Using a local account only in Windows 8?

Purple2011

I'm looking to buy a new computer and the ones I am looking at all have windows 8 installed. I've seen something that says you might need to make a Microsoft account to use the computer and this is something that I don't like the idea of. I'd like the computer account to function in a similar way to how Windows 7/Vista user accounts did if possible. I've seen something about a local account option but I just wanted to check before I buy a new PC.

Can you use the local account option completely and never have to sign up for a Microsoft account for anything?

Is it possible to update to Windows 8.1 using just a local account?

It looks like you have to download the 8.1 update from windows store. So would I have to make a microsoft account for that?

vuvuzela

Yes, you need to have a microsoft account to download from the Store. However after downloading, you can revert back to using a local account on the machine quite easily.

Sinhanada

You can still buy Windows 7 laptops easily and I'd recommend this rather than Windows 8/8.1.

http://www.tesco.com/direct/search-results/results.page?searchquery=windows+7+laptop&catId=4294967294&icid=tescohp_sws-1_windows+7+laptop&sortBy=3#61;windows+7+laptop&catId=4294967294&icid=tescohp_sws-1_windows+7+laptop

Just one of the selections you could use :-)

dannny_2

Purple2011 wrote: »

Can you use the local account option completely and never have to sign up for a Microsoft account for anything?

Yes. I only use a local account, as I have no intention of using various aspects of 8.1, such as the store.

8 and 8.1 are better operating systems than 7, its just some people can't handle the GUI. In which case you change the GUI to look like windows 7. Its not rocket science.

vuvuzela

dannny wrote: »

Yes. I only use a local account, as I have no intention of using various aspects of 8.1, such as the store.

8 and 8.1 are better operating systems than 7, its just some people can't handle the GUI. In which case you change the GUI to look like windows 7. Its not rocket science.

The 2 gui system is pointless and annoying on a non-touchscreen interface. The removal of the start button is a major irritant, changing the way Windows has worked for 18 years. Changing the gui involves 3rd party programs, which is a pain for non-technical users.

dannny_2

8.1 allows you to boot directly to desktop. Can't remember how I changed it with windows 8

There are lots of start buttons available, some free, some not.

I wouldn't like to live with the new windows 8 start screen, but I use a PC.

Esqui

If I recall correctly, you can use a local account but sign into the store using a MS account without changing your user account

Ken68

I've noticed less (one in a week)
junk mail in my Hotmail e-mail since opening a Microsoft account for windows 8. An expert has said that maybe Microsoft have enabled an extra filter.
Ditto for my Yahoo set up as well so could be something else..

danthemoneysavingman

and what's that got to do with this subject? :-/

Ken68

Hotmail is owned by Microsoft. It is possible that IF the Original Poster has a Microsoft account he would get less or no junk mail.
Sounds on topic to me.
I also have a local account which I shall use, but NOT delete the Microsoft account.