In the past, if you wanted to use Windows, you could use it without having to create a Microsoft account. Users could work around that by creating a local user account instead. However, with Windows 11, it seems that Microsoft is making that a requirement for all users.

Microsoft initially introduced those requirements to Windows 11 Home last year, but now it looks like the company is applying those changes to Windows 11 Pro users as well. Soon, Pro users will need to have a Microsoft account registered, but will also require users to have an internet  connection during the initial setup phase.

According to Microsoft, “Similar to Windows 11 Home edition, Windows 11 Pro edition now requires internet connectivity during the initial device setup (OOBE) only. If you choose to setup device for personal use, MSA will be required for setup as well. You can expect Microsoft Account to be required in subsequent WIP flights.”

That being said, creating a Microsoft account is free and it doesn’t take too long to setup. However, we’re sure that many users probably don’t appreciate being forced to own a Microsoft account just to use their computers, but unless the company changes their mind, this will be a requirement moving forwards.

Filed in Computers. Read more about , , and . Source: blogs.windows