Not exactly a novelty, Microsoft is trying to get Windows users to switch from a local account to an online Microsoft account.
Until now, and for many years now, it has been possible to opt for a local account when using Windows 10 or Windows 11. A local account guarantees that your operating system and your computer are not directly linked to Microsoft, as opposed to a Microsoft online account, which obviously gives more information to the Redmond firm. An online account does, however, have the advantage of storing your licenses and even certain user settings for simplified reinstallation and maintenance. The Microsoft online account also encourages users to take advantage of all the online services offered by Microsoft... That's why the American group is pushing its customers towards the online account.
Step by step, step by step, Microsoft is multiplying its invitations to create an online account. Recently, complete guides have been published to help users understand how to use certain Windows functions. A few days ago, Neowin published a number of documents explaining how to use passkeys on Windows 11. Even more directly, a complete - and well-done - guide has beenpublished on how to switch froma local account to an online Microsoft account.
© Neowin
As Neowin explains, while Microsoft is not yet putting too much pressure on its customers, it clearly wants the switchover to online accounts to happen, and as quickly as possible. To this end, Microsoft is emphasizing the many services and applications that rely on these online accounts: Office, Outlook.com, OneDrive, Xbox Live, Microsoft 365, Family Safety, Skype, Bing, Microsoft Store and MSN (Microsoft Network). Microsoft adds: " You can create a local user account for everyone who will be using your PC frequently. However, in most cases, the best option is for everyone who uses your PC to have a Microsoft account. With a Microsoft account, you can access your Microsoft applications, files and services on all your devices ".
Of course, beyond the services offered, the online account is also a means of collecting a wealth of information on the uses and habits of Windows users, and even on their personal data. This is one of the reasons why some specialists recommend keeping the local account, which is synonymous with greater confidentiality. Alas, it seems that Microsoft has made its choice, and the latest versions of Windows 11 already no longer allow users to log in with a local account, unless they go through a process that is not impossible, but far from automatic.
