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The official line from Microsoft is that a Microsoft account is recommended over a local account on Windows 11.

Using a Microsoft account on Windows 11 does have benefits, such as syncing prefs and files across devices.

Windows 11 local account setup

Backing up your system is easier with a Microsoft account set up as well.

While those benefits are real, they don’t apply to everyone.

Some people prefer to have their PC strictly local.

Windows 11 Taskbar closeup

They don’t want to sync content across devices or back up their tweaks.

Others don’t want to integrate their workflow with the Microsoft ecosystem.

For those users, a local account may be the preferred option.

Windows 10 Setup Local Account

Microsoft has since blocked that bypass.

A different method requiring the use of Command Prompt still appears to work.

Windows 11 OOBE sign-in

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Windows 11 system features

Windows 11 Start menu

Windows 11 battery usage

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