Microsoft has long been trying to convince people to make a Microsoft account, especially when installing Windows on a device. Windows 10 encouraged you do so, and Windows 11 more so, but there were always ways around it. Now, it looks like Microsoft has eliminated the last line of defense for those users out there clinging on to their local accounts.

This comes in the latest Windows 11 update, currently in the developer channel, Preview Build 26220.6772. It’s available for Windows Insiders, so if you’re a regular user, you won’t be affected just yet – but the update is inevitable. Microsoft is eliminating methods used to create a local account on your device. We’d say this is a pretty timely change given the fact Windows 10 support is being dropped next week (October 14), a move that is expected to affect 400 million devices worldwide.

Microsoft removes local-only commands in latest Windows 11 update

Local-only commands removal: We are removing known mechanisms for creating a local account in the Windows Setup experience (OOBE). While these mechanisms were often used to bypass Microsoft account setup, they also inadvertently skip critical setup screens, potentially causing users to exit OOBE with a device that is not fully configured for use. Users will need to complete OOBE with internet and a Microsoft account, to ensure device is setup correctly.

Source: Windows Insider Blog

The extract from the official blog notes that Microsoft has identified “known mechanisms” i.e. workarounds for skipping the Microsoft account sign-in/setup phase of installation. It’s tough to say right now whether someone will end up finding yet another way of skipping this phase. In any case, changes to the Windows Setup Experience are “gradually being rolled out” and also include features such as the ability to name your default user folder.

From the recent months of Steam hardware & software surveys alone, we’ve seen an uptick in users upgrading to Windows 11, and if you’ve been rocking a local account only, you might now have second thoughts. Those living in the European Economic Area (EEA) can extend Windows 10 support for free with another year of security updates, but for the rest of us, it’s a good time to finally upgrade to Windows 11 – Microsoft has likely been asking you to do so for a while. We have noticed alternatives like Linux gaining popularity as of late, so that’s another option available to you.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.