Microsoft is facing pressure from within the company to relax or even eliminate the policy of forcing Microsoft account login during Windows 11 initial installation process (OOBE). Currently, most versions of Windows 11 must be connected to the Internet and use a Microsoft account during installation, otherwise system settings cannot be completed. This practice has been criticized by users since its launch.
According to reports, multiple internal teams have raised objections to this policy, believing that mandatory online accounts do not meet the usage scenarios and privacy needs of all users. Scott Hanselman, vice president of Microsoft and a well-known figure in the developer community, said bluntly "I hate that too, and we are working on it" in response to outside questions about this issue, which is regarded as an important signal that the company may be brewing adjustments.
However, Microsoft has not yet announced any timetable or specific plan, and this requirement is still valid in the current version. The report pointed out that an important reason why there has been no change is that the Microsoft account system has been deeply bound to cloud synchronization, security features, subscription services and cross-device experience, involving the interests of multiple products and business lines, and requires cross-department coordination to promote policy adjustments.
Since the launch of Windows 11, forcing Microsoft account login has been one of the most complained-about designs by users, and many users prefer to use local accounts for higher privacy and offline usability. Although various bypass methods have existed before, Microsoft has continued to block relevant "loopholes" in subsequent updates and strengthened its "cloud connection" strategy, making the outside world pay more attention to whether this potential policy shift will truly leave room for the return of local accounts.