Microsoft Account To Be Mandatory For Windows 11 PRO - Panic !

england66 · Feb 19, 2022

I recently purchased a new computer that runs Windows 10 but fully capable of running Windows 11. I have yet to make the change.
According to Youtube, insiders running Windows 11 are getting a page from Microsoft saying a Microsoft Account will be mandatory in the future for users running Windows 11 PRO as well as Home.
I have no use for a Microsoft Account. I don't want any syncing of bookmarks, no security of any kind etc.
I recently set up a new Microsoft email account and that said it was also a Microsoft Account should I wish to use it.
I have tried to find a simple step by step instruction manual for using a Microsoft Account but there doesn't seem to be one. I have looked on Youtube and the Internet without success.
For example when logging into a Microsoft Account for the first time would I use the password that was setup when the email address was created ? You may ask why i want this information if I have no use for a Microsoft Account, it is so that I can disable as much of ithe collection of data that I can. I will also disable / uninstal Onedrive assuming this option is still available. I am on a very slow ADSL connection (less than 10mbs) and I am annoyed that Microsoft would be taking up more of my limited bandwwidth .

Archigos · Feb 19, 2022

I know this doesn't address most of what you said, but it does address a little bit. Even using your Microsoft Account to log in to Windows, you do have the option to turn off the Syncing features (bookmarks, wallpaper, etc.)
Yes, you use the same password for Windows that you used for the MA in the first place.

DigitalGoat · Feb 20, 2022

Further to this, there is a specific option in settings to limit internet usage if on a metered connection, so choose that option to reduce Windows frequency/ volume of use, it will not totally stop telemetry, you will need other settings/ 3rd party apps, instructions to do that if you want to.
You do not need to disable (although you can)/ uninstall Onedrive, just don't choose the option to use it, same as device syncing.

As to the general anti Microsoft crying going on about this change in requirements, you only have a licence to use the OS, that is what is paid for if Windows is purchased as well, you don't own the software, it is Microsoft's and they can change what they like.
There are alternative platforms if anyone doesn't want to accept the licence terms offered and for anyone who say's the apps they need to use only work on Windows, well that is down to the app developers and/ or the recipient of your work, not Microsoft, plenty of apps are cross platform, so it's not an impossibility.

My personal view is that all this data harvesting/ telemetry is an approach that was jumped on by nearly all customer facing institutions before the impact, rules and privacy concerns were properly thrashed out, leading to an incoherent mess of standards, requirements and expectation.
I would rather not have a Microsoft account in order to use Windows, but I like Windows so I will accept the change and just get on with my work.

Fabler2 · Feb 20, 2022

For example when logging into a Microsoft Account for the first time would I use the password that was setup when the email address was created ?

Yes. Then log in and let it update and whatever. With that account then create a local account and make sure you change it to administrator using the Microsoft account.
Using the local administrator account, just created, delete the Microsoft account and that just leaves you back to having a local admin account.
Keep a record of your Microsoft email and password for future use if needed for a clean install.

AdvancedSetup · Feb 20, 2022

DigitalGoat said:
I would rather not have a Microsoft account in order to use Windows, but I like Windows so I will accept the change and just get on with my work.

On the one level, I can agree, but I'm also a bit of a rebel, and when someone is trying to force something down my throat that's just not going to happen if I have free choice about it. It becomes more of a principle and if I have to turn away from Microsoft then I will. Yes, it's their software, and yes you license it to use it, but if the EULA forces you to accept a policy you don't believe in then yes it's time to part company and use another OS.

However, I'm rather resourceful so I doubt I'll be having any issue like this anytime soon.

Ghot · Feb 20, 2022

ThrashZone · Feb 20, 2022

Hi,
Yeah ms account
Not going to happen for myself or any of my machines they have a hardon for pushing xbox app because it's a cach cow for them plus all the other subscriptionware they want everyone to use.

MS account well here's a good guide

Add Microsoft Account in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to add a Microsoft account as a user on the PC in Windows 11. Having different accounts on a shared PC lets multiple people use the same device, all while giving everyone their own sign-in info, plus access to their own files, browser favorites, and desktop...

www.elevenforum.com

I'm afraid password wise you'd have it plus pin/ phone number/ photo and have to remember all of them not just the password lol

atinfo · Feb 20, 2022

They thought users are like their "Graphic Team" which use "Figma", "Spline"... . These apps need a user account and Internet connection to login and work (AC= Always-On Connection).

timbobit · Feb 20, 2022

Currently you have the option to go from Microsoft account to local account. I wonder if the option will be removed.

TairikuOkami · Feb 20, 2022

I have not seen people complaining that they have to use Google on Android or Apple on iPhone.

Besides using MS account helps to improve your privacy, you can easily remove your history and such.

Brink · Feb 20, 2022

We'll have to wait and see if the workarounds in step 21 below will still work to set up a local account during setup for non WIP builds.

Clean Install Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you step by step on how to clean install Windows 11 at boot on your PC with or without an Internet connection and setup with a local account or Microsoft account. Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes...

www.elevenforum.com

AdvancedSetup · Feb 20, 2022

TairikuOkami said:
I have not seen people complaining that they have to use Google on Android or Apple on iPhone.
Besides using MS account helps to improve your privacy, you can easily remove your history and such.

No, you do not need to use Google on your Android phone unless you choose to. In fact, you can De-Google it if you want to
Thee Apple device, yes you pretty much have to sign on and use everything they want, where, and how. Why I don't own anything Apple.

If you believe having a Cloud account improves your privacy I'd suggest possibly taking some courses in network security. It does not improve your security. Disconnecting altogether from a network does improve your security greatly.

It's not a matter of cleaning up the computer. It's a matter of being pressured to the point of force that I'm against. Making it available to use is one thing, forcing customers to use the Cloud is quite another thing. Don't think for one moment that anyone at Microsoft is doing this for the Customers well being. It's being done in an effort they hope will pay off over time to increase their profits, plain and simple.

Josey Wales · Feb 20, 2022

It is however not yet mandatory to use a Microsoft Product.

hsehestedt · Feb 20, 2022

Use a simple autounattend.xml to install a local account. Done.

The Pool Man · Feb 20, 2022

Phrases like It's a matter of being pressured to the point of force that I'm against and I have no use for a Microsoft Account and trying to force something down my throat are these sort of emotional grandstanding comments popular among the anti-maskers and anti-vaxxers. Say and feel how you will, but as a linguist I find it kind of silly.

You have no use for a Microsoft account? Okay. I have no use for floss the breaks too easily. Or an ugly car. Or the flavor vanilla. Or anything to do with HARRY POTTER, STAR WARS, and LOTRs. Stating this doesn't make it important.

Is Microsoft doing something shocking and unheard of? I need a Gmail account to do anything with Google. I need an Apple ID for Apple Music. I need all sorts of accounts to pay my bills.

Stuff being forced down your throat, ey? Isn't that a normal day on planet Earth? Everyone is trying to force their interests or agenda down my throat. Why this very thread attempts 'to shove an idea down my throat' that... really... isn't the end of the world.

I have a Microsoft account. And I've lived to tell the tale.

AdvancedSetup · Feb 21, 2022

The Pool Man said:
Phrases like It's a matter of being pressured to the point of force that I'm against and I have no use for a Microsoft Account and trying to force something down my throat are these sort of emotional grandstanding comments popular among the anti-maskers and anti-vaxxers. Say and feel how you will, but as a linguist I find it kind of silly.

Wow, I'll remain silent so as not to cause outrage but you can keep your political pandering opinion to yourself.

Fabler2 · Feb 21, 2022

I'd be more concerned about the need to connect to the internet. Some laptops only have a WNIC card and if your Windows is messed up, needs a fresh install, and the card is troublesome then you'd have to buy a wireless dongle just to install Windows to troubleshoot.

AddRAM · Feb 21, 2022

Ya, I don`t see what the big deal is.
I use my Local account and Sync is on all the time.
Never a problem.

Edwin · Feb 21, 2022

I don't have a problem with an MS account...,
... just don't name my User folder with the first 5 letters of my email..., trust me, mine's embarrassing!!!