Re: Microsoft will force Windows 11 installs to use Microsoft account

On 2025-03-29, CrudeSausage <crude@sausa.ge> wrote:

On 2025-03-29 2:12 a.m., RonB wrote:

On 2025-03-28, CrudeSausage <crude@sausa.ge> wrote:

... it confirms the removal of a popular bypass.
>
It looks like local accounts will be a thing of the past, on PCs anyway.
Linux will be the last remaining option.
>
<https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/microsoft-will-force-windows-11-installs-to-use-a-microsoft-account-confirms-removal-of-popular-setup-bypass>

 
The final reason to not install Windows on any partition at all. Zero
interest in a Microsoft account and about the only time I boot into Windows
(already) is to update it. So, basically, if you don't have a connection to
the Internet you can't install Windows. Another win for Linux.

>
The concept of non-local accounts is actually unnatural to a lot of
people who aren't too familiar with the way computers work. As I was
doing the tech meeting for my school board a few weeks ago (I'm one of
two tech representatives for my school), I noticed that a few teachers
were complaining that Windows automatically displayed personal photos to
the students (since the computer is connected to a projector in class)
whenever the machine would go to sleep. I replied that it might not be a
good idea to put personal content on the OneDrive account. They had no
idea what I was referring to. Then, another teacher complained that they
had taken a screenshot on one computer and that the screenshot was then
available on another. They thought it was hacking or something. I had to
inform them that logging into Windows is done through a Microsoft
account, in this case the one tied to the school board. If they take a
screenshot or add any content to their personal folders, those folders
are synchronized with the web and then back to whatever computer they
use on which they use their Microsoft account. I also informed them that
this was a _feature_, same as it on Macs that do the same thing, and
that they actively have to disable it. I then explained how they could
do so.
>
I'm rambling, but it shows how people expect content to remain on the
computer it was created or saved. The content of synchronization across
devices, for better or for worse, doesn't seem right. Obviously, it has
lots of benefits because it is available to you wherever you are and
whatever device you use. However, it also means that Microsoft (or
Google or Apple) has access to that content as well. At best, they will
store it on their servers and not bother you; at worst, they will scan
your content for politically correct wording and edit it for you or call
the authorities because a cute photo you took of your naked one-year-old
is believed to be child pornography. There used to be an option to opt
out at installation, not anymore. You can opt out from within the system
later on, but finding the option to do so might be a lot more
complicated than you expected.

The only account I sync online is Simplenote. No pictures, just text and
mostly just stuff I'll forget if I don't "write it down."

I guess I do have Google Drive, but I only upload stuff up like screenshots
or short screenplays that I want to share and I fully realize that Google
has access to this stuff, but I don't care. Anything I don't want to lose or
I don't want to share, I don't upload anywhere.
backup locally.

--
“Evil is not able to create anything new, it can only distort and destroy
what has been invented or made by the forces of good.”  —J.R.R. Tolkien