Windows 11 Pro will soon require a Microsoft account

Microsoft will soon force Windows 11 Pro users to create a Microsoft account and connect to the internet for the initial setup process. The new requirements reflect the requirements for Windows 11 Home, which internet connection and account required since its launch in October last year.

Once the changes go into effect, Windows 11 will be the only major operating system that requires an account to access key features. Apple’s macOS lets you create a local account during setup, and Android will similarly take you to the home screen without logging in. Even Chrome OS, the cloud operating system, has a guest mode for basic browsing without an account.

“Like the Windows 11 Home edition, the Windows 11 Pro edition now only requires an internet connection during initial device setup (OOBE),” Microsoft wrote in Windows Insider. Blog post. “If you choose to install [a] devices for personal use, MSA will also be required for configuration.”

Because Notes Ars Techniquethe rule should not affect those who already have a local account configured, or those who use their own username and password to log in to work PCs. Despite this, users are already furious, noting that the login condition would make it difficult to donate or sell computers, create an image of hundreds of systems (as required by some companies), or set up a computer for someone else. It also gives Microsoft the ability to collect more data about users.

“The most frustrating thing about this is that, as the owner of a PC repair shop, my technicians now have to get people’s M$ account information just to reboot/reformat the computer. Or we need the customer to come and check in, after which we can finish the renovation.” one Reddit user marked.

Dozens of people on social media have threatened to use a different operating system or delay the upgrade to Windows 11. Others are already thinking of workarounds.

“Always skip all other versions of Windows. Windows 10 is great, there will be no update anytime soon, and not just because my PC is too old,” wrote one. “My desire to install Linux is growing every day,” said another user.

“I thought that someday I would need to upgrade to Win11. This makes me say never if the requirement actually arises,” wrote an Ars Technica reader in the comments section of the site. “WTF is the ‘Pro’ point if a professional can’t make decisions about accounts and use them the way they want. After all, we are paying for the opportunity to have more control!”

“Windows 11 Pro will soon force me to install Linux,” joked another.

As part of the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview build (22557), this requirement is likely to go into effect in the coming months. Until that happens, Windows 11 Pro users can skip the sign-in process by disconnecting from the Internet during installation and choosing a local account instead.