The last time I installed a fresh version of Windows 10, which was about a week ago, I was forced to use an MS account. Which I did, then I made a local account with admin power, and deleted the MS login account.

They are forcing the Hello pin as well. It is stupid.

In the article, the author wrote that he installed W10 offline, and that worked, as well. MS has become truly invasive.

Check this out:

https://www.extremetech.com/computing/299341-microsoft-needs-to-stop-screwing-with-local-accounts-in-windows-10

Win 11 had better have clear user access to local accounts... not all this bullshit designed to confuse users as to their options, privacy and other rights.  It seems that MS learnt nothing from the debacle of 'Get Windows 10' which forced users into upgrading when they didn't want to.  That happened to me when Win 10 was installed on my HP 2-in-1 during Scheduled Maintenance during the night.  Not only was it without my consent, the recovery partition was wiped as well, meaning I couldn't roll back to the original OS installation.

I do like the looks of Win 11 and its new features, but again I am not fussed regarding MS' tactics and behaviour.

Ya for the last week or two I've been getting a "Setup Screen" every few days at boot prompting me to set Edge as my default browser and log in with my Microsoft account.  It's easy to say no the the browser prompt, but no clear way to say no to the MS login.  So I "cancel" and a few days later it pops back up.  I'm still on the older 20H2 version, the prompt to download 21H1 is still sitting there,  so I have to think it came down in some "patch".

I could probably log in with the MS login to get it off my back, then go into the user account profile and change it back but I haven't tried it yet.

MS does seem to be on a mission to get plugged into everyone.  I have no interest in sharing settings between devices etc., and even less interest in being constantly logged in at MS.

Exactly my sentiment, DaveRI. Why should an OS depend on being logged into a MS account? What the heck does one have to do with another?

Just one more example of our rapidly disappearing rights to anything resembling privacy. 

It's called a PC, right? PC=Personal computer.

I just linked my Gmail account to Microsoft and created my Microsoft account that way. That was a few years ago. Never been an issue. 

Proof me wrong, but what is a Mac/iPhone/iPad worth without an apple account? Also I like the opportunity to sync between different machines. Hell, we are "forced" to have an account to use Stardock-Products also. Uh, oh... Ever tried to have a half decent Android experience without subscribing to Google? So what exactly are we complaining about here?

I don't mind having an MS account, I've had one for years.  I have almost never used it for anything.  I'm not interested in the advantages of being logged in with it.  My general practice, with very few exceptions, is that I don't stay logged in to anything unless I have a reason to be.

I really don't mind (too much) that they've decided to nudge me to log in with that account.  I do mind that they haven't just provided with a straightforward means to say "No, thank you" and be done with it.

I'll admit that I do have to wonder why they spent the money on creating the nudge, and why they seem to have intentionally ignored the choice to opt out.  Companies usually don't spend a dime on anything unless they expect to get more back one way or another.

As for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android - not my problem.

Game consoles now require an account to play any games. It is what it is. 

I really don't see any issues. Log in with an account, turn off the stuff you don't need or use, problem solved. 

Can anyone confirm what I have heard that Windows 11 will only allow apps from the Microsoft app store? I have quite a few old programs and games I like to use, be a shame if MS said you can only install apps from the store. If it's true I guess a lot of people can't use Firefox or Chrome on 11. 

Kona: I suggest giving this a glance.

https://www.extremetech.com/computing/299341-microsoft-needs-to-stop-screwing-with-local-accounts-in-windows-10

I never had an issue with wearing masks for COVID. What I did have an issue with was being forced to wear a mask.

I always sign in with my MS Account, but I don't like being forced to do it.

My wife calls it stubborness, but the quickest way to make sure I don't do something is to try and make me do it. And vice versa.  Just my 2 cents...lol.

I suggest to those interested this gHacks article: https://www.ghacks.net/2021/06/29/microsoft-may-adjust-windows-11-minimum-system-requirements/?_m=3n%2e0038%2e2637%2ehj0ao01hy5%2e2rds

"Microsoft's explained that the stricter system requirements would improve security, reliability and compatibility with Windows 11. Practically, there is no good reason to limit Windows 11 to the listed processor generations, as the operating system would certainly run as well on a 7th generation and maybe even a 6th generation CPU.

 

Why then did Microsoft decide on these strict system requirements? Is it because it wants hardware to be pushed (and thus also OEM copies of Windows 11), or because it wants users to experience a fast responsive system, something that can best be achieved with the latest processors?" - gHack

You know which choice I'm betting on, M$.

When installing disconnect from the internet and it will create a local account. Or create an account and after it is installed delete the account and it will put you back to a local account.

We have used 10 and will have 11 for free for how long? Heck even old Win 7 keys still work until today. I am all critical towards some MS practices also, but this is just bashing. I wait for the next dumbhead blaming Bill Gates for this although he is not related to Microsoft anymore for more than a decade now.

"Practically, there is no good reason to limit Windows 11 to the listed processor generations, as the operating system would certainly run as well on a 7th generation and maybe even a 6th generation CPU."

And practically there is no good reason to blame an officially not released OS for things, that are not even sure yet.

As a side note, what I don't understand: My machine ist not capable of running 11 (yet) but I can run it on Hyper-V as a virtual machine on the very same laptop.

I know, it is my i7 getting old.

Right. Because MS's record is so clean, or maybe this time it'll be different? C'mon, Carl...MS leaked that version, just like its sneak hints about W11 to whip up the market. They just didn't expect it to backfire. I'm way past the point of believing in MS's goodness.