Microsoft has been cracking down on the use of local accounts since the launch of Windows 11, but it's now almost impossible to use a local account unless you log in to your Microsoft account for ...

Windows 11 favors Microsoft accounts over local accounts. A recent update removes the ability to create local accounts without internet. Third-party tools like Rufus can still create local accounts ...

If you use a Windows 11 device in a multi-user environment, for example, in a large family, or in a small office setup with multiple workers, there's always a risk to your privacy. Other users can ...

Microsoft might want everyone on an active internet connection while setting up Windows 11, but that’s not always possible. Some people have limited internet connections, while others may find Windows ...

Last month, Microsoft quietly removed the official instructions for switching to a local account on Windows 11 devices. The company is pushing hard to get its users to sign into its Windows machines ...

One of Windows 11’s more contentious changes is that, by default, both the Home and Pro editions of the operating system require users to sign in with a Microsoft account during setup. Signing in with ...

Upgrading to Windows 11 is still possible even after Windows 10 reached the end of support on October 14, 2025. Although many devices continue to run the retired operating system, switching to Windows ...

Microsoft really doesn’t want you creating a local account on Windows 11. Microsoft really doesn’t want you creating a local account on Windows 11. is a senior editor and author of Notepad, who has ...

Microsoft's latest Insider Preview, Build 26220.6772, introduces a significant policy change: removal of known workarounds to skip Microsoft Account setup during Windows 11 installation (OOBE).

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This is mostly a permission issue where the user doesn’t have enough permission to create files using Windows Assistant. Create a Local administrator account Reset user permissions Run Windows Update ...