Microsoft is removing the ability to easily install Windows 11 with a local account

[Axiarus]

Time to beat the Linux drum

Bazzite all summer, not going back. Linux is so capable these days. I have native shotcut, blender and even UE5 runs native. For the mandatory work stuff I run the browser MS office and remote desktop to my work laptop. All my games work via steam/proton, wine and so forth.

There’s no nagging, hidden adds or adobe traps. No account required.

CachyOS here!

 

[opckieran]

If you do it right, you can install several other security suites in parallel. The more, the better because a virus will have to get past multiple layers of antivirus, firewalls, and registry cleaners to get through

Yeah the magic number of third-party AV or FW is basically zero in home-use cases. Free versions spy on you (it’s free, so you are the product); even paid versions tend to break more than they fix. Mixing multiple different AV and FW is especially untenable, as they will begin to interfere with each other. Enterprise is a different story of course, but most of the time those are centrally managed solutions. Best security practices are the way to go. Lock your computer when you aren’t using it. Don’t give your main account admin privileges. If you need to install something or modify settings or system files, authenticate admin credentials in UAC.

As for registry cleaners, they’re largely obsolete these days. 15 years ago they were great, but sufficed to say, M$ has improved registry management since the Win 7 years. They’re basically only necessary for anyone constantly running (un/re)installations.

 

[Str8Shot]

DUH! MS wants you to have an account so they can PUSH their garbage either to your computer, or through spam emails.

I suspect they require this because with the coming of the Digital ID (unless people resist and push back), all these logins will be made under the one ID. It’s otherwise impossible for them to control anyone that is on a local-only account.

 

[DrSuess]

Rufus will prolly still allow you to get around this. I get around this by bypassing Microsoft completely and running CachyOS.

If they have changed OOBE as they say they have it is unlikely Rufus will be able to work around it.

 

[FaTaL]

windows 10 wont magically just die. its insane that people and article after article keep pretending like windows 10 will just die on same date. Most people will use windows 10 until their computer dies and they have to buy a new one.

only an id1ot would keep using 10 after October.

 

[Burty117]

What a painful comment section, so many people interested enough in tech they're here on this website, in the comment section, yet so many advocating for using out-of-date and insecure operating systems, they'll also be the first ones to complain Windows is insecure.

If you don't like Microsoft moving on, why not learn Linux? I bet the vast majority out there can get everything they want to do at home, done using Linux. I'm aware there are some issues with multiplayer gaming, duel-boot if you really need to play those games, but just using an OS that is supported and not full of security holes surely is worth the learning curve?

I've been nothing but blown away by how good open-source software is ever since I decided to use TrueNAS, then I went down the rabbit hole of seeing what I could replace big corp apps, with open-source (Immich, Zipline, LibreOffice etc...) and it's truly impressive, makes the corporations look a little silly.

I still use Windows 11 on my main PC, because I play multiplayer games that do not work in Linux, Battlefield 6 this Friday probably being one example, I have a SteamDeck, I love SteamOS, think it's great. If game devs simply worked with Linux more and actually developed with Linux in-mind, I honestly would completely get rid of Windows. Chicken and Egg moment really, need the devs to support Linux to persuade users to move, but because the Linux base is so small, developers aren't prepared to commit time to it, Seeing more native Linux builds for games though, Cronos and Baldur's Gate 3 now run natively without proton, more devs should be using Vulkan instead of DX12.

 

[Tantor]

I don't see how Microsoft can reasonably prevent people from installing Win11 on computers that have no internet connection.

 

[calvinblanes]

They only make it harder to the base users that are already struggling with these stuff. Pirates will ALWAYS find a way.

 

[Superconductor]

I'm just going to skip Windows 11 and wait till Windows 12 since every 'other' windows release is good.

For people who are worried about security updates, windows comes with Windows Defender which is really good.

If you do it right, you can install several other security suites in parallel. The more, the better because a virus will have to get past multiple layers of antivirus, firewalls, and registry cleaners to get through

More bowls to smoke..

 

[Starfals]

Most people are going to use windows 10 without security updates and it's going to cause tons of people to get hacked and lose data, money and even have their identity stolen.

Thats total BS. I got no anti virus program, in fact I deleted it and I have windows updates turn off for the last 5 years. All good here, 0 viruses, 0 slowdowns and 0 issues. If im hacked in some way, its not obvious at all. I dont go to bad sites or click emails and links either. For work and gaming, this is great. I can probably get another 5-10 more years out of Windows 10 this way. I had viruses and malware like 2005 and since then, I did learn what to do and what not to do. Identity stolen? Sure, if you have that there. Money? PC? No phone mate? Idk, nothing bad have ever happened to me, it could be luck or I could be smarter nowadays. Either way, W11 aint coming close to my PC. Windows 10 was supposed to be the last windows, they sold it to me and promised that. I was sold a lie, so I wont buy 11. With its ugly UI, tons of bugs and updates that break the user experience for many people. In fact, the only virus that messes up with data is called.. Microsoft updates. They are the only ones that ruin the Windows. A very well known fact too, so dont you dare argue (I wont read it anyways, gg)

 

[Loadedaxe]

I'm just going to skip Windows 11 and wait till Windows 12 since every 'other' windows release is good.

For people who are worried about security updates, windows comes with Windows Defender which is really good.

If you do it right, you can install several other security suites in parallel. The more, the better because a virus will have to get past multiple layers of antivirus, firewalls, and registry cleaners to get through

Antivirus stacking, running multiple security suites simultaneously is generally counterproductive. Each AV engine installs kernel level hooks and intercepts file I/O operations, so when several are active, they compete for the same system resources.

This can cause elevated CPU usage, reduced responsiveness, false positives, and even corrupted quarantines. The suggestion to install multiple antivirus programs is genuinely bad advice.

 

[DrSuess]

There is always a EU directive for these kinds of shenanigans, cough dma cough

Not with this, Microsoft is trying to force people to use at least one of its services and hopefully more. They want people to signup for Microsoft services, a Microsoft account which is a gateway to doing that. There is no other reason to do this, I have never had an install fail or had a corrupted install using a local account.

 

[Loadedaxe]

Doing away with and no longer supporting Windows 10 has massive implications that Microsoft either doesn’t care about or is too blinded by greed to recognize.

Dropping support for machines that are still fully capable of running Windows 11, or even the upcoming Windows 12, is irresponsible, especially considering the amount of e-waste this decision will generate.

Let’s be honest ... outside of tech enthusiasts, most PC owners aren’t going to install Linux or ChromeOS. For the average user who just needs their computer for banking, social media, and email, both systems can be confusing and intimidating.

Suggesting users pile on more antivirus software while running an unpatched version of Windows 10 isn’t a solution...it only worsens system performance and doesn’t truly address the underlying security vulnerabilities. Trusting third party AV software to fill the gaps left by missing security updates is unrealistic and unsafe.

There are alternatives, albeit limited ones. Projects like 0Patch attempt to extend security support for older Windows systems, and while they can help, they don’t have the manpower or resources to catch every exploit in a timely manner.

Microsoft could keep Windows 10 updated longer, as demonstrated by the EU forcing them to extend support until 2026.

This short sighted approach could end up benefiting competitors. With macOS Tahoe now installable without an Apple ID and Linux continuing to mature, Microsoft’s decisions could push more users to explore other platforms, especially if Linux distributions improve their marketing and make installation even more seamless.

Apple also has a major opportunity here. If they worked more closely with game developers and expanded macOS’s gaming ecosystem, more people might actually consider switching sides. However, there’s always going to be a segment of users who refuse to switch out of brand loyalty, or pure stubbornness. Some would rather let Microsoft dictate their experience than admit another platform might actually serve them better.

 

[yRaz]

Thats total BS. I got no anti virus program, in fact I deleted it and I have windows updates turn off for the last 5 years. All good here, 0 viruses, 0 slowdowns and 0 issues. If im hacked in some way, its not obvious at all. I dont go to bad sites or click emails and links either. For work and gaming, this is great. I can probably get another 5-10 more years out of Windows 10 this way. I had viruses and malware like 2005 and since then, I did learn what to do and what not to do. Identity stolen? Sure, if you have that there. Money? PC? No phone mate? Idk, nothing bad have ever happened to me, it could be luck or I could be smarter nowadays. Either way, W11 aint coming close to my PC. Windows 10 was supposed to be the last windows, they sold it to me and promised that. I was sold a lie, so I wont buy 11. With its ugly UI, tons of bugs and updates that break the user experience for many people. In fact, the only virus that messes up with data is called.. Microsoft updates. They are the only ones that ruin the Windows. A very well known fact too, so dont you dare argue (I wont read it anyways, gg)

If you have no anti virus then how do you know you don't have any viruses?

 

[Loadedaxe]

Thats total BS. I got no anti virus program, in fact I deleted it and I have windows updates turn off for the last 5 years. All good here, 0 viruses, 0 slowdowns and 0 issues. If im hacked in some way, its not obvious at all. I dont go to bad sites or click emails and links either. For work and gaming, this is great. I can probably get another 5-10 more years out of Windows 10 this way. I had viruses and malware like 2005 and since then, I did learn what to do and what not to do. Identity stolen? Sure, if you have that there. Money? PC? No phone mate? Idk, nothing bad have ever happened to me, it could be luck or I could be smarter nowadays. Either way, W11 aint coming close to my PC. Windows 10 was supposed to be the last windows, they sold it to me and promised that. I was sold a lie, so I wont buy 11. With its ugly UI, tons of bugs and updates that break the user experience for many people. In fact, the only virus that messes up with data is called.. Microsoft updates. They are the only ones that ruin the Windows. A very well known fact too, so dont you dare argue (I wont read it anyways, gg)

That kind of setup might seem fine, but that’s only because nothing’s gone wrong yet. Modern malware isn’t like the old school viruses that slowed down your PC or threw pop ups in your face ... today’s stuff runs silent, steals credentials, or turns your system into part of a botnet without you ever noticing. All it takes is typing a url wrong these days.

Turning off updates and deleting antivirus might make things feel faster or cleaner, but it also means you’re wide open to exploits that have been patched for years. It’s like leaving your front door unlocked because you think your neighborhood is safe.

You don’t have to like Windows 11, fair, neither do I, but security isn’t about luck or being careful online...it’s about closing the holes before someone finds them. Windows 10 might look stable right now, but you’re basically running with a big “please exploit me” sign once support ends.

 

[Puiu]

There will always be ways to circumvent this. They can't stop it unless they really destroy local accounts from the source code.

 

[GeoffreyA]

For those still on 10, one could adopt Luffy's approach and use a certain three-letter tool to enable three years, or more, of ESU. In that time, Windows might turn a new leaf. On the current trajectory, the OS is sinking, and for most, there is no ideal alternative in Linux or macOS.

 

[Burty117]

For those still on 10, one could adopt Luffy's approach and use a certain three-letter tool to enable three years, or more, of ESU. In that time, Windows might turn a new leaf. On the current trajectory, the OS is sinking, and for most, there is no ideal alternative in Linux or macOS.

Explain? Explain how “for most” Linux or macOS isn’t an ideal alternative?

Most people browse the web, maybe use a document or spreadsheet program, listen to music or watch videos.

Even more complicated stuff like video or photo editing is completely fine on both Linux and macOS.

Gaming is pretty much there on Linux, just need to check what games you wanna play work, macOS does have some way to go on this front though.

 

[BobHome]

DUH! MS wants you to have an account so they can PUSH their garbage either to your computer, or through spam emails.

Don't forget the PULL, like all the non-M$ emails you receive.

 

[BobHome]

"The more you tighten your grip, the more (Windows) systems will slip through your fingers."

 

[scavengerspc]

Most people are going to use windows 10 without security updates and it's going to cause tons of people to get hacked and lose data, money and even have their identity stolen.

And then the same bunch will be here bitching about how Microsoft let it happen.
It's the natural progression when complaining is the go-to solution.

 

[FaTaL]

Hey microsoft,

 

[ChrisH1]

Meh, just set up an account you use for nothing but windows, and never/rarely check the email address associated with it.

 

[maxxcool7421]

This entire post is pure misinformation and ignorance. People like you are why botnets running on unsecured older windows versions are still a problem.

NOPE, botnets of useful size are all IOT based ...

 

[GeoffreyA]

Explain? Explain how “for most” Linux or macOS isn’t an ideal alternative?

Most people browse the web, maybe use a document or spreadsheet program, listen to music or watch videos.

Even more complicated stuff like video or photo editing is completely fine on both Linux and macOS.

Gaming is pretty much there on Linux, just need to check what games you wanna play work, macOS does have some way to go on this front though.

I'm not criticising Linux or macOS. Each is excellent in its own right and works well. Mint, for one, is a polished and practical alternative. The problem is one of preference: when one is used to a certain OS and metaphor, switching to another doesn't feel ideal. Indeed, Microsoft, trying to change what Windows is, doesn't understand this or chooses not to.

If something went wrong with tea worldwide, tea-drinkers would feel a loss switching to coffee, nor does it help when the coffee-drinkers tell them to do so because coffee is obviously better.