Windows might require an online account for certain updates, features, or services.
Windows might require an online account for certain updates, features, or services.
I work on Windows with an account, but I frequently install Windows on test machines for testing purposes and use the offline login option. I prefer not to be required to have an online account, and I created one voluntarily. Currently, you can create local accounts on the latest ISO, though they often hide the feature. In the Home settings, you must disconnect from the internet to access it. It’s still possible but involves some extra steps. Will Microsoft ever make you connect online during ISO installation and block you from using Windows without an active account? I think they might try, but they’re holding back to protect a large part of their user base.
For Home it's completely feasible though it seems improbable. There will always be individuals requiring a computer without internet access. For Pro, it's unlikely they'll ever face such a situation. Corporate network administrators require offline credentials to maintain domain connections.
Great updates, I can get the pro version without needing to run around computers. Windows offline mode should stay active indefinitely if you don’t connect to the internet or use a flash drive for installation. Your hardware should last as long as needed.
This Facebook feature bothers me a lot—it makes me feel angry. It seems like any device needs an account, which worries me. If you don’t want to use Facebook or have privacy issues, that’s understandable. Even if Microsoft does something similar online, chances are you can still protect your data with modified ISOs.
It improves even more since FB mentioned they would never do this when they acquired Occulus. Thank the gods I don’t care about FB or VR… but it’s definitely shady (the reason I don’t care is that the “service” isn’t helpful for me, just another “data collection app”).
I don't mind VR either, but if I try it later I'll pick something that doesn't require DRM. It's hard to believe hardware has DRM—it feels like a big leap. Software DRM is annoying, but hardware DRM is just ridiculous and unnecessary. There will always be businesses relying on Windows, so maybe offline accounts will have a place in the future. If Microsoft ever makes the business edition the only one with offline support, I'll use that ISO for testing computers.