Similar to Windows 11 Home Edition, Windows 11 Pro will soon require a Microsoft account to set up. Of course, this also includes an internet connection for the initial setup.
Accordingly, it will no longer be possible to create a local user account during setup. Microsoft has been pushing the use of a Microsoft account since Windows 10.
The announcement does not state when exactly the changed requirements will come into force. Microsoft is currently testing this change in Windows 11 builds.
Currently, Windows 11 Pro users can ” avoid ” a Microsoft account by disconnecting the PC from the Internet during setup.
Similar to the Windows 11 Home Edition, the Windows 11 Pro Edition only requires an internet connection during the initial device setup (OOBE). If you plan to set up the device for personal use, the setup also requires an MSA. You can expect future developments of WIP to require a Microsoft account.