Microsoft is set to force all Windows 11 Pro users to have a Microsoft account and an active internet connection while making a fresh installation.

This is seen in the recent Windows 11 Insiders Build 22557 of Dev Channel. Microsoft to date allowed users to make a fresh installation of Windows OS with a local account, but this support was removed in Windows 11 Home recently. Now, the Windows 11 Pro users too join the list.

Windows 11 Installation Needs

Microsoft on rolling out a new build version 22557 to Windows 11 Pro Insiders in the Dev channel, has mandated having an active internet connection and a Microsoft account for processing the installation set-up. This is similar to Windows 11 Home, which too was exempted from having such requirements earlier.

Talking about this change, Microsoft said in its blog post as;

“Windows 11 Pro edition now requires internet connectivity during the initial device setup (OOBE) only. If you choose to set up the device for personal use, MSA will be required for setup as well. You can expect Microsoft Account to be required in subsequent WIP flights.”

To date, Microsoft let any of its new Windows OS complete a fresh install with a local account. But now, it’s turning out to be the first-ever OS OEM to have an internet connection and a Microsoft account.

The rest of the system OS like Android, macOS, and even Chrome OS have their own modes of free access to install OS, without a branded online account. Well, this new change will only be affecting the fresh Windows 11 Pro users, as the current won’t be touched.

Microsoft earlier did this to Windows 11 Home community, and now doing the same with Windows 11 Pro users. Microsoft reasons this mandate by saying that a native online account is required for accessing all the tools its Windows 11 has.

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