It isn’t one of the hardware requirements, unfortunately, but PCWorld reports that a source close to the company informed them that Windows 11 Pro will allow users to avoid the new Microsoft account (MSA) requirement for installing Windows 11.
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Last week, alongside the announcement of Windows 11 and the ensuing system requirements confusion, Microsoft stated that Windows 11 Home would require an internet connection and an MSA in order to install the operating system. Previously, users were able to simply create a local account and install using that offline method. The basic Windows 11 Home, whether it is done as a free upgrade or purchased at retail, will no longer give you the local option. You will be able to move to a local account after you have completed installation, but this will preclude using any of the Windows 11 syncing functionality between devices as that is being synced via the MSA. The lone option for avoiding this MSA requirement is Windows 11 Pro; according to PCWorld’s source, users with Windows 11 Pro can install to a local account right from the beginning without having to create or sign in to an MSA. For many users, this doesn’t rise to anywhere near the same level of concern as the CPU requirement or TPM 2.0 requirement, but it does feel like one more gotcha from Microsoft for Windows 11. Gamers will also be reminded of the Xbox One fiasco when Microsoft could not get its story straight regarding whether the console would or wouldn’t need an always-on connection. Windows 11 looks great with the new design, the promised battery life enhancements, enhanced multitasking and more, but the company has to get a firmer grasp on its messaging. The new requirements clear as it is just going to cause unnecessary confusion for users.
