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Microsoft Account

All articles tagged with #microsoft account

technology1 month ago•4 min saved

Windows GDID: The Persistent Device ID Linked to FBI Case Sparks Privacy Debate

Microsoft has confirmed the Global Device Identifier (GDID), a permanent Windows install ID created when Windows is provisioned with a Microsoft Account. The GDID persists through updates, is not visible to users, and cannot be disabled without breaking activation and Store apps; a new GDID can be generated on reinstallation, but signing back into the same Microsoft Account links it to prior activity. The FBI reportedly used the GDID to track a Scattered Spider member across VPNs and countries, showing how the ID ties activity to a Windows installation rather than a single device. Privacy researchers warn about the lack of user-facing controls or consent prompts, and practical steps to reduce tracking include using a local account, limiting diagnostic data, turning off personalized ads and launch tracking, and considering Linux/Tor for sensitive work; public documentation on GDID remains sparse beyond a brief Azure Monitor note.

via gHacks|

#fbi #gdid #microsoft-account

technology2 months ago•8 min saved

Microsoft extends free Windows 10 security updates to October 2027 (Europe auto-eligible)

Microsoft is extending the free Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 on personal devices through Oct. 12, 2027, with enrollment via Settings > Windows Update. Europe automatically qualifies without a Microsoft account, while non-European users must sign in with a Microsoft account and may enroll up to 10 PCs. Enterprise customers still must pay for ESU. To avoid the $30 fee, you can enroll using a Microsoft account, use Windows Backup to sync settings, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (or pay the fee). Note this is a temporary reprieve ending in 2027 and not a permanent solution; business networks may have additional restrictions.

via ZDNET|

#enrollment #europe-eea-eligibility #extended-security-updates

technology2 months ago•86 min saved

Windows 10’s security updates live on a little longer with a free extension to 2027

Microsoft has quietly extended Windows 10’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) by an additional year, pushing the end date to October 12, 2027. Enrollees can keep receiving security patches for free by signing in with a Microsoft account (existing enrollments automatically continue). New sign-ups can opt for free enrollment or pay via 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or $30. The move is likely intended to help users stay secure amid ongoing RAM/cost pressures as many PCs remain on Windows 10.

via Windows Central|

#extended-security-update #microsoft-account #october-2027

technology2 months ago•109 min saved

Windows 11 users push back on mandatory Microsoft accounts, demand setup choice

Windows 11's mandatory Microsoft account during initial setup is drawing criticism on Reddit and Windows Central, as users call for a local-account option to preserve control and privacy. The debate touches on security features like BitLocker that some say rely on online recovery keys, and while Microsoft employees have reportedly pushed to relax the requirement, the company has not committed to restoring a local account option, leaving users hoping for more transparency and choice in the Windows 11 setup process.

via Windows Central|

#local-account #microsoft-account #privacy

technology5 months ago•6 min saved

Microsoft weighs dropping mandatory Microsoft account sign-in in Windows 11 setup

Microsoft engineers, including Scott Hanselman, are pushing to remove the mandatory Microsoft account sign-in during Windows 11’s out-of-box experience, with a plan to streamline setup and reduce upsells; a rollout timeline hasn’t been disclosed.

via Windows Latest|

#microsoft-account #oobe #scott-hanselman

technology5 months ago•83 min saved

Inside Microsoft: Push to drop Windows 11's mandatory sign-in rule

Windows Central reports that despite upcoming Windows 11 improvements, Microsoft isn’t addressing the mandatory Microsoft account requirement during setup. Internally, some teams are lobbying to relax or remove the rule, with Microsoft VP Scott Hanselman saying “working on it,” but no firm plan exists as decisions liken to policy committees rather than a simple technical fix.

via Windows Central|

#microsoft #microsoft-account #policy

technology5 months ago•15 min saved

Windows 11 March Patch Triggers Sign-In Failures in Office and Copilot Apps

Windows 11’s March 2026 update KB5079473 for 24H2/25H2 can cause sign-in failures for Microsoft accounts across Office, Copilot, and related apps (Teams, OneDrive, Edge, Word/Excel), showing an “Internet is required” error even when online; a restart may temporarily fix the connectivity state, with a fix expected in the coming days; the issue affects OS build 26100.8037 and has no server-side impact.

via TechPowerUp|

#copilot #microsoft-account #office

technology5 months ago•3 min saved

March Windows patch disrupts Microsoft account sign-ins across Teams, OneDrive

Microsoft's March Windows 11 cumulative update KB5079473 breaks sign-ins with Microsoft accounts across Teams, OneDrive, Edge, Word, Excel and Copilot, showing an internet connectivity error even when online. A reboot while online is a temporary workaround; Microsoft has issued emergency out-of-band updates for other issues and guidance for Samsung Galaxy Continuity-related problems.

via BleepingComputer|

#kb5079473 #microsoft-account #onedrive

technology5 months ago•9 min saved

Microsoft Updates Windows 11 ISO for Offline, Local-Account Install

The piece explains how to perform a fresh Windows 11 install using the latest ISO via Rufus to bypass the online Microsoft account requirement and install without internet. It covers downloading the ISO, using Rufus to write it to external storage, selecting options to remove certain install constraints (like online sign-in and data-sharing defaults), and notes about hardware caveats (RAM, Secure Boot/TPM) and driver prep. It also mentions that Microsoft updates ISOs monthly, making post-install setup smoother, and briefly references alternative paths like a WinRE cloud download if needed.

via HotHardware|

#iso #microsoft-account #offline-install

technology10 months ago•2 min saved

Windows 11 Tightens Microsoft Account Requirements and Bans Bypass Methods

Microsoft is tightening restrictions on workarounds that allow users to set up Windows 11 with local accounts, removing known methods in the latest Dev channel update to prevent bypassing the Microsoft account sign-in requirement during setup.

via Ars Technica|

#microsoft-account #oobe #setup-workaround

technology10 months ago•2 min saved

Windows 11 Enforces Microsoft Account Sign-In, Eliminating Local Account Workarounds

Microsoft is closing a loophole that allowed users to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, requiring users to complete setup with an internet connection and a Microsoft account, making it harder to bypass online services during installation.

via theregister.com|

#microsoft-account #os-installation #privacy

technology10 months ago•2 min saved

Windows 11 Enforces Microsoft Account, Limiting Offline Access

Microsoft is tightening security on Windows 11 by removing known methods to bypass signing in with a Microsoft account during initial setup, requiring users to complete setup with an internet connection and a Microsoft account, with only more complex bypasses remaining possible through editing Windows images.

via Windows Central|

#bypass-methods #microsoft-account #security

technology11 months ago•2 min saved

Microsoft Offers Free Windows 10 Security Updates in Europe Amid Deadline

Microsoft has announced that access to its free Windows 10 extended support updates (ESU) in the European Economic Area no longer requires syncing PC settings to the cloud, but users must authenticate with a Microsoft account at least once every 60 days to maintain access. If not, their security updates will be revoked, though re-enrollment is possible. The change primarily affects users with local accounts, while those with Microsoft accounts are unaffected. Outside the EEA, the program remains unchanged.

via Windows Central|

#esu-program #european-economic-area #microsoft-account

technology1 year ago•3 min saved

Windows 10 Support and Update Challenges Amid End-of-Life Concerns

Microsoft has clarified that enrolling in Windows 10's $30 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program requires a Microsoft Account, which can cover up to 10 devices, making the deal more affordable but also necessitating account registration for continued updates beyond October 14, 2025.

via Windows Central|

#device-coverage #esu-program #extended-security-updates

technology2 years ago•2 min saved

Elon Musk Challenges Microsoft Over Windows 11 Account Requirement

Elon Musk expressed frustration with the Windows 11 setup process, which requires a Microsoft account, stating that it gives Microsoft's AI access to his computer. He found it difficult to bypass this requirement and was eventually informed of a workaround involving a command line entry. While it is possible to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, the user experience is limited, and Microsoft clearly encourages having an account. Musk even mentioned texting Satya Nadella about the issue, highlighting the challenges some users face with the operating system's setup process.

via The Register|

#elon-musk #microsoft #microsoft-account