It was never a requirement. It uses dark UI patterns (You have to click cancel, then there is a tiny link at the bottom that allows you to create local pc admin account with no MS attachment). Media likes to overblow things.
Imagine McDonald's applying such dark UI patterns: maybe forget part of your order, put your change on the table under a napkin so you don't notice it, only offer you the free ice cream the 3rd time you ask, etc. People would be up in arms!
But Microsoft?! Well, they are the darling of the tech world now so it must only be a prank no?
"But Microsoft?! Well, they are the darling of the tech world now so it must only be a prank no?"
Google and Apple do it too and no one has complained. Why suddenly the up and arms when Microsoft does it? That doesn't sound like a darling of the tech world to me.
I'm not sure this is true anymore. I bought a new laptop, and I could not figure out how to avoid signing in to a Microsoft account without starting over and refusing to set up Wi-Fi. I am quite savvy, but admittedly I had not used a consumer edition of Windows in quite some time. Nothing overblown here; dark patterns ought to be called out loudly.
Yep. I literally had to solve this yesterday helping a friend setup a brand new laptop (with Window Home edition) That little link is gone now. I had to Google to find that you create the local account by turning on Airplane mode before entering that screen. It then let me create a local account. ( And of course the other thing I did was immediately remove the McAfee security nagware - at least Microsoft has Defender already installed ready to take over AV duties )
I just recently did re-format my gaming PC with latest Win10 and it was possible. Maybe because I have "Pro" version, but it was possible on latest Win10.
Yes, Pro is different. Windows 10 Home will require an account at setup if there's any way it can get to the internet. (No wifi and nothing plugged into the ethernet port will give you the option.)
I'm aware yes. It was also possible by not connecting to WiFi or Ethernet while setting up Windows 10. But I thought that this meant that that option would go away with Windows 11. I haven't had a chance to try it yet, all I have is the news to go by!
