Win10 Local Account
Win10 Local Account: a reader asks…
I’m starting the free upgrade to Windows 10, but the darn thing wants me to create a new Microsoft account online. Do I have to do this, and if not, how do I make a regular Windows account?
Microsoft really, really wants you to create a Microsoft account online and use that to log into Windows. This is critical to the long-term success of Windows, now that upgrading the operating system is free (once you’ve made the initial purchase usually as part of a computer purchase). So you’re looking at the “Make it yours” screen where they want you to sign into your Microsoft account with your email address and password. If you don’t already have a Microsoft account, you can create one using the link directly underneath.
But take a look further down the screen at “Skip this step” – if you click this you can create or use your existing local user account. It’s as simple as that to use a regular Windows account. But here’s what you miss out on:
All those new Microsoft Store apps (so-called “Modern” apps)? Can’t get them without a Microsoft Account, even if they’re free.- If you use multiple Win10 computers, you can’t sync settings between them without a Microsoft Account.
- You can’t use Cortana (voice-assistance) without a Microsoft Account
- You can’t use OneDrive (cloud-based storage service) without a Microsoft Account.
All those new Microsoft Store apps (so-called “Modern” apps)? Can’t get them without a Microsoft Account, even if they’re free.One other thing you miss out on – Microsoft’s ability to market stuff to you. Personally I wouldn’t miss this one at all.
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Author: Chris Gardner
Your Tech Coach at PosiTek.net
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