With the introduction of Windows 11’s first big post-release upgrade, Microsoft which is known for products like Office 365, has begun testing a massive assortment of additional features, User Interface improvements, and rebuilt applications in the most recent Windows Insider preview for Dev channel customers. The modifications are mostly helpful and important there’s revamped Task Manager, folders for pinned applications in the Start menu, the ability to move items into the Taskbar (as in Windows 10), modifications to the Do Not Disturb and Focus modes, new touchscreen motions, as well as a growing list of many other repairs and improvements.
However, one disagreeable modification is hidden away at the end of the changelog: much like the Home edition of Windows 11, the Pro version will now need a Wi-Fi connection and a Microsoft account during setup. You may still establish a local user account during setup in the current edition of Windows 11 by not connecting your Desktop to the Wi-Fi—something that existed in the Home edition of Windows 10 but was eliminated in Windows 11. Unless the company’s goals alter, that solution will no longer be accessible in any version in the future.
Whereas most devices require a log-in to properly allow app stores, cloud storage, and cross-device sharing and synchronization, Windows 11 will eventually become the only large consumer operating system that needs an account sign-in to allow even basic functioning. Apple’s Macs still allow for the establishment of local accounts during setup, and you may bypass logging in while configuring iPhones and iPads (However, an Internet connection is occasionally necessary for device activation.) Android, like iOS, requires a Wi-Fi account for activation but does not demand you to log in to access the home screen. Even Chrome Operating System offers a guest mode that allows for simple surfing without requiring a user account.
This modification should not impact anybody that has previously set up Windows with a local account, nor would it impact anybody who logs in to their office Computers using a workplace-provided login and password. However, this is a problematic shift for anybody who frequently puts up fresh Windows installations for development or testing, as well as anyone attempting to establish a new PC in a location without Internet access. There are various hacky methods available, which often involve connecting to and then disconnecting from the Internet during setup, but our experience with them has been hit or miss. For some who wish to utilize a local account, The ideal method is to establish a burner Microsoft account for use during setup, and then either make a new local user account or log out of your Microsoft account after the Operating system is installed.
We have no idea when the Microsoft account necessity for Windows 11 Pro, or any of the other modifications in this build, will be made available to the general public. Microsoft, which is known for products like SharePoint has stated that it wants to make “constant” modifications to the OS, but that some capabilities evaluated in the Dev Insider channel may never be released to the public.
