[lambada]

Windows 10 (any version) doesn’t let you install it without a microsoft account these days - it used to, but they removed that function during one of the updates. They do let you transition to a local account after install though. That caught me by surprise when i had to reinstall a fresh copy of Windows 10 at one point

So a version that does let you install with just a local account right off the bat is a strict improvement from my point of view.

Maybe the article authors were unaware of that change to the Windows 10 install process - it certainly would explain the odd slanting.

Edit: interesting, from the replies it looks like you either have to not connect to the network or say you are going to join a domain (which was untrue in my case) that explains why i couldn’t find the option then!

[viraptor]

You can still install Win 10 with a local account if you don't configure / unplug the network. A couple months ago I could also skip the online account on win 10 pro by going through some dark pattern (maybe failing to log in, then selecting offline option?)

[14]

This was the user hostile trick I used last time. Tell it no internet connection and set up local account. I imagine one day everything will be 5G connected and then Microsoft will expect the account no matter where you are.

[resoluteteeth]

You just have to say that you're going to join a domain. It doesn't make you actually join a domain and it let's you create a local account. No need to unplug it or fail to log in or anything like that.

[tonyedgecombe]

Windows 10 (any version) doesn’t let you install it without a microsoft account these days

Yes it does, I did it this week.

[dsissitka]

> Windows 10 (any version) doesn’t let you install it without a microsoft account these days - it used to, but they removed that function during one of the updates.

Unless things have changed in the last eight days this isn't right.

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=27624555

[Springtime]

I did a fresh install late last year on Pro (using the official v2004 ISO) and this wasn't the case while being offline during the install. Has it changed since?

Edit: typo, had 'online' while I meant 'offline'.

[rphln]

I also installed Pro some weeks ago using the May 2021 ISO and didn't have to use a Microsoft account despite being online. I don't remember having to sidestep any dark patterns either, though maybe I've just become desensitized to them.

edit: Specify that I was online while installing.

[II2II]

I've done a fresh install of Home and Pro in the past couple of months. There is no requirement to use a Microsoft account if there is no network connection. I also did a fair amount of configuration before connecting to the network, and a lot of the third-party apps that typically get installed alongside Windows were not installed.

The end product was nice, but jumping through the hoops to get there was a pain. It's also rather annoying that I cannot figure out which particular setting(s) prevented the installation of third-party apps.

[nly]

For Pro the 'offline account' option is there, but if you select the 'Home' edition it flows like this (1 minute silence video):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgfvhN8FVlk