For as long as I can remember, I have always set up my PC using a local account. It was because I prioritized privacy over a bunch of services I didn't really need, and I didn't want Microsoft tracking my usage patterns. But that changed with Windows 11, where Microsoft made it nearly impossible. Although there are still ways to set up Windows 11 with a local account, it's more challenging than ever. On earlier iterations of the OS, you could just choose "Local Account" during setup, but now, you need to run a command which, honestly, most Windows users are unaware of. Additionally, you can switch to a local account after setup, but that isn't a common choice either.

The very fact that a local account is more privacy-oriented is a good enough reason for me, and others who share the same belief, to avoid a Microsoft account. Frankly, I have tried the latter, but it's not the best choice. And I have my reasons for it.

Local Account is truly independent

It's for privacy-conscious users

As the name suggests, a local account is on-device, i.e., you are in control of everything, from what runs on the PC to the data it transmits back to Microsoft. Given the privacy and security concerns, many of us don't want Microsoft collecting information about our device usage patterns, and this is where a local account truly shines. And let's not forget, with a local account, you don't have to depend on Internet connectivity to set up Windows or use it.

When you opt for a local account, Windows works independently, the way many of us want it to. Your app installs from the Microsoft Store are not linked to your account in any way. I, for one, have set up each of my Windows laptops a certain way, depending on the task it is used for, and I don't want them connected to one another. And a local account helps me achieve that. But in the last few years, Microsoft has made it increasingly difficult to set up a local account during setup.

Microsoft accounts force services you don't need

Sometimes, it leads to performance slowdowns

Microsoft has a bunch of great tools and apps, but the ones it forces upon Windows users aren't always the best, with better alternatives available at a much more reasonable price. For instance, I have always avoided OneDrive and Microsoft Edge. For data backups, I generally go the offline route for peace of mind, using an external SSD. OneDrive's free plan has a 5GB storage limit, which is too low. For browsing the web, Brave offers a more streamlined and privacy-oriented experience. I agree that these services are part of a local account, but they are not pushed as aggressively as they should be. You are likely to get fewer prompts to set up OneDrive or use Edge to browse the web.

And while it's practically negligible and manually controllable, the additional background tasks on a PC set up with a Microsoft account can strain the system resources. For instance, OneDrive backup tasks, data collection and transmission, and other similar services such as telemetry can increase RAM and CPU usage when running actively. On older systems, specifically those with an HDD, running a local account can also make the system slightly faster and more responsive. Since an SSD is fast enough, there will be no visible change in performance. Even if you disable all these services, a few may re-enable themselves upon subsequent system updates or continue running in the background.

Microsoft account makes sense

But only for some

I agree that a Microsoft account is the better choice for users who are closely tied to the Microsoft ecosystem and rely on its services, such as OneDrive, Xbox, Office 365, Edge, and the Microsoft Store. For instance, purchases made from the Microsoft Store using a Microsoft account can be restored on another device. This is not possible with a local account. So you might end up saving money. If you have multiple Windows systems and want them synced for settings and preferences, or if you need to set up parental controls, a Microsoft account does the job effectively.

Thenthere's BitLocker, Windows' built-in data encryption feature, which protects against data loss. When you use a Microsoft account, the recovery key is automatically linked to it, allowing for quick retrieval if needed. But that's beneficial only to a limited set of users. The rest prioritize privacy and want to use their PCs as standalone devices in a private, clutter-free environment, without any cloud integration.

Most of us are better off with a local account on Windows

And they should always have the option to opt for one

As a long-time Windows user with a local account, I believe Microsoft should make it easier to set up Windows with a local account without requiring a command or a switch after setup. It should remain simple, as it has always been. Microsoft's push for an enclosed ecosystem is likely to draw users away rather than attract them. It should draw inspiration from operating systems like Linux, which are witnessing growth, and integrate similar functionalities, ideas, and concepts that will drive adoption and make Windows an OS long-time loyalists like us can vouch for without giving it a second thought.

Lastly, a local account has been my first choice since the early days, and I will continue using it as long as it remains part of Windows. Personally, if Microsoft ever plans to remove it or tone down its functionality, I would be among the first to ditch Windows for another OS.