All articles tagged with #microsoft account
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Microsoft is testing new advertising treatments in the Start menu of Windows 11 preview build 23435, with the aim of encouraging users to sign up for a Microsoft Account. The new 'badging' feature is being used to highlight the benefits of having an MSA, such as keeping your PC backed up and more secure, or syncing your settings across multiple devices. This move follows previous advertising prompts in Windows 11, such as urging users to perform a cloud backup in OneDrive.