Microsoft wants Windows 11 users to prioritize using an online account, although the option for a local account remains available. In its explanations, the firm unintentionally reveals the advantages of the latter.
Since its launch, Windows 11 has evolved with various new features, improvements and changes. Some of these changes have been to the installation process, aimed at encouraging users to adopt an online account. According to the tech giant, creating an online account would provide the best possible user experience.
A Microsoft account has several advantages, especially if you frequently use the company’s tools and services. It allows you to connect the PC to its cloud services, sync files across multiple devices, and sync settings across different PCs. However, by highlighting these advantages, Redmond also unintentionally highlights the strengths of a local account.
The benefits of a local account include:
- It is created directly on the device.
- No internet connection is required to log in.
- It is independent of other services and is not linked to the cloud.
- It does not require an email address.
Interestingly, Microsoft provides a support document explaining how to switch from a Microsoft account to a local account. However, this document does not provide a solution for configuring a PC directly with a local account. You can either set up the PC with a Microsoft account and then switch to a local account, or just use a Microsoft account.
