Microsoft has recently announced further steps to prevent users from signing in via a local account:
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>
Back in March this year, Microsoft announced that it was blocking a well-known script used for circumventing the internet connection and Microsoft account sign-in requirements. However, it didn’t prevent users from applying other workarounds, such as performing a registry edit to activate the script, hence this new announcement regarding further steps.
As for Microsoft’s claim that by bypassing the Microsoft account setup, users also skip critical setup options, meaning the device is not properly configured. As far as I can recall, none of those additional setup options offer anything critical or important, so I’ve always skipped right through them anyway.
BOTTOM LINE:
Microsoft’s insistence on forcing users to sign in via a Microsoft account is not only anti-freedom-of-choice, but it also creates concerns for many users who prefer to sign in via a local account for privacy and security reasons.
As far as I am concerned, this decision exemplifies Microsoft’s increasingly dictatorial attitude. Let us know your thoughts via the comments.
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“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”
I call BS , Microsoft has always wanted your information and will go through any lengths to get it. They could allow the use of a local account without “skipping” critical setup screens …. whatever that means.
Exactly why I will never use Windows 11. MS will push more and more people to LINUX, even though we do not want to go there.
Well said!
Thank you very much for this (bad) news.
Many of the justifications and excuses to remain with Microsoft-OS have just flew-out of their ‘Windows’!
Privacy concerns aside; what happens to such a mandatory network ‘sign-in’ during times of network problems, issues and/or outages?
Fair point. In my opinion, the biggest indictment of MS’s current policies is the sheer number of workarounds available to overcome MS’s mandatory dictates… unprecedented in Windows history.
Thoughtful comments by all.
I do wonder if in 10 years many more people will be using a Windows-like distribution of Linux or Unix (MacOs)
Or perhaps Microsoft will reform? (doubtful)
For now, all this can be avoided by doing a fresh install of Windows LTSC, which has the added benefit of security updates until 2032.
Honestly, in 2025, I consider the consumer versions of Windows to be unusable (home and pro) .. I would not use Windows anymore if they were my only choice.
I agree with ATODOS but for different reasons. Also, The ONLY reason I didn’t go that route this time around is that until ZSNETs article this week, on the process of actually installing LINUX, there were plenty of articles claiming that, but they all stopped at running it from a thumb drive.
Also there needs to be a lot more information on actually living with LINUX without having to spend hours searching it out on the web.
Charles. Try giving Linux Mint w/ Cinnamon desktop a try. It’s very Windows-like and had everything you need pre-installed.
It does run from a thumb drive so your can test it out before installing. I’d use it for a month or two before installing, so you won’t have any regrets.
You can image your windows C: drive using a bootable thumb drive so your can go back to wineries easily. The last free version of macrium reflect 8 works really well.
The last free version of macrium reflect 8 works really well
Yes, but for how long?
A better option is Aomei Backupper Standard which is free, full-featured, and under ongoing development.
I’m not sure if I have tried that one Jim. I’ll have to look into it. Macrium has always just worked. I don’t install it on the computer itself, I boot from USB, do the drive image and reboot.
I think the “how long” isn’t relevant when you use the boot from USB-stick method. I assume booting from the USB drive will work for many many years into the future (unless Windows goes to ARM or something drastic)
Hey Joe,
I think the “how long” isn’t relevant when you use the boot from USB-stick method.
Operating systems never really become obsolete Joe but software does. A software that is no longer under development will inevitably run into compatibility issues.
Sure, it might take a while but I’d much prefer a third-party software that is keeping up, especially as a recommendation.
You nailed it Jim .. “especially as a recommendation” .. quite true.
You and I and probably many DCT members would be fine using the Macrium Reflect 8 bootable USB ISO for the next ten years …… but when one needs to “recommend” something to others, to others they do no know well, you are absolutely right ..
We have no choice but to recommend something we would not ourselves use, but makes sense for the masses.
Good reminder 😉
*wineries = Windows
I hear what you’re saying for installed software Jim.
But for an x86 bootable USB stick? That doesn’t ever interact with Windows OS?
Tomorrow I’ll try my old Macrium Reflect 5 USB stick ISO (Version 5 was released summer of 2011)
I’ve got a feeling it’ll do it’s same simple task that Reflect has always done – create an image or restore an image, no more complicated than that & no ongoing software development needed.
Yep, what you’re saying is all true Joe. However, we have to look at it from an every-user point of view, including novice users.. The steps you describe might be common place for you and I but perhaps a little beyond some folk… in fact, perhaps beyond quite a few folk.
If there is simpler method, that’s always our number one priority. And, in this case, there definitely is a simpler method, to go with a software that is up-to-date and still being developed.
You really should try out Aomei Backupper. I ended buying a license covering 3 PCs for a super low price. I’ve been using it for years and it has never let me down. That said, the free version (Standard) would be more than adequate for most users.
Great point Jim.
I understand better your position, especially as the editor of a tech newsletter. Yes, simple is nearly always better.
It’s funny, perspectives. To me I can’t think of anything more simple than “plug in usb stick, boot from it, click “create backup” and restart computer — but I get it as Dad won’t do it either! I asked him to practice the 5-minute task of backing up once a week so he would memorize the process. If for no other reason than to decrease my time doing IT troubleshooting for him! But it ends up not happening over the long term.
So something that runs automatically in Windows, like Aomei Backupper is likely best for most. I will try it, mainly because you are recommending it and I know you are quite familiar with Macrium Reflect as well (I remember that old thread for a few years ago)
Thanks, yours is good advice for all!
Latest free version of Macrium Reflect:
https://m.majorgeeks.com/files/details/macrium_reflect_free_edition.html
At the bottom of the link you provided; it states:
“Macrium Reflect Free Edition is being retired. Security and major bug patches will be provided until 1 January 2024, but there are no planned feature changes or non-security-related updates following this update. Note: This notice only applies to Macrium Reflect Free.”
IMO: One should never contemplate the purchase of a drive imaging/archiving software that is yearly subscription-based offering.
Hi RandiO,
Yeah, as the Windows software isn’t supported, I wouldn’t actually keep it installed on the OS.
Reflect 8 isn’t subscription model, but Reflect 10 is.
Easy way to do it is to launch a VM, install the software, create the USB stick and then delete the VM. You could also just install on some old laptop, create the USB stick and uninstall the software.
I keep a Macrium Relfect USB bootable ISO in my Dropbox, it doesn’t take much space.
Not argumentative but must be asked:
Has anyone compared Macrium to Acronis and/or to EaseUS?
I am a life-long Acronis TrueImage user and prefer it to (older) Macrium and the .
For 20+ years, I’ve relied on the AcronisTB (ISO-boot), with >95% successful recoveries.
I ask because I love the backward compatibility of Acronis but not a fan of their new yearly-subscription model.
Apparently there are several current fixes for using a local account but who knows how long before MS plugs them. Those interested can view YouTube and decide for themselves, Mindblower!
All we need is security updates & nothing more. To my mind, Windows “feature updates” are Satan’s handiwork bubbling up from the bowels of Hades, err Redmond.
I’m hoping that’s all I get on my many Windows 10 LTSC installations – until 2032 when I’ll likely be forced into the LTSC version of Windows 12.
@RANDIO,
Everyone’s experience with various software editions differs and it’s that first hand experience on which opinions are largely based.
I was a long time Acronis user and cannot remember a version that didn’t come with some bug or the other. The problem was that the software developers never fixed the bugs themselves and it was always down to some clever user to post a solution/workaround online.
Eventually I sacked Acronis and went with Macrium (Free). I really liked Macrium but I was always of the opinion that its interface was clumsy and probably not best suited for inexperienced users.
Then I came across Aomei Backupper and never looked back. I started off with the free version and was so impressed I ended up purchasing the Pro version lifetime license covering 3 x PCs for a super discounted price.
Sorry but I have never tested EaseUS’s backup software so am unable to express an opinion.
Acronis: best for full features but way too buggy in my experience
Macrium: Excellent backup software but now quite expensive
Aomei Backupper Free: Good feature set for freeware and, in my experience, totally reliable. Very easy to use
Aomei Backupper Pro: Excellent all round and very simple to use