The best way to use Windows 11 is with a Microsoft account. You can sync different settings, use the Microsoft Store to download apps, and restore Windows by using backups from OneDrive. All of this is part of the reason why prompts to use a Microsoft account with Windows 11 will show up during initial setup of the operating system.
Keyboard and Mouse during initial setup
But we understand that it is not for everyone, especially if you're worried about your Microsoft account being used to track you and want to set up Windows the traditional way with a local account, we have some good news. Even though Microsoft doesn't make it easy to set up Windows without a Microsoft account, there is a workaround for it.
As of the time of writing, it appears as though Microsoft has patched a Command Prompt trick where you'd disable internet at setup to avoid getting the Microsoft account sign-in page. Instead, you can now use a login for a false or non-existing Microsoft account to prompt Windows 11 setup with a local account instead.
Step 1: Set up Windows 11 like you normally would. When you get to the Unlock your Microsoft Experience screen choose Sign in.
Step 2: Enter in a false email. You can type gibberish like admin. Or, use sample emails like [email protected] , and [email protected]. After that, choose Next.
Step 3: Enter in a false password. Try something like test.
Step 4: You'll see a prompt for Oops, something went wrong. Click Next to proceed.
Step 5: You'll be prompted to set up Windows using a local account, as seen below.
Step 6: Enter a name and a password, and you'll be taken to the final parts of the OOBE.
That's all there is to setting up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account. There's a chance Microsoft could patch this method too in the future, and if that happens, you'll probably be forced into setting up Windows with a Microsoft account anyway. If you're confident Windows 11 is worth using, then this shouldn't be a problem.
Either way, you can remove it after you set up your PC and convert your Microsoft account to a local one. Simply head into the Settings app, tap on your Profile icon or name. Then choose Your Info. You can then choose the Sign in with a local account instead option and follow the steps on the screen.
Apple is less than a day away from launching its highly anticipated OLED MacBook Pro with a touch-sensitive screen. But it appears that the upgrade is going to cost a pretty penny. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly eyeing a starting price of $2,899 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while the 16-inch version could start at $3,399 in the US.
"At $2,899, the 14-inch model would mark the highest starting price for a new MacBook Pro model, surpassing the $2,799 Apple charged for a 17-inch version introduced in 2006," says the report. The report claims that Apple is targeting a minimum price hike of $400 for its upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
I've spent a good amount of time digging into the spec sheet of the new M6 MacBook Pro (14-inch), and for all intents and purposes, this is a classic Apple "chip and connectivity" refresh. It's not a full redesign. The chassis, Liquid Retina XDR panel, speakers, ports, and battery, all of them carry over unchanged.
However, the M6 brings more cores, stronger on-device AI, higher memory bandwidth on the larger configs, and modern wireless. Here’s the practical rundown of what actually improved, and whether those gains are worth your money.
Two new highly requested iCloud plugins just got added to ChatGPT, giving people who rely on Apple’s Mail and Calendar services a way to search emails, check appointments, and manage their schedules directly through the chatbot.
The integration is rolling out to all ChatGPT plans, including the free tier. You can access it on the web, desktop, and iOS.