Microsoft 'forces' Windows 11 users to use online accounts?

According to TechSpot , Microsoft is facing a lot of criticism from the user community when it quietly removed the instructions for switching from a Microsoft account to a local account on Windows 11. This move is believed to be aimed at forcing users to use online accounts, thereby easily collecting data and promoting the company's cloud services.

TECHSPOT SCREENSHOT

Previously, Microsoft provided detailed instructions on how to switch between the two types of accounts. However, the latest version only provides instructions for switching from a local account to a Microsoft account, while emphasizing the benefits of using an online account such as service integration, enhanced security, and device syncing.

While users can still switch to a local account through the Windows Settings app, Microsoft's removal of official guidance has raised concerns that it is deliberately pushing users toward an entirely online experience, similar to what Google and Apple are doing with their Android and iOS platforms.

Microsoft's move comes amid growing scrutiny of tech giants over how they collect and use user data. Removing the local account option could leave users feeling like they're losing control over their data and becoming dependent on Microsoft's cloud services.