The first twist concerns an online support page that deals with Windows user accounts.
In versions of the page before last week, Microsoft included steps on how to switch from a Microsoft account to a local account.
Specifically, a version of the page from June 12 - seen by Tom's Hardware via the Wayback Machine - contained the directions on changing from a Microsoft account to a local account.
The page does retain the instructions on moving from a local account to a Microsoft account, which the company obviously would encourage.
You can still jump from a Microsoft account to a local account in Windows 11, so it's not as if the capability is gone.
Microsoft has fought hard to push people toward signing into Windows with a Microsoft account, claiming its superiority over a local one.
Yes, a Microsoft account does offer certain advantages, especially if you own more than one Windows computer.
A Microsoft account is required if you want to use OneDrive to back up and sync your files.
A Microsoft account also comes with certain privacy and security drawbacks.
Microsoft uses this type of account to monitor and target your activities inside and outside Windows to sell you its products and services.
In the setup for Windows 10 Pro, you can still pick a local account.
There is no screen or menu for choosing a local account.
The setup screen won't let you continue unless you use a Microsoft account.
Previously, you could try certain tricks to set up a local account.
Since that address is invalid, Windows 11 would throw an error and take you to a screen where you could create a local account.
Typing an invalid address keeps returning you to the screen insisting that you enter an address for a Microsoft account.
The account screen should then ask you to enter your name to proceed with a local account.
Designed to install or run Windows from a USB stick, Rufus lets you remove the requirements for an online Microsoft account and automatically create a local account with a specific username.
Otherwise, you can still set up Windows 11 with a Microsoft account and then switch to a local one.
Ultimately Windows users shouldn't have to perform tricks to set up their preferred type of account.
This Cyber News was published on www.zdnet.com. Publication date: Wed, 26 Jun 2024 20:55:06 +0000