Microsoft clamps down on Windows 11 users who want local accounts - but this trick still works
Microsoft has long been battling Windows 11 users who'd rather sign in with a local account than the company's preferred Microsoft account. And with a couple of its latest salvos, Microsoft is fighting hard to win the war.
The first twist concerns an online support page that deals with Windows user accounts. The page in question tries to explain how to add, remove, and otherwise manage an account to sign into Windows. In versions of the page before last week, Microsoft included steps on how to switch from a Microsoft account to a local account. But the latest edition of the page has jettisoned those instructions, as spotted by Neowin.
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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. Those steps vanished on June 17 and so far have yet to return. 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. But by removing the instructions from its support page, the company seems to want to pretend that the option doesn't exist or at least doesn't want to help users looking to make the switch.
Microsoft has fought hard to push people toward signing into Windows with a Microsoft account, claiming its superiority over a local one. On the prior version of its support page, the company touted such an account as enabling the "seamless integration of Microsoft services, enhanced security, and sync across devices, unlike a local account."
And yes, a Microsoft account does offer certain advantages, especially if you own more than one Windows computer. For one, you're able to sync your Windows theme and other settings across different devices. Also, a Microsoft account is required if you want to use OneDrive to back up and sync your files. Plus, you can use the same account to sign into Windows, Microsoft 365, the Microsoft Store, and Xbox Live.
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However, 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. That's why the company fights so hard to steer you toward this option -- which brings us to the tactics Microsoft uses to restrict or remove your choice over which type of account to use.
In the setup for Windows 10 Pro, you can still pick a local account. However, Microsoft uses misleading jargon to dissuade you, describing a local account as an "offline account" and one offering a "limited experience." Such language makes it sound as if you can't go online if you choose a local account, which is nonsense. Windows 10 Home offers no local option, so you actually have to fool it by disconnecting your PC from the internet.
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For the Windows 11 setup, Microsoft has called in the big guns. There is no screen or menu for choosing a local account. Instead, you're instructed to sign in with your Microsoft account during the setup. If you don't have one, your only choice is to create one on the spot. 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. The best known was to enter a non-working email address for your account such as a@a.com. Since that address is invalid, Windows 11 would throw an error and take you to a screen where you could create a local account.
That trick no longer works. Typing an invalid address keeps returning you to the screen insisting that you enter an address for a Microsoft account. Does this mean you're out of luck if you want to use a local account? No, a couple of workarounds still exist.
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One trick is to disconnect your PC from the internet. During the initial setup, before you reach the account screen, press Shift+F10 to open a command prompt. At the prompt, type oobe\bypassnro. Your PC will reboot, placing you back at the Windows 11 setup. Continue where you left off but make sure you're still disconnected. The account screen should then ask you to enter your name to proceed with a local account.
Another trick is to use a free third-party utility called Rufus. 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. I've used Rufus many times to run and install Windows, and it's a handy tool.
Otherwise, you can still set up Windows 11 with a Microsoft account and then switch to a local one. Just head to Settings, select Accounts, and go to the "Your info" screen. Click the option to "Sign in with a local account instead" and follow the steps to make the switch.
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Ultimately, though, Windows users shouldn't have to perform tricks to set up their preferred type of account. The option should be readily available and accessible. But this is yet another case of Microsoft removing user choice, leaving people annoyed, and putting the company in a bad light.