Windows 10: Ridiculous installation requirement

I have the same view as both WHS and Bunny. No problem. As for securing my private info, I would trust the confidentiality of MS rather than my ISP, who could, if required, get access to most of my usage on the internet.

 

Totally agree. Using the MS account is not a big deal, for me at least. *Ditto To both replies. It simplifies things for me. It's also nice that when I bookmark a site on my laptop, it syncs to my desktop and I can find it no matter what PC I'm on.

 

You can still use your PC with no Internet access. I've unplugged my network cable and was still able to use that PC. No warning messages other than the no network detected one. You have the option to activate by phone if there is no Internet connection. Yes you bought the PC its yours. The software that's on it is a different story. You get a license to use that software as per the EULA. If you don't like those terms return the PC. I'm not trying to be a smart @ss but Windows has been like this for years and years. I do see why your upset though, and your not the only one.

 

I don't remember that I had to have an account with MS before the last couple of PC's. If that was true when I set my past computers up, I was given the option to bypass it and never gave it another thought. By software would you mean the OS or IE, that belongs to MS even though I bought the PC? If they get mad at us they can just disconnect it or block us. I think of software of as things that I installed myself.

 

Do you still use the Microsoft Account (MSA) to log in to your computer or did you find that you could switch to a local account in PC Settings -> Accounts -> Your account ?

Note that using a local account carries a completely different understanding of the way to use the benefits of a MSA.
Kari has a really good description of managing Windows and Apps with regards to a MSA. Basically there are two ways
1) Switch to the MSA account
2) sign in to the MSA for each App individually
(I couldn't locate Kari's description, hopefully he'll stop by and provide a link or write a post here)

I sign in to each App individually, although I haven't used all of the features of a MSA with Windows. Some features I prefer not to use, others I haven't tried or learned about. I have had some 'mistakes' though - I chalk those up to inexperience (I've been on Win8 for less than a year and a lot of Win8 is in Win10) or testing.

Bill
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I had a friend who used his $2000 computer only for writing letters. And for printing he had a laser printer. The inkjet printer he also bought was never attached and only used as copier.

His wife did not allow him to connect to the internet because she was afraid he might meet a woman on the internet. They were in their mid 70s.

Now he is dead. That reminds me the Little White Horse by George Brassens that never saw the sun.

 

I've was never asked to get an MS account to activate any of my PCs or to log into my computer until the last PC I bought. The Acer I bought a couple of years ago would not let me set it up without an MS account, it did not pick up my wifi for some reason and told me to set up a local. I deleted the password after I set it up. That was the first time was confronted with that problem. I was going to download something from their store an app if I remember right to watch movies on my acer when I travel. I could not do that unless I had a MS account. I found the app somewhere else. The store did let me download W 8.1 without the account.

 

I didn't explain that very well, what I meant by the "Windows has been like this for years and years." is the online activation, not the requirement for a Microsoft ID. Windows has been connecting to Microsoft as verification long before Live ID's came about. Yes I was referring to Windows when I said software, you can include Office in that. When you install Windows or Office you are prompted with a yes or no " I have read and agree to the term of use". That may not be the exact wording but it's there and you have to agree to the terms to install the software. Microsoft can and has in the past blocked activation if it thinks your software has been pirated or installed illegally. Once this happens and you don't reactivate functionality will be lost and eventually you won't be able to use Windows. Microsoft isn't the only company to do this either. The way I read it, you are purchasing a license to use the software, not the software itself. You can download Windows or Office for nothing. If you want to use it beyond the trial period you have to buy a license (product code). That's my interpretation anyway.

EDIT: I redid my original post as I didn't quote you and wasn't sure if you missed my reply or not.

 

You can't access the Store or Run Metro apps without a Live ID. That's just the way it is. One reason is that any purchased Apps are done through your live ID, which is where your payment options are setup and stored.

 

Windows 8 started with the Microsoft account stuff so your prior computers would of had to have 8 on them to even see that prompt,
Otherwise Microsoft support forums do require an account possibly you asked for help on one of them ?

You can sign into apps individually Microsoft doesn't recommend it but who cares about that,
Whom ever likes and uses one to sign into a computer = different strokes for different fokes *Wink

 

I know I can't access the store without an account and I don't want to, I don't want their apps. I did upgrade to 8.1 without an account.

 

OK, I wasn't sure if you were asking a question or making a statement? Now I know.

 

The live id is really handy - even if you buy no apps. The other day I bought a Lumia phone from the MS store. That also went all automatic for the payment via my live id.

 

Well said Mike, well said.

Now ... for my 1 cent

Some people have an issue with the way it is, some people have problems the way it is, some people don't like it the way it is. Windows 10 Preview offers people the opportunity to express all of those concerns and hopefully make it a better install experience for everyone. Windows 8 - had acceptance problems because of a Start button, or lack thereof.

I can almost see the articles now

Users are forced to accept a Microsoft Account simply to install Windows

While I know that isn't true, I also feel that the Win8 debate was largely manufactured by the press and some high powered tech jockeys.

Can the install process be improved - yes.
Can the sign-in account selection be made more intuitive and/or have clear instructions on the window - yes
That's all I'm sayin' and now I'm broke, that was my last penny *Wink

I'll wait for he next release to see what MS has done - this might be a moot point.

Bill
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It works for me. I think a lot of the resistance to it is the "Big brother is watching me." syndrome. You can turn a lot of what gets synced off, and do it during the install. I'm not unsympathetic to those that don't want to use it, I just don't get some of the reasons for not using it. That's life though.