Windows Getting More Aggressive against Local Accounts

I noticed recently on one of my laptops I couldn't access the built in camera or microphone anymore. Windows had updated the operating system and update had removed access to those features. When I tried to re-enable those features the option was greyed out and I couldn't. In the end I had to go into the group policy editor and change some settings there to re-enable those features. However before I did that I kept getting pushed to a screen telling me to sign into my Microsoft account to re-enable those features.

Signing into a Microsoft account slows down your PC and makes you much more vulnerable to compromising your data. Nowadays when signed in Microsoft collects data about you and sells that data. Also if there is any virus software operating in the background of your operating system it may have access to that data to sell on the dark web etc. Generally speaking its much better not to sign into your Microsoft account and not use the Edge browser for your security. However now Microsoft are getting more aggressive about users who have a local account and don't wish to let Microsoft sell their data or compromise their bank accounts etc.

So don't be surprised if you use a local account if you start getting more issues now. Microsoft are getting more determined to monetize your data.

Linux is an obvious option for greater security and much lower risk of bank fraud etc and with operating systems like Bazzite now you can use Linux for day to day computing tasks and still enjoy PC gaming on Linux with very little compromises and it costs nothing all. In fact Bazzite uses the Vulcan graphic driver layer to drive graphic cards with fantastic optimisation, no worse than Windows sometimes much better. Bazzite is a fantastic option but works best on PCs which are compatible with Vulcan 1.3 or better and Radeon chipsets. For those that have that hardware its a brilliant option.

It feels like the days of Windows local accounts are numbered but there are other options if you don't want your details spread all over the internet.