Something only WIndows can do ! ( possibly!!!!)

[#1]

Another thing that I don't think has been mentioned previously in this thread, (?), is that by default, installing Windows 11 from scratch, (or switching on a brand new PC for the first time), by default, requires the creation of and use of a Microsoft account. I don't know how far back this requirement goes in terms of Windows versions? I also don't know what data is sent back to Microsoft, but the fact that it can be linked to an account means that it can be personalised.

Yes, this account requirement can be bypassed or the account deleted after creating a local user account, (this is what I did on my Windows installation on USB), but the person doing it has to know firstly that it is actually possible and then where to find and be able to use instructions on how to do it.

I don't like the idea that personalised data about me can be sent back to Microsoft, (and possibly others). Yes, I have an Android phone and tablet, which I know is Google and constantly sending them data, but |I never do online banking or shopping on my Android devices - only on my desktop PC or laptop, (both Linux).

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[#2]

Certainly wasn't a requirement on W7.

[#3]

The idea of a Microsoft account is to enable sync between devices.

The theory is good but in this age of general mistrust it's not going down well............

[#4]

It came in for Windows 10.

On 10 it was relatively easy to avoid using a M$ account by disconnecting the system from the internet during install, which then allowed a local account to be created.

On 11 , that no longer works and you have to run a command (can't remember off the top of my head, but I'm sure google will!) during installation to disable the requirement for a M$ account.

[#5]

@MisterW 

"On 11 , that no longer works and you have to run a command (can't remember off the top of my head, but I'm sure google will!) during installation to disable the requirement for a M$ account."

When I was installing my WinToUSB version of Windows 11, I tried various online "tricks" to disable the requirement. These included unpacking the original installation ISO file, either deleting of modifying a file, (can't remember which), repacking the ISO file and then installing from that. None of the, including various Command Line instructions worked for me.

I found that the easiest way was to initially create the Microsoft account, but at the earliest opportunity after rebooting in to the new installation, (before it had started downloading all the updates), I created a local administrator account, rebooted in to that and then deleted the Microsoft account login.

After that, only the local account exists on that Win11 installation.

I assume that will also work on a "normal" Windows installation on a PC?

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[#6]

@Mr_Paul having looked it up.

so the 'oobe/bypassnro' and disconnect from the internet doesnt work anymore ?

The last install I did recently was from the office Microsoft Partner Program ISO and so had a product ID and therefore didn't need a M$ account if disconnected from the internet during install

I'm fairly sure when I installed Win 11 on my personal lappie last year I used the above trick...

[#7]

@MisterW 

"so the 'oobe/bypassnro' and disconnect from the internet doesnt work anymore ?"

TBH, I can't remember exactly. It is probably over a year, probably (much) longer, since I last did it.

Because setting up WinToUSB initially requires the use of an existing Windows installation, to make my Win11 SSD I first had to install Windows with an old spinning HDD in my laptop to create the WinToUSB. I then re-instated the laptop's normal Linux Mint SSD.

With the inherent dangers of breaking something every time the laptop's drive is swapped out, it is something that I avoid if at all possible.

As I have said up thread, my usage of Windows is now limited to the channel editing software for our Sony TV. In fact, I only ever boot in to the WinToUSB every couple of months to install the updates!

If I was a more regular user of Windows, I would probably have set my PC up to dual boot, with both Windows and Mint installed on the internal drive.

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[#8]

@Mr_Paul I only use Windows on my lappie because it came pre-installed and I didn't want to mess about with dual boot.

To do anything like banking, I have a Ubuntu VM on it using Virtualbox. My main desktop machine is (and has been for some years) Ubuntu.

In the office we now use Proxmox VE https://www.proxmox.com/en/proxmox-virtual-environment/overview which is a Linux based bare-metal hypervisor to run most things including some Windows VMs. I've recently got a refurbished Lenovo tiny PC at home running Proxmox VE and am experimenting running various things like Ubuntu, Homeassistant & PiHole on that.

[#9]

@Mr_Paul  quoted @MisterW   

@MisterW 

"On 11 , that no longer works and you have to run a command (can't remember off the top of my head, but I'm sure google will!) during installation to disable the requirement for a M$ account."

@Mr_Paul  said, in response....

When I was installing my WinToUSB version of Windows 11, I tried various online "tricks" to disable the requirement.

@shutter  says... what a steep learning curve WINDOWS is ! ! ! 

Another "Plus" for switching to Linux...   No hoops to jump through,  before you can use the O.S.  and No personal data being fed back,.. Just install it, and use it. !     Simples !  (and FREE ! ) .

[#10]

All my main systems run W11 and technically (to varying extents) are NOT compatible so have needed various "methods" to install; all use ONLY local accounts.

There is (or was) a distinction between Windows 11 Home and Pro regarding requiring an MS account for installation.

My two main machines run Pro but I still get the occasional "nag" about an MS account.

Other systems using Home get somewhat firmer and more regular "nags".

I'm waiting to see what the next major update brings, not sure if that will be called W1124H2 or W12.

I try and keep ISO images of older OS versions for easier/known/offline installation processes, then upgrade to the latest once set up.

So, for example I have an older W10 that fits on a single-sided DVD, 

[#11]

The subject of Windows security, phone home and other security issues has popped up but I do wonder how many people concerned about that have (un)social media accounts where pictures of where they live, family, plans, hopes, blah, blah and often other personal details are posted for all and sundry to see?

[#12]

Not me, @Mav . I do have Twitter/X and FB accounts, but they are devoid of personal details and are only (rarely) used to access usually bus/train information.

[#13]

Not me, either....   I don`t have TwitFace accounts.   Neither does my missus.

[#14]

I wouldn't have FB account if you paid me, and only have a twitter one to permit communication with some organisations e.g couriers who are reluctant to have contact phone numbers!

[#15]

Out of all the social medias, I am only registered on Twitter.

I'm only on there to make it easier to "follow" people - someone one tried to explain to me how to Twitter to someone, but I don't recall ever having done it.

I'm old school: if I am considering changing utility or insurance companies, for example, as well as price, one of the questions that I always ask is how I would contact them in the event of a problem. They almost always make it easy to join them and have telephone contact for sales, but I have come across some that are then only contactable online in the event of issues.

I also hate online "chat". I type very slowly and when I have tried chat, often the other person has assumed that I've gone and disconnected from me.

Telephone support, or you don't get my business!

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