Microsoft introduces mandatory accounts for almost all users

When Microsoft released Windows 11 in October 2021, there was a change that surprised some users. In the cheapest edition called Windows 11 Home, a free Microsoft account is required to complete the initial setup. A local user can only be created and the Microsoft account deleted after this setup has been completed once. With the new Insider Preview 22616, Microsoft presents this “Obligation” to the Microsoft account also in Windows 11 Pro and at the same time gives official advice on how to avoid this obligation.

So you can avoid the obligation to have a Microsoft account

During the initial setup after installation, there is a selection screen where you can determine which user group the PC will be used for. According to Microsoft, if you select the “for school” or “for work” entry on this screen, Windows 11 Pro can be operated without a Microsoft account. If you simply skip the selection screen, you must sign in with your Microsoft account.

As with all previous preview builds of Windows 11, version 22H2, Microsoft also resolved some bugs in build 22616. From now on, system tray icons can be moved again by dragging and dropping. Also, the file explorer should now reliably do its job again. Only two entries related to live subtitles are listed in the known issues, but they are only available in English and in the US anyway. It’s unclear when Windows 11 version 22H2 will be released as a free update. So far, a release is expected in the second half of the year.

Also new for Windows Insiders is the new Controller Bar, which can be accessed by pressing the Xbox button on an Xbox controller while a PC game isn’t running. If this is the case, the three most recent PC games and open launchers can be viewed and selected directly. The controller bar is a kind of submenu of the Xbox game bar and can only be opened through the gamepad, but it does not necessarily have to be one. xbox controller be.

Also worth reading: Windows 11: Microsoft gives reasons for the new task manager

Microsoft account collection required in Windows 11 version 22H2:

• Starting with version 22H2, a Microsoft account will also be required in Windows 11 Pro when setting up a PC for the first time. So far, this has only been the case with the cheaper Windows 11 Home.
• However, Microsoft has stated that this account requirement can be bypassed. All you have to do is select the “for school” or “for work” entry on the “Customize your user experience” selection screen, and Windows 11 Pro can also be set up as usual without a Microsoft account. .
• Microsoft is introducing this change with Insider Preview 22616, which is intended to be a preview of Windows 11 version 22H2.

Sources: microsoft (1), microsoft (2)