Remember when computing used to be open and user-defined? It feels like ancient history in 2026 as every service becomes a subscription, with monthly bills and user logins everywhere you turn.

But there is a glimmer of hope that one of the biggest tech companies of them all is looking to embrace simplicity, and make a change that is of benefit to its customers, rather than its bottom line.

Microsoft has long required you to log in to a Microsoft account in order to set up a new Windows 11 PC. That means even if you have paid hundreds for a new laptop, you’re required to have a Microsoft online account with an associated email address to even set up your computer.

But as spotted by Windows Latest, senior executives at Microsoft could be trying to offer consumers more freedom. Scott Hanselman, Vice President, Member of Technical Staff at Microsoft replied to a comment on X asking about “removing the requirement to login to an MS online account just to use the computer”.

Hanselman said: “I hate that. Working on it”.

The conversation followed Hanselman posting a link to a Windows Insider Blof post titled “Our commitment to Windows quality”, which explores how Microsoft is working to improve the Windows 11 experience for its users. Such updates include more taskbar customisation, reducing pushing AI in your face (my words, not theirs), improving File Explorer and giving more control over widgets and feeds.

I enjoy using Windows 11, but I don’t love how the Start menu often shows me news and stock prices by default.

“Widgets should feel helpful and relevant, not distracting or overwhelming,” the blog said. “We’re introducing quieter defaults, more control over when and how widgets appear, and improved personalization for the Discover feed.”

But Hanselman suggesting Microsoft might let users set up and use Windows 11 PCs without necessarily having an online Microsoft account would be great news. Once you’ve paid for your computer, it should be yours to do what you want with it. Currently having to sign in with a Microsoft account is a forced choice you shouldn’t have to abide by, so it’s great to see a top bod at the firm acknowledge this.

Whether or not this requirement will actually be dropped is another thing entirely. But Microsoft would do well to keep its users happy as the dust settles on the October 2025 shuttering of software updates for Windows 10. The latest stats show this has driven Windows 11 usage, and Microsoft certainly appears to be