A big change is coming in the new version of Windows 11 that many users will not like. What’s new is that the Home version of the operating system, designed for personal or family use, will require the use of a Microsoft (or MSA) account during the installation process.
To configure the use of a local account, you will need to use Windows 11 Pro instead. This information was disclosed by our colleagues in the American edition of PC World, also belonging to IDG, which quotes a source close to Microsoft.
Microsoft offers a free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, but only from the corresponding version. To access local account settings, you must first update your PC from Windows 10 Home to Pro.
It could cost you around 259 $ as can be seen in store Microsoft Store of the company, which makes it difficult to justify it. If you are planning to buy a Pro version of Windows 10, you can always go for buy it with this offer that we offer for only $ 49.99.
Exclusive offer: Windows 10 Pro for only $ 49.99
However, before continuing, make sure your PC meets the updated hardware requirements. You can find all the information you need on the technical requirements in our guide how do i know if my pc or laptop supports windows 11.
The free upgrade from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11 Pro is expected to go smoothly, although a recent tweet from the official Windows account confirmed that it will take a few more months for its availability, likely in early 2022.
Windows 11 Home: will i need a Microsoft account?
In Windows 11 beta, now available as a free download, an internet connection is required to complete the installation. The device we used for testing previously worked with Windows 10 Home.
Hopefully, the Pro version of Windows 11 will offer an offline installation. Of course, you’ll still need an active connection to download the update, but at least you can move on with the rest of the processes.
Some may recall that after installing the May 2019 Update, Windows 10 Home users had to sign in to a Microsoft account to set up their PC. There is a simple alternative that avoids all of this.
Already in Windows 11 we see how the configuration settings have undergone a big overhaul only judging from the beta, the previous method we discussed will no longer be available.
However, that doesn’t mean you’re limited to one Microsoft account forever. After installation and configuration, it is highly likely that all Windows 11 Home users will be able to add a local account and associate it with the new version.
Ultimately, the Microsoft account requirement while setting up and installing Windows 11 Home is just plain boring. The company hopes most people don’t care too much, but if there is enough negative feedback, their decision could be changed.
From Microsoft’s point of view, this decision makes perfect sense. Linking the Windows 11 experience to a Microsoft account provides access to additional features such as OneDrive cloud storage, access to Office apps on the web, or connection in the Microsoft Store.
In return, Microsoft gets insightful data on how people use its services, which allows the company to tailor its approach and improve aspects based on the Feedback received.
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Original article published in PCWelt.
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