Microsoft has annoyed some of its 900 million Windows 10 device users after apparently removing the ‘Use offline account’ as part of its effort to herd users towards its cloud-based Microsoft Account.
The offline local account is specific to one device, while the Microsoft Account can be used to log in to multiple devices and comes with the benefit of Microsoft’s recent work on passwordless authentication with Windows Hello.
The local account doesn’t require an internet connection or an email address – just a username and password that are stored on the PC
[…]
A user on a popular Reddit thread notes that the local account option is now invisible if the device is connected to the internet.
“Either run the setup without being connected to the internet, or type in a fake phone number a few times and it will give you the prompt to create a local account,” Froggyowns suggested as a solution.
So there is a way around the obstacle but as Reddit user Old_Traveller noted: “It’s such a dick move. I’ll never tie my main OS with an online account.”
[…]
as a user on Hacker News wrote, Microsoft has changed the name of the local account option to ‘Domain join instead’, which then allows admins to create an offline account.
Windows 10 users are accusing Microsoft of employing ‘dark-pattern’ techniques to usher them off local accounts, referring to tricks on websites that software makers use to choose an option that benefits the seller.
Source: Windows 10 users fume: Microsoft, where’s our ‘local account’ option gone? | ZDNet
My PC is at home. Microsoft, who sell the OS, have no right to know who I am or what I am doing with MY PC.
Robin Edgar
Organisational Structures | Technology and Science | Military, IT and Lifestyle consultancy | Social, Broadcast & Cross Media | Flying aircraft