Microsoft then throws some tricky language at you to try to get you to go with the Microsoft account, but click Skip for Now.

When you get to the initial sign-in options, select Offline Account. Windows 11 Pro can use a local account, but the steps are a little different. It's one of our top 10 reasons not to upgrade to Windows 11. In Windows 11 Home, you are forced to use a Microsoft Account, which means you must have an internet connection (or jump through some serious hoops (Opens in a new window) to get around it). Enter a local account name and new password (and a hint for when you forget it). Click Sign in with a local account instead. If you already signed in with a Microsoft account, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info. When you set up Windows 10 or 11, Microsoft specifically asks you to sign in using that account. Microsoft prefers if you sign in to Windows with your Microsoft account-the one attached to all things Microsoft, be it your Xbox, Office 365, or OneDrive account, buying apps or music or video in the Windows Store, even talking on Skype, to name just a few. The second from the bottom notifies you without the dimming scare tactic, however, you'll still get a dialog box confirmation with a yes/no option when you install things. The screen presents a slider with four levels of security, from never notify (bad) to always notify (annoying-it'll warn you when you make your own changes).

Type UAC into the Windows 10 or 11 search box to get Change User Account Control Settings. UAC lives on and will still dim the desktop, but you have the option to turn it off, or at least prevent the screen dimming as you get a different notification. In the old days, when you went to do an install, the screen would suddenly dim and everything seemed to come to a halt, causing several (anecdotal, probably fictional) heart attacks amid the populace. User Account Control (UAC) in both Windows 10 and 11Įver since Windows Vista, User Account Control (UAC) has been there to protect users so the OS can quickly grant administrative rights to software programs that need it-specifically when installing or uninstalling software. How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.

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