With a digital license and privacy concerns
With a digital license and privacy concerns
I placed an order for PC components from a supplier who provided me with an OEM licensed Windows 11 Pro package. However, I discovered online that replacing the motherboard might prevent future use of the OEM version. Some sources suggest Microsoft has relaxed restrictions on using OEM versions after a hardware change, and there is a mention of using the "Activation Troubleshooter" on their site, though I remain uncertain about its reliability and future changes. I considered returning the item and purchasing a retail box version, but they only offer a digital license for Windows 11 Pro. Concerned about privacy, I wondered if linking a Microsoft account with a digital license could raise any issues.
With either version of Win 10 or 11, you must connect it to an MS account. Unless, of course, you go through a lot of steps.
BUT...
That MS account requirement is mostly not important.
All my machines have three accounts:
1. MS account – only for the first licensing, and rarely needed outside the MS Store.
2. Local Admin – for administrative tasks or other admin functions.
3. Local Standard user – the everyday user, which I’m currently using.
On my primary system, the last time I accessed the MS account was a while ago.
In reality, it’s mainly for confirming the OS license.
The “MS account” here is just an email and password, while mine is a seldom-used Gmail address.
Some people worry about having an MS account, but I assure you you’re sacrificing a lot through other services.
With your setup and OEM license, don’t stress too much.
If in the future you need to upgrade major components, a new license might become necessary. That’s only a small fraction of the overall cost for a new PC.
I had installed Windows 11 Pro Retail a few weeks ago. I had used a local account.
Today, Windows started asking me to link it to a MS account when I try to login using my local account.There is an option to skip but I have to click on "Remind me in 3 days".If I understand it right, I need to link my local account to MS account.But I am not sure if this is the case or if when I create a MS account it will be a seperate account and I will have the freedom to choose between two accounts(local account or MS account) when log-in.
Which is the case?Also do I have to write my real name into MS account while signing-up?
Well, I believe it could be resolved by following the advice in that link. It suggests disabling certain notifications in Windows System Notifications, which might mean you don't need an MS account anymore. However, one question remains: should I enter my real name on the MS account during registration if I'm creating a new one?