Windows 11 Home needs an internet connection and Microsoft account to set up
Some requirements for Windows 11 are turning heads, including the fact that you need a Microsoft account to set it up.
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What you need to know
Microsoft announcedWindows 11this week, and everyone is rushing around to see if their PC will be able to run the new operating system. Theofficial Windows 11 requirementshave made headlines due to their inclusion of TPM 2.0 as a requirement (TPM 2.0 is a soft floor requirement whileTPM 1.2 is a hard floor requirement). Another requirement is turning heads; the fact that you need a Microsoft account to set up Windows 11 Home.
On previous versions of Windows, you could choose to use a local account rather than a Microsoft account. It wasn’t always easy to find that option,but it was there. With Windows 11, that won’t be the case.
Microsoft explains:
It’s unclear if you’ll be able to set up a device with a Microsoft account and then switch over to a local account. That page doesn’t mention local accounts at all, but it does say that you’ll need “a Microsoft account to complete device setupon first use” (emphasis added). This could mean that later uses of Windows 11 don’t require a Microsoft account, but that’s not certain.
The same page also explains that you’ll need an internet connection to set up Windows 11. This is less surprising but may disappoint people. Some are in areas with poor internet connectivity, so it would be nice to be able to at least set up a device without connecting to the web, even if you’d need a connection for any updates.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
