Microsoft is 'removing known mechanisms for creating a local account' from Windows 11 setup - get ready to use a Microsoft account

Young woman using laptop, looking annoyed.

• Windows 11 has a new preview build
• It cracks down on workarounds to install the OS with a local account
• This is a continued campaign to force people to use a Microsoft account, and Microsoft argues it's necessary to ensure devices are set up correctly

If you prefer to install Windows 11 without linking it to a Microsoft account, those days are distinctly numbered, as Microsoft is busy closing more of the loopholes that allow for the use of what's known as a local account.