Microsoft has removed the “use offline account” option when installing Windows (reddit.com)

Article summary

The option to create an offline account during Windows installation is not visible by default when connected to the internet. To access this option, users can either install Windows without an internet connection or enter a fake phone number multiple times. This change has raised concerns among users who prefer to use local accounts. The exact timing of this change is unclear, but it appears to have been introduced in a recent Windows update.

Main themes

• Windows installation
• offline accounts
• dark patterns
• user privacy
• Microsoft's business model

What commenters say

• Microsoft's decision to hide the offline account option is a dark pattern that undermines user privacy and autonomy.
• The ability to create an offline account is still available, but it requires extra steps and is not clearly indicated.
• This change is part of a larger trend of tech companies pushing users towards online accounts and service-based models.
• Some users see this as a deliberate attempt to force users into using online accounts, while others believe it is simply a poorly designed user interface.
• The lack of transparency and clarity in the installation process is frustrating for users who prefer local accounts.
• Microsoft's terms of service for online accounts are overly restrictive and a concern for users who value their privacy.
• The company's telemetry data may be used to justify removing the offline account option altogether if few users are seen to be using it.