Microsoft account sign-in Archives

Winsage

January 4, 2026

How to Install Windows Configuration Designer Using Winget Command

The Windows Configuration Designer is a tool from Microsoft that allows users to create provisioning packages for automating the setup of Windows devices. These packages, saved as .ppkg files, can pre-configure settings such as network configurations, user accounts, and device names. The tool is not pre-installed on Windows systems and is primarily intended for IT administrators. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or installed via the command-line tool winget, which requires the package name to be enclosed in double quotes for proper recognition. The installation process involves opening a terminal as an administrator, checking for winget availability, and executing the installation command. The download size is approximately 30 to 50 MB, and installation typically completes in under a minute. Users can verify the installation by searching for the application or using winget commands. Alternative installation methods include using the Microsoft Store or the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK). The tool is free and does not require a Microsoft account for winget installations.

Winsage

December 29, 2025

Remembering what Windows 10 did right—and how it made modern Windows more annoying

The Microsoft Account sign-in requirement for Windows 11, which began with Windows 10, now applies to both Home and Pro versions starting with version 22H2, necessitating an internet connection and account sign-in for new installations. Users are also confronted with a cluttered desktop and a Start menu with a mix of familiar and unfamiliar apps, making the initial experience overwhelming. Windows 11 introduces additional annoyances, including promotions for Microsoft services and a feature called SCOOBE that nudges users about these services during setup, which can be disabled but not easily removed. Microsoft is expected to close loopholes that allow bypassing the sign-in requirement in future updates.

Winsage

December 10, 2025

De-Enshittifing Windows 11 Version 25H2: Win11Debloat ⭐

Tiny11 Builder requires a clean installation of Windows 11 to enhance the user experience. Key criteria for any utility aimed at replicating Tiny11 Builder's benefits include disabling telemetry, removing preinstalled bloatware, addressing issues with Microsoft Edge (including uninstallation), and mitigating problems linked to Microsoft OneDrive (also through uninstallation). Utilities mentioned for further refining Windows 11 include: - Rufus: Creates installation media without requiring a Microsoft account sign-in or hardware checks. - MSEdgeDirect: Allows the use of a preferred web browser for accessing stories from Widgets and web-based search results. - ExplorerPatcher: Addresses performance and reliability concerns within File Explorer. Win11Debloat is highlighted as a utility that meets optimization requirements, having undergone changes since August 2024. The updated process allows users to launch a Terminal with admin privileges to download and run Win11Debloat directly. It features three modes: Default mode, Custom mode, and App removal. Custom mode offers options for app removal, disabling telemetry, turning off tips and suggestions, and disabling Bing web search, Bing AI, and Cortana, among others.

Winsage

October 21, 2025

Windows 10 support has ended: Here’s what you need to do going forward

As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, affecting all editions including Home, Pro, and Enterprise. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing users to enroll for an additional year of security updates until October 2026. The ESU program is free for users who sign in with a Microsoft account and sync their settings to the cloud, while residents of the European Economic Area can access it at no cost without cloud synchronization, although they must sign in every 60 days. Alternatives to consider include upgrading to Windows 11, which has hardware requirements like a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, or switching to other operating systems such as Linux distributions or ChromeOS. WINUX is a Linux-based distribution resembling Windows 11. Users can also purchase new PCs like the ASUS Zenbook A14 (2025) or Microsoft's Surface Pro 11 to avoid disruptions when Windows 10 support ends.

Winsage

October 7, 2025

Microsoft is cracking down on people creating local accounts on Windows

Microsoft is eliminating methods for creating local accounts during the out-of-box experience (OOBE) in Windows 11, requiring users to log in with a Microsoft account. This change aims to ensure devices are fully configured and connected to the internet during setup. The patch notes indicate that bypassing the Microsoft account setup could lead to incomplete device configurations. Currently, this update is in testing phases, allowing a limited opportunity for users to create local accounts before the feature is fully removed.

Winsage

October 7, 2025

Microsoft clamping down on Windows 11 local account setup — latest Insider build removes ‘local-only commands,’ skipping Microsoft account sign-in will crash setup process

The Out of Box Experience (OOBE) for new Windows installations has changed, making it harder for users to bypass signing into a Microsoft account. Microsoft has removed "local-only commands" that allowed users to circumvent online sign-ins, requiring a continuous internet connection to complete the setup. The removal of the start ms cxh:local command and the earlier disabling of the "bypassnro" method means users must log into their Microsoft accounts to proceed. These changes apply only to direct installations, not managed devices. While some technically inclined users may still find ways to bypass the requirement, concerns about privacy and ease of use have been raised. Critics suggest these changes may be part of a strategy to promote Microsoft 365 and OneDrive services during the setup process.

Winsage

October 7, 2025

Windows 11 update removes “known” local account workarounds, so now you most definitely need to sign in with Microsoft

Microsoft has removed local account creation methods in the latest Windows 11 update (Preview Build 26220.6772), requiring users to complete the setup process with an internet connection and a Microsoft account. This change coincides with the impending end of Windows 10 support on October 14, affecting around 400 million devices. The update aims to ensure that devices are fully configured for use, as previous local account workarounds often led to incomplete setups. Users in the European Economic Area can extend their Windows 10 support for an additional year at no cost.

Winsage

September 25, 2025

Major backtrack as Microsoft makes Windows 10 extended security updates FREE for an extra year — but only in certain markets

Microsoft will provide free Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area (EEA) for an additional year, extending the deadline to October 14, 2026. This update eliminates the requirement for users to sign in with a Microsoft account and sync their PC settings to the cloud to receive these updates. Users outside the EEA must still sign in with a Microsoft account, pay a fee, or redeem Microsoft Reward points to access the ESU program.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

New Windows 11 build makes mandatory Microsoft Account sign-in even more mandatory

Microsoft has released a new Windows Insider build of Windows 11 in its Dev Channel, which includes the removal of the bypassnro command prompt script. This script previously allowed users to bypass the mandatory Microsoft Account sign-in during the setup of new installations. The change is intended to enhance security and user experience, ensuring that all users complete setup with internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account. This decision complicates the setup process for users who prefer local accounts or who lack internet access.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Microsoft now lets you use Office apps on Windows for free but with ads and some limits

Microsoft has adjusted the pricing of its Microsoft 365 subscription due to enhanced AI features, leading to user backlash. In response, Microsoft is allowing Windows users to access Office applications for free without a paid license. Users can skip the Microsoft Account sign-in prompt and continue for free, but files can only be saved to OneDrive, and advertisements will appear unless users subscribe to Microsoft 365. The free versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint have limitations, including the absence of certain features like dictation, add-ins, and advanced formatting tools. This offering is currently being trialed with a select group of users and specific regions, and some users have reported issues accessing the feature.