Windows 11 Pro requires a Microsoft account login and internet connection during setup

Microsoft is adding new changes to Windows 11 Pro that may not be to everyone’s taste. Users must use a Microsoft account and an Internet connection to access their laptop or computer during the initial setup process. The company announced this change by announcing the latest Windows 11 Build 22557 to Insiders on the Dev Channel.

Windows 11 Pro requires a Microsoft account

This new change is similar to Microsoft requiring Windows 11 Home users to meet these two conditions . Previously, Windows 11 Pro users could easily set up a new laptop or PC by logging into a local account that didn’t require an internet connection. But that’s not the case now.

Microsoft said in a blog post : ” Like Windows 11 Home edition, Windows 11 Pro edition only requires an Internet connection during initial device setup (OOBE). If you choose to set up your device for personal use , setup also requires an MSA We anticipate that future WIP flights will require a Microsoft account.

This looks like Microsoft is trying to force users to have a Microsoft account. The company has been encouraging people to own one since the days of Windows 10, Bing, and even Edge browsers.

Please note that this change will likely not affect users who have already set up local accounts or are using an MSA for login purposes . However, I still don’t think it’s useful because it makes it difficult for users to set up laptops or PCs in locations with slow or no internet connections, or when setting up for someone else. . Additionally, you will be required to share your data with Microsoft even if you do not wish to do so.

Additionally, Windows will be the only operating system that requires users to sign up/log in online to access basic functionality on their laptop or computer . Android, macOS, and even Chrome OS make it easy to access your devices without logging into your account. However, if you want to get around this limitation, we’ve already published a guide on how to create local accounts in Windows 11.

This new change is currently rolling out to Insiders and is expected to take several months to reach general Windows 11 Pro users. Meanwhile, some interesting changes in Windows 11 include a new Task Manager UI, an app folder in the Start menu, some touch gestures, drag-and-drop support in the taskbar, Load More, and a host of fixes.