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Windows 11 Pro to require internet connection and Microsoft Account

14 points by aboringusername ↗ HN
[1] states:

> Similar to Windows 11 Home edition, Windows 11 Pro edition now requires internet connectivity. If you choose to setup device for personal use, MSA will be required for setup as well. You can expect Microsoft Account to be required in subsequent WIP flights.

[1]: https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2022/02/16/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-22557/

11 comments

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aboringusername
I really hope this is not mandatory as the article is suggesting. Does MS really think every device on earth has an active internet connection and force people to consent to data collection? I wonder if the OS will refuse to setup if you genuinely do not have a working connection (which many people may not do, making Windows now inaccessible?)

Imagine buying a new laptop and the inability to set it up because no network is available, seems extremely nieve and short-sighted. A bypass surely is possible in such circumstances?

Hopefully a regulator can step in and allow users to consent whether they want a MS account or not (and indeed, to be able to use the OS without ever connecting it online)

hutzlibu
"Hopefully a regulator can step in and allow users to consent whether they want a MS account or not "

Or enough people realise, that at some point, they do need to make the effort to switch away from that abusive relationship, they have with windows.

jiripospisil
Unless something has changed, in the Home edition you are indeed no longer officially able to finish the OS installation process without an internet connection and signing into a MS account. There are however ways you can still do that (Shift+F10 and killing oobenetworkconnectionflow.exe). I expect the Pro version to behave the same.
oceanghost
Does anyone know the implications of this? If my internet goes out does this mean I can't use my computer?

What about a laptop? I can't use my laptop without an internet connection?

simonblack
Windows 7 was peak Windows. (IMNSHO)

I downgrade my systems to Windows 7. (When I must install Windows at all, that is.)

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dam_broke_it
How do you install win7 on the intel 10/11??
simonblack
I use a Windows 7 installation "iso-image" on USB_keydrive/DVD to install the base system.

With 'modern' machines using UEFI booting from GPT disks, you also need to add the EFI boot files to your Win 7 installation media. https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/186875-uefi-unified-ex...

I then install drivers obtained from the Net. If you're using 'Name Quality' hardware (Lenovo for me, very likely Dell also) it's a lot easier to find those drivers.

Once I have those drivers I copy them to my install_USB-key so that I don't have to do that again, and the drivers are stored on the same installation media.

bricss
Fun fact is that if you have an active Skype account and upgrading from Win10 to Win11 installer will use it to sign you in ╰(°▽°)╯
sovok_x
This article describes Insider build, is the same true for normal ones? I can see why what is basically beta version would require constant telemetry and feedback.
jqpabc123
Easy solution --- prepare in advance by creating a random, fake email account that you have never used and will never use for anything except for verification and password recovery.

Create the MS Account and use this fake address when requested.

What personal info does MS gain from this?