What are the pro's and con's of using either a local account or a microsoft account

Discussion in 'Windows 11' started by z-vap, Nov 19, 2024.

  1. z-vap

    z-vap MDL Novice

    Dec 24, 2009
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    I am curious, is there any drawback to using a Microsoft Account? I know a lot of people are dead set against it, but what is the problem? Here are what I can come up with:

    Pros of a Microsoft Account:
    1. Seamless Syncing: Your settings, passwords, and files are automatically synced across all your devices.
    2. OneDrive Integration: Easy access to cloud storage for files and backup.
    3. Security Features: Advanced security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA) and password recovery options.
    4. App and Service Access: Streamlined access to Microsoft services like Office 365, Xbox Live, and Windows Store apps.
    5. Remote Access: Ability to access your account and settings from any device.
    Cons of a Microsoft Account:
    1. Privacy Concerns: Some users might be wary of sharing personal data with Microsoft.
    2. Dependency on Internet: Requires an internet connection for full functionality and syncing.
    3. Potential for Lockout: If you forget your Microsoft account password or lose access, it can be more challenging to regain access compared to a local account.
    4. More Complex: Navigating settings and syncing can sometimes feel more complicated than using a local account.
    Is this essentially it? Or do people have other fears? What could I be missing?
     
  2. Enthousiast

    Enthousiast MDL Tester

    Oct 30, 2009
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    Online account:
    Onedrive auto-backup (and when the limit is reached it nags for payments to get more space and i have had a person who couldn't even use his live mail anymore because it reported that the account was full, he accidentally made the online account when windows nagged him to do and next this happened and bitlocker started encrypting his holiday photos, he already copied to 3 USB keys.
    Bitlocker activated

    For me the pros don't win from the cons.
     
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  3. vladnil

    vladnil MDL Senior Member

    Jan 19, 2019
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    You forgot to write the third point (The advantages of not using an account)
     
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  4. Hasefroch

    Hasefroch MDL Addicted

    Dec 24, 2018
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    For me is:
    If you have a MS 365 or Xbox subscription, the MS account is better (and Home or Pro the best).
    If you are "sailing the seas", without account is better (and LTSC the best).
     
  5. Enthousiast

    Enthousiast MDL Tester

    Oct 30, 2009
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    This actually implies the disadvantages:
     
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  6. z-vap

    z-vap MDL Novice

    Dec 24, 2009
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    Interesting. Why is that? I mean I have an account, but I don't use it for logging on to windows. They still know my activation's.
     
  7. TairikuOkami

    TairikuOkami MDL Expert

    Mar 15, 2014
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    #7 TairikuOkami, Nov 20, 2024
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2024
    MSA password protects your account, a local nonexistent password does not, thus the local account provides zero security, it is as simple as that. If you want security, get MSA, if you want privacy, get linux.
    For the record, people terribly afraid of MSA, use Google and iPhone accounts along with dozens of other online accounts, because they have to, but for some reason they are avoiding MSA as a plague.
     
  8. Hasefroch

    Hasefroch MDL Addicted

    Dec 24, 2018
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    Yes, if you want true privacy, use Linux, and don't use any iPhone, Android, Windows, Huawei, etc. It's literally impossible to have 100% privacy.
     
  9. dummekuehe

    dummekuehe MDL Addicted

    Jan 11, 2009
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    what are the pros and cons of being a human being vs a glass puppet on strings?
    what are the pros and cons of owning your hardware and making your own decisions vs being allowed to use a computer with somebody else making the rules and the ability to cut you off whenever they want?