Summary
A Microsoft Account is the current iteration of the tech giant’s single sign-in service.
The company introduced the rebranded service in 2012 to coincide with the release of Windows 8.
While convenient, you might not want to use one for plenty of reasons.
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Here are some pros and cons of using a Microsoft Account.
Syncing also extends beyond PCs.
If you use a Surface tablet or any other Windows-powered gear, your customization will also move there.
In Windows 10’s early days, you could use the Windows Store without a full-fledged Microsoft Account.
That’s no longer possible on Windows 11; any workaround has significant drawbacks.
At least using your Microsoft account with the Windows Store has some benefits.
You won’t to search the store for a second time.
You also need a Microsoft Account to purchase a game or app from the Microsoft Store.
Without that, you cannot install premium apps.
Copilot
Microsoft introduced Copilot in Edge and later added it to Windows 11 and 10.
However, Copilot in Windows 11 needs a Microsoft Account to work properly.
You will see a warning with a sign-in option to continue using it.
OneDrive
Using a Microsoft Account on Windows also unlocks the full potential of OneDrive.
Finally, it will also let you collaborate in real-time on Office documents.
Passkeys
Passkeys are a great way to sign in to websites and apps without typing passwords.
Microsoft added Passkeys support in Windows 11, automatically creating one when you sign in with a Microsoft Account.
After that, you’re able to access to your Microsoft account or related services.
Popular web services like Google support Passkeys, which are easy to set up.
Such apps include Maps, Edge, and more.
For example, if you use your account in Edge, it will sync across all your Microsoft devices.
There is clearly a juxtaposition here.
Microsoft needs to collect data to provide you with a quality experience on your services.
Do they collect too much information?
Only you could decide whether the trade-off is worth it.
Usingprivacy tools, it’s possible for you to change several of Windows 11’s default prefs.
Security
The potential pitfalls around security are almost as concerning as the aforementioned privacy issues.
So, you don’t have a choice but to proceed with a local account.
All its essential services now rely on a Microsoft Account, including submitting error logs to the Feedback Hub.
you could bypass this Microsoft Account requirement and force Windows 11 to use a local account instead.
But you will see numerous popups, and the OS will persistently nag you to use a Microsoft Account.
