We asked our readers what they think of Windows 11's forced Microsoft account requirement, and the answer is clear. Too bad it's not on the official list of improvements coming to the OS in 2026.
The only reason I don’t install Linux on my NVMe drive and leave it on my SSD is that I can’t reinstall Windows with a local account (though maybe there’s a painful workaround). If they break, they’re gone forever.
Chris Titus’s WinUtil. In it is a tool called MicroWin that can create a custom installation media which will allow local accounts and also remove all the telemetry, adverts and all the other crap.
I might try it, because my old SSD is only 250GB and my NVMe is 2TB bought 3 years ago when the prices were normal. Now isn’t worth it to buy another NMVe, especially when I use Windows less and less every day.
The only reason I don’t install Linux on my NVMe drive and leave it on my SSD is that I can’t reinstall Windows with a local account (though maybe there’s a painful workaround). If they break, they’re gone forever.
Chris Titus’s WinUtil. In it is a tool called MicroWin that can create a custom installation media which will allow local accounts and also remove all the telemetry, adverts and all the other crap.
Rufus can still bypass every single W11 requirement and automatically complete the setup for you, including a local account.
I might try it, because my old SSD is only 250GB and my NVMe is 2TB bought 3 years ago when the prices were normal. Now isn’t worth it to buy another NMVe, especially when I use Windows less and less every day.
Sail the high seas. Also, you absolutely can still skip logging in and setup a local account.