Microsoft really doesn’t want you creating a local account on Windows 11. is a senior correspondent and author of Notepad, who ...

A Microsoft VP doesn't like forcing a Microsoft account in Windows. This means the company may finally let you use a local account instead. This is part of an effort to make Windows more reliable and ...

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'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).

It's no secret that Microsoft would prefer you not to use local accounts on Windows. While you'd usually log into Windows with a Microsoft account, people have found ways to use a local account ...