Microsoft Vows Faster Windows OOBE, But Local Account Option Still Missing

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11's out-of-box experience (OOBE) will get faster and more efficient by the end of 2026. However, users are still waiting for a fix to one major pain point: the requirement to sign in with a Microsoft account during setup.

The OOBE is the initial setup process that new Windows PCs go through, guiding users through setting their language, connecting to Wi-Fi, and configuring basic settings. But under current rules, signing up for a Microsoft account and internet connection are required to complete the setup process.

This has been a major point of contention among users, with some calling it a barrier to switching to Windows 11. The requirement is also seen as an attempt to push users towards Microsoft's services, such as Microsoft 365 and OneDrive.

Microsoft has made some progress in addressing other issues with the OOBE, including reducing the number of ads displayed during setup and providing an option to skip pending updates for now. However, removing the Microsoft account requirement remains a major request from users.