The Windows 10 Settings app is the latest attack vector Microsoft will use to push you to sign up for a cloud account
Microsoft continues its push to get you to use a Microsoft account on Windows, this time through the Settings app.
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What you need to know
Microsoftreallywants you to have a Microsoft account when using Windows. The tech giant has made it increasingly difficult to use a local account on Windows over the last few years and is now testing a prompt in the Settings app to encourage you to use a Microsoft account. Starting withWindows 10 Build 19045.4353, you will see a notification in the Settings app to connect Windows to your Microsoft account. The full change log of that build is listed below.
The new prompt in the Settings app is in testing among Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel running Windows 10 version 22H2. Microsoft outlines the new feature in a blog post:
“New!This update starts the rolls out of account-related notifications for Microsoft accounts inSettings>Home. A Microsoft account connects Windows to your Microsoft apps. The account also backs up all your data and helps you to manage your subscriptions. You can also add extra security steps to keep you from being locked out of your account. This feature displays notifications across the Start menu and Settings. You can manage your Settings notifications inSettings>Privacy & security>General.”
There are benefits to connecting Windows to a Microsoft account, such as the ability to sync settings and files across devices, the option to monitor the health of a device remotely, and finding your PC if it’s been lost or stolen. But some prefer the privacy and security of only using a local account.
You can turn off the notification within the Settings app by navigating toSettings>Privacy & security>General, as outlined by Microsoft.
Can you use Windows without a Microsoft account?
Microsoft removed the option to create a local account during the Windows 10 Home out of box experience in early 2022. There were still ways tocreate a local account while setting up Windows 10 Homethat aren’t very technical, but they require some know-how.Setting up Windows 11 without a Microsoft accountis more difficult. It’s still possible, but it requires you to use Command Prompt to disable the internet requirements. There is another way to use a local account on Windows 11, but it requires Windows 11 Pro.
Windows 10 Build 19045.4353 changes
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
