Even the requirement for a Microsoft Account sign-in, often cited as one of the more frustrating aspects of Windows 11, traces its roots back to Windows 10. Initially, it was relatively easy to bypass, applicable only to the Home edition. However, it now seems like a precursor to the path Windows 11 has taken.
Windows 11 did make things worse, though
Upon logging into Windows 11 for the first time, users are greeted by a desktop that features an additional informational wallpaper icon, a Start menu populated with a mix of familiar and unfamiliar apps, and a taskbar that feels somewhat cluttered. This initial experience can be overwhelming.
In contrast, Windows 10 offered a cleaner interface, stripping away many unnecessary elements. Most applications, aside from Edge, could be retained or removed based on user preference, allowing for a more personalized experience.
However, Windows 11 introduces a host of new annoyances that compound the issues carried over from its predecessor. The cumulative effect of these frustrations transforms the new PC setup process from merely inconvenient to decidedly exasperating.
The Microsoft Account sign-in requirement stands at the forefront of these grievances. By signing in, users unlock a barrage of promotions for Microsoft 365, Game Pass, and other services that may not be relevant to them. Starting with version 22H2, both Home and Pro versions of Windows 11 mandate an internet connection and account sign-in for new installations. While some workarounds exist, they require prior knowledge or research, as the operating system does not provide an option to bypass this step. Furthermore, Microsoft is expected to close many of these loopholes in future updates, complicating circumvention efforts.
As if navigating the setup screens wasn’t frustrating enough, Windows 11 frequently nudges users about additional Microsoft services through its Second Chance Out-Of-Box Experience screen, affectionately dubbed SCOOBE. This feature, enabled by default, attempts to assist users in “finishing” the setup process, even for installations that have been fully configured for years. While it can be disabled through a hidden checkbox in the Notifications settings, a more user-friendly approach would be to simplify its removal or provide a straightforward way to dismiss it directly from the SCOOBE interface. This is particularly pertinent given that users are already inundated with “helpful reminders” about these services through system notifications.
