Windows 10 users who log in with local accounts might see prompts to sign in to a Microsoft account when they open the Settings app. This feature is rolling out gradually in release preview builds of Windows 10 and could be part of a stable update, possibly the May 2024 security update for the operating system.
Microsoft introduced this feature on the Windows Insider blog, mentioning: “This update marks the start of rolling out account-related notifications for Microsoft accounts in Settings > Home”.
The notification pops up for users who sign in with local accounts. Microsoft highlights that using a Microsoft account allows users to back up their device and enhance security.
The backup feature works through the Windows Backup app, which is not a full backup solution but helps in transferring files from specific folders, Store apps, and some settings to OneDrive.
Focus on Microsoft Account
Microsoft has made it less straightforward to set up Windows 11 using a local account, given that there is no obvious way to do so. While there are workarounds to skip the Microsoft account requirement on Windows 11, it might involve running commands from the command prompt.
Although Windows 10 does not enforce the same restrictions as Windows 11 in this aspect, Microsoft is clearly favoring Microsoft accounts over local accounts.
The ability to create local accounts after the initial setup remains possible in both operating systems.
This new approach is not the first of its kind on Windows 10. In August 2023, Microsoft introduced a similar change in the Start Menu. Local user profiles show an error badge highlighting the advantages of having a Microsoft account.
The new message in Settings has a close button, but it only dismisses the notification temporarily. Microsoft notes that users can manage these notifications in Settings > Privacy & Security > General.
Wrap-Up
Microsoft is actively pushing Microsoft accounts for various reasons:
- To promote subscriptions and other products that require a Microsoft account.
- To gather more information about users who use a Microsoft account.
While utilizing a Microsoft account provides benefits like online storage and data synchronization through that storage, there are privacy considerations to be mindful of.
Image Source: RoSonic / Shutterstock