New Windows 11 Pro installs and changes may require a Microsoft account starting early 2024

Microsoft will soon require users to attach a Microsoft account to Windows 11 Pro, according to updated Windows 11 Pro policies announced early Tuesday. The change will begin early next year and only affects new installations and changes to an existing installation such as hardware upgrades. Clicking through an initial setup screen where you opt to create a Microsoft account via your email address, phone number, or existing Microsoft account will be required to complete the setup.<br><br>Microsoft notes the Windows 11 Pro policies of early 2024 will be rolled out to Windows Insider preview builds of Windows 11 first. It’s worth noting that the new policies follow numerous attempts to restrict low- and high-end Windows 11 Home and Pro SKUs from password bypassing and enterprise usage. With the change, Windows 11 Home will be the only edition available that can be setup without a Microsoft account.