Microsoft has recently announced plans to remove the ability to install Windows 11 Pro without an internet connection via a Windows 11 Insider Preview Build change log (thanks, Windows Central.) As a result, there will be no versions of the operating system that can be installed offline, with Windows 11 Home currently requiring users to be online during the installation process.
A Windows 11 gaming PC set up for personal use requires the use of a Microsoft Account, as there is no option to set up a local account during setup. The company hasn’t revealed why it’s changed its mind about offline installations, but it has confirmed that this change is here to stay. According to the change log, users should expect to be required to have a Microsoft Account in subsequent WIP flights.
Windows 10 is unaffected for now, and the community will likely find a way to circumvent this requirement. Of course, we would prefer that Microsoft backtrack on its decision, but that’s probably unlikely.
Microsoft might be better off sticking with Windows 10 until it fixes the lingering bugs and issues with its latest operating system. If you have an AMD processor, this is especially true, as Windows 11’s TPM requirement can cause stuttering on Ryzen CPUs — and there is no fix in sight just yet.