Something that Microsoft has done recently that is in my mind a real step backwards is that when you set up a new Windows 10 computer, you need a Microsoft Account to set it up. And there appears to be no way around that via setting up a local account which used to be an option in the Windows 10 setup process. But that option has appeared to have disappeared in the setup process that you are presented with at present.
But there actually is a way to work around this. Actually three of them which are really simple:
- Option 1: Start the setup process WITHOUT a network connection. This will force the Windows 10 setup process to present you with the option to create a local account and skip the requirement for a Microsoft Account.
- Option 2: If you started the setup process with a network connection and are presented with the prompt to enter or create a Microsoft Account, hit the back arrow at the top left of the screen to go back to the previous screen and disconnect from your network by either turning off WiFi or disconnecting your Ethernet cable. Then click next on the bottom right corner and you should be presented with the option to create a local account.
- Option 3: If you started the setup process with a network connection and are presented with the prompt to enter or create a Microsoft Account, disconnect from your network by either turning off WiFi or disconnecting your Ethernet cable. Then try creating a Microsoft account and you’ll see a “Something went wrong” error message. You can then click “Skip” to skip the Microsoft account creation process.
This requirement to have a Microsoft Account just to install an operating system is another data point in a pattern of behavior from Microsoft where choice is being taken away and being replaced by “do it our way or it’s the highway.” That’s very troubling and Microsoft would be well advised to reconsider this as people want choice. At least in this case, there are ways around what Microsoft would like you to do.
Windows 10 Requires A Microsoft Account To Install…. Here’s How You Get Around This
Posted in Commentary with tags Microsoft on October 25, 2019 by itnerdSomething that Microsoft has done recently that is in my mind a real step backwards is that when you set up a new Windows 10 computer, you need a Microsoft Account to set it up. And there appears to be no way around that via setting up a local account which used to be an option in the Windows 10 setup process. But that option has appeared to have disappeared in the setup process that you are presented with at present.
But there actually is a way to work around this. Actually three of them which are really simple:
This requirement to have a Microsoft Account just to install an operating system is another data point in a pattern of behavior from Microsoft where choice is being taken away and being replaced by “do it our way or it’s the highway.” That’s very troubling and Microsoft would be well advised to reconsider this as people want choice. At least in this case, there are ways around what Microsoft would like you to do.
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