Consumer Rights Wiki

Microsoft Windows: Difference between revisions

← Older edit
VisualWikitext
Bananabot (talk | contribs)
Bots, confirmed
1,114 edits
Added archive URLs for 2 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot
Vandetta (talk | contribs)
confirmed
88 edits
add NOM practice in buisness model
 
(18 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 9: Line 9:
|Description=Microsoft Windows product series and their impact on consumers
|Description=Microsoft Windows product series and their impact on consumers
|Logo=Windows logo.svg}}
|Logo=Windows logo.svg}}
'''Windows''' is a product line of proprietary graphical operating systems developed and marketed by [[Microsoft]]. It is grouped into families and subfamilies that cater to particular sectors of the computing industry – Windows (unqualified) for a consumer or corporate workstation, Windows Server for a server and Windows [[Internet of things|IoT]] for an embedded system. Windows is sold as either a consumer retail product or licensed to third-party hardware manufacturers who sell products bundled with Windows.
'''Windows''' is a product line of proprietary graphical operating systems developed and marketed by [[Microsoft]]. The first version of Windows was released in 1985 as a GUI for MS-DOS. Later, in 1993, Windows was released as a standalone operating system running on the Windows NT kernel. It is grouped into families and subfamilies that cater to particular sectors of the computing industry – Windows (unqualified) for a consumer or corporate workstation, Windows Server for a server and Windows [[Internet of things|IoT]] for an embedded system. Windows is sold as either a consumer retail product or licensed to third-party hardware manufacturers who sell products bundled with Windows.


==Consumer-impact summary==
==Consumer impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}
===User freedom===
A forced link to a Microsoft Account is required to use the OS. Users can no longer create local accounts since Windows 11 without using any third-party software to modify the OS.


==Windows operating system==
Since Windows 10, updates are forced and cannot be disabled, only postponed.{{Citation needed}}
{{Incomplete section}}


===Forced Telemetry===
[[OneDrive]] does forced file synchronization without user's consent and redirects basic personal file addresses to OneDrive's addresses.<ref>{{cite news |first=Lance |last=Whitney |title=Windows 11 now turns on OneDrive folder backup without your permission |date=25 Jun 2024 |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-11-now-turns-on-onedrive-folder-backup-without-your-permission/ |url-status=live |website=ZDNET |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625181409/https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-11-now-turns-on-onedrive-folder-backup-without-your-permission/ |archive-date=2024-06-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Taras |last=Buria |date=24 Jun 2024 |title=Windows 11 is now automatically enabling OneDrive folder backup without asking permission |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-is-now-automatically-enabling-onedrive-folder-backup-without-asking-permission/ |url-status=live |website=Neowin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625183949/https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-is-now-automatically-enabling-onedrive-folder-backup-without-asking-permission/ |archive-date=2024-06-25}}</ref>
Windows 10 and 11 are configured to send telemetry by default{{Citation needed}}. Users can only switch it to a reduced mode, but there is no way to disable it completely without resorting to tools and techniques beyond what most normal users have the technical knowledge to implement (disabling services, setting registry keys and group policies, blocking communication using firewalls etc.){{Citation needed}}. Automatic system updates are know to re-enable some of the corresponding components without warning{{Citation needed}}.
 
===User privacy===
Telemetry and data collection has increased since Windows 7.<ref>{{cite news |author=Ars Staff |website=Ars Technica |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/04/microsoft-opens-up-on-windows-telemetry-tells-us-most-of-what-data-it-collects/ |title=Microsoft opens up on Windows telemetry, tells us most of what data it collects |date=5 Apr 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405141641/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/04/microsoft-opens-up-on-windows-telemetry-tells-us-most-of-what-data-it-collects/ |archive-date=2017-04-05}}</ref> Since Windows 10 the telemetry is forced and cannot be disabled completely without modifying system component with third-party tools.<ref>{{cite news |first=Gregg |last=Keizer |date=10 Aug 2015 |title=Windows 10 makes diagnostic data collection compulsory |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/1636741/windows-10-makes-diagnostic-data-collection-compulsory.html |url-status=live |website=ComputerWorld |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401153751/https://www.computerworld.com/article/1636741/windows-10-makes-diagnostic-data-collection-compulsory.html |archive-date=2025-04-01}}</ref>
 
The Dutch Data Protection Authority (Dutch DPA) conducted an investigation into Windows 10 telemetry metadata and has concluded that the operating system breaches local privacy law.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl/uploads/imported/public_version_dutch_dpa_informal_translation_summary_of_investigation_report.pdf |date=Aug 2017 |title=SUMMARY OF INVESTIGATION REPORT Public Version Microsoft Windows 10 Home and Pro investigation by the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (Dutch DPA) |website=Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717045727/https://www.autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl/uploads/imported/public_version_dutch_dpa_informal_translation_summary_of_investigation_report.pdf |archive-date=2023-07-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Natasha |last=Lomas |date=13 Oct 2017 |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/13/microsofts-windows-10-breaches-privacy-law-says-dutch-dpa/ |title=Microsoft’s Windows 10 breaches privacy law, says Dutch DPA |website=TechCrunch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013144819/https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/13/microsofts-windows-10-breaches-privacy-law-says-dutch-dpa/ |archive-date=2017-10-13}}</ref>
 
An AI-powered tool named [[Microsoft Copilot's recall feature|Recall]] has raised several privacy and security concerns due to their ability to take constant screenshots of the whole screen every few seconds. These screenshots could contain sensitive user's info, such as passwords or credit card info that can be taken and used against the user. Initially they were stored unencrypted along with the AI generated transcriptions on the user's hard disk. Apparently, only local AI is used to analyze them and they are now encrypted. An option to hide sensitive information as well as disable it for selected apps was added, though it remains open on how the sensitivity is determined.
 
===Business model===
Windows operating system comes pre-installed with an active license on most new desktop computers. Windows licenses can also be acquired by making a one-time purchase.
 
Since Windows 10, the operating system started to include [[bloatware]] and integrated ads about Microsoft services on system tools like Settings or File Explorer,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://x.com/flobo09/status/1502645866204704773 |url-status=live |author=flobo09 |title=Some people will go mad if Microsoft starts adding ads in explorer. |date=12 Mar 2022 |website=[[X Corp|X / Twitter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Warren |date=15 Mar 2022 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/15/22979251/microsoft-file-explorer-ads-windows-11-testing |url-status=live |title=Microsoft says Windows 11 File Explorer ads were ‘not intended to be published externally’ / We may still see File Explorer ads in the future |website=The Verge |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315165325/https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/15/22979251/microsoft-file-explorer-ads-windows-11-testing |archive-date=2022-03-15}}</ref> as well as during initial setup.<ref>{{cite web |title=So this is where we are now, microsoft is putting ads at boot in windows 10 |author=No_Telephone9938 |date=25 Sep 2021 |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/pveruw/so_this_is_where_we_are_now_microsoft_is_putting/ |url-status=live |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250801175110/https://old.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/pveruw/so_this_is_where_we_are_now_microsoft_is_putting/ |archive-date=2025-08-01}}</ref> Users also might get ads on the lock screen, desktop and as notifications. There is also the clickbait newsfeed in the start menu.<ref>{{cite news |title=How to declutter, quiet down, and take the AI out of Windows 11 25H2  |first=Andrew |last=Cunningham |date=5 Nov 2025 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/11/what-i-do-to-clean-up-a-clean-install-of-windows-11-23h2-and-edge/ |url-status=live |website=Ars Technica |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105165936/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/11/what-i-do-to-clean-up-a-clean-install-of-windows-11-23h2-and-edge/ |archive-date=2025-11-05}}</ref>
 
Additional Office software suites like microsoft office software that was sold as a package add on, or later offered in base installations now require a forced account and subscription to have the prividge of working on a document offline, users are offered a trial period of office software from a lisicince purchase. Although lifetime purchases exist for older office software Microsoft has set a precedent of not holding up their end of the agreement. For many users they will be forced to have an internet connection to do basic revisions on software like word, powerpoint, and excel documents.
 
===Market control===
According to StatCounter, Windows is the most used operating system on desktop computers as of February 2026 (67%). Its two main competitors are [[Apple |macOS]] (11%) and  [[wikipedia:Linux|Linux]] operating systems (3%). <ref>{{Cite web |publisher=StatCounter |date=Feb 2026 |title=Desktop Operating System Market Share Worldwide |url=https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/worldwide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/kwLFI |archive-date=2026-03-09 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=statcounter.com}}</ref>
 
==Telemetry==
Windows 10 and 11 are configured to send telemetry by default<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bott |first=Ed |date=2026-03-03 |title=I've been studying Windows telemetry for a decade - here's the only setting I turn off |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-spying-windows-telemetry |url-status=live |website=zdnet}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bingham |first=Brock |date=2026-03-23 |title=How to disable Windows telemetry |url=https://www.pdq.com/blog/how-to-disable-windows-telemetry/ |url-status=live |website=PDQ}}</ref>. Users can only switch it to a reduced mode, but there is no way to disable it completely without resorting to tools and techniques beyond what most normal users have the technical knowledge to implement (disabling services, setting registry keys and group policies, blocking communication using firewalls etc.){{Citation needed}}. Automatic system updates are know to re-enable some of the corresponding components without warning{{Citation needed}}.


Only certain editions like the Enterprise version have options to switch it off, but a study conducted by the German ministry of information security in 2018 suggests that even this does not stop telemetry data collection completely.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schulz |first=Hajo |date=2018-11-20 |title=BSI untersucht Sicherheit von Windows 10 [German] |url=https://www.heise.de/news/BSI-untersucht-Sicherheitseigenschaften-von-Windows-10-4227139.html |access-date=2025-06-21 |website=Heise Online |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114012342/https://www.heise.de/news/BSI-untersucht-Sicherheitseigenschaften-von-Windows-10-4227139.html |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>
Only certain editions like the Enterprise version have options to switch it off, but a study conducted by the German ministry of information security in 2018 suggests that even this does not stop telemetry data collection completely.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schulz |first=Hajo |date=2018-11-20 |title=BSI untersucht Sicherheit von Windows 10 [German] |url=https://www.heise.de/news/BSI-untersucht-Sicherheitseigenschaften-von-Windows-10-4227139.html |access-date=2025-06-21 |website=Heise Online |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114012342/https://www.heise.de/news/BSI-untersucht-Sicherheitseigenschaften-von-Windows-10-4227139.html |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>
Line 30: Line 49:
Given the scale of Windows and Office deployments, the cumulative energy consumed by collecting, transmitting, storing and processing this data across the globe is also an environmental concern.
Given the scale of Windows and Office deployments, the cumulative energy consumed by collecting, transmitting, storing and processing this data across the globe is also an environmental concern.


==Windows 10<!-- Reluctant to add this one unless we have more reports of this online, but I did find some microsoft support articles that mention Factory Resets happening with windows updates:  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/216587/why-a-factory-reset-without-my-permission-during-a -->==
==Incidents==
===Forced upgrades to Windows 10 (''2015'')===
In 2015, users reported their Windows 7 and 8.1 computers with automatic updates enabled were upgraded to Windows 10 without the users' notice, by enabling by default the option to upgrade to Windows 10. If the process of upgrading to Windows 10 starts, any attempt to stop it could make the computer unusable.


====Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program====
Microsoft then replied claiming the option to upgrade to Windows 10 was enabled by default because of a "mistake". <ref>{{Cite web |last=Leonhard |first=Woody |date=16 Oct 2015 |title=Microsoft ‘accidentally’ upgrades Win7 and 8.1 PCs to Windows 10 |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/1623017/microsoft-accidentally-upgrades-win7-and-81-pcs-to-windows-10.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/whnGh |archive-date=2026-03-09 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=ComputerWorld}}</ref>
In response to the criticisms aimed at the hardware requirements associated with Windows 11, Microsoft has opted to provide consumers with the option to take advantage of their Windows 10 ESU program. The Windows 10 ESU program will allow users to continue receiving security updates for 1 year, but not without a cost (unless you live in the EU <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bowden |first=Zac |date=2025-09-25 |title=Microsoft outlines requirements for its free Windows 10 EOL extended support program in Europe — Microsoft account check-in every 60 days, or have access revoked |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/windows-10-free-esu-eea-requirements-revealed-microsoft-account-60-days |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250929125619/https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/windows-10-free-esu-eea-requirements-revealed-microsoft-account-60-days |archive-date=2025-09-29 |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Windows Central}}</ref>).


For those outside of the EU, the cost associated with entering the Windows 10 ESU is one of the following:
===Windows 10<!-- Reluctant to add this one unless we have more reports of this online, but I did find some microsoft support articles that mention Factory Resets happening with windows updates:  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/216587/why-a-factory-reset-without-my-permission-during-a -->===


*Enable Windows Backup to sync device settings to your attached [[Microsoft account]].
====Forced updates====
*Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
*One-time $30 (or equivalent) payment.
 
Source for Windows 10 ESU cost options: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/extended-security-updates
 
====Forced Updates====
Beginning with ''Windows'' ''10'', end users can no longer selectively choose updates. Instead, updates are automatically scheduled when a computer is inactive or before the system is shut down.<ref>[https://www.crn.com/news/applications-os/300077576/did-microsoft-just-backtrack-on-forced-updates-for-windows-10 "Did Microsoft Just Backtrack On Forced Updates For Windows 10?"] - crn.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251126094745/https://www.crn.com/news/applications-os/300077576/did-microsoft-just-backtrack-on-forced-updates-for-windows-10 Archived])</ref> This has also led to some systems being rendered unusable because of bugged updates that cannot be avoided.<ref>[https://www.tomsguide.com/news/windows-10-update-is-bricking-pcs-uninstall-this-right-now "Windows 10 update is 'breaking' PCs — what to do now"] - tomsguide.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251219014900/https://www.tomsguide.com/news/windows-10-update-is-bricking-pcs-uninstall-this-right-now Archived])</ref><ref>[https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-update-bricked-my-bios-thought-to-be/a1f0ebc7-d20d-459f-9956-72a3f98ca432 "Windows update bricked my bios ?? Thought to be impossible ?"] - answers.microsoft.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171954/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-update-bricked-my-bios-thought-to-be/a1f0ebc7-d20d-459f-9956-72a3f98ca432 Archived])</ref> Some users have resorted to disabling updates in ''Windows registry editor'',<ref>[https://www.minitool.com/backup-tips/how-to-stop-win10-update.html "How to Stop Windows 10 Update Permanently – 7 Ways"] - minitool.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251007100904/https://www.minitool.com/backup-tips/how-to-stop-win10-update.html Archived])</ref> though this prevents them from receiving security updates, which can make their systems vulnerable to attacks.
Beginning with ''Windows'' ''10'', end users can no longer selectively choose updates. Instead, updates are automatically scheduled when a computer is inactive or before the system is shut down.<ref>[https://www.crn.com/news/applications-os/300077576/did-microsoft-just-backtrack-on-forced-updates-for-windows-10 "Did Microsoft Just Backtrack On Forced Updates For Windows 10?"] - crn.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251126094745/https://www.crn.com/news/applications-os/300077576/did-microsoft-just-backtrack-on-forced-updates-for-windows-10 Archived])</ref> This has also led to some systems being rendered unusable because of bugged updates that cannot be avoided.<ref>[https://www.tomsguide.com/news/windows-10-update-is-bricking-pcs-uninstall-this-right-now "Windows 10 update is 'breaking' PCs — what to do now"] - tomsguide.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251219014900/https://www.tomsguide.com/news/windows-10-update-is-bricking-pcs-uninstall-this-right-now Archived])</ref><ref>[https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-update-bricked-my-bios-thought-to-be/a1f0ebc7-d20d-459f-9956-72a3f98ca432 "Windows update bricked my bios ?? Thought to be impossible ?"] - answers.microsoft.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171954/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-update-bricked-my-bios-thought-to-be/a1f0ebc7-d20d-459f-9956-72a3f98ca432 Archived])</ref> Some users have resorted to disabling updates in ''Windows registry editor'',<ref>[https://www.minitool.com/backup-tips/how-to-stop-win10-update.html "How to Stop Windows 10 Update Permanently – 7 Ways"] - minitool.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251007100904/https://www.minitool.com/backup-tips/how-to-stop-win10-update.html Archived])</ref> though this prevents them from receiving security updates, which can make their systems vulnerable to attacks.


Line 50: Line 64:
- James-->
- James-->


====Forced software installation====
====Bloatware====
{{see also|Forced app download}}
{{see also|Bloatware}}
 
Since Windows 10, some applications that the user might not want to install come pre-installed in the system  were pre-installed in a copy of Windows. An example of a bloatware application that came pre-installed is Candy Crush.
This may also force users to agree to licensing terms, for instance when interacting with forcibly installed software to remove it.


In addition to updates, Microsoft installs software, such as Candy Crush, on computers that the user did not ask for.  This may also force users to agree to licensing terms, for instance when interacting with forcibly installed software to remove it.
Some non-essential applications like the [[Microsoft Edge]] browser cannot be uninstalled without using third-party tools.


====Forced Arbitration====
====Forced arbitration====
When ''Windows'' ''10'' is installed from the ISO that can be downloaded from Microsoft, the EULA explicitly mentions forced arbitration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft Software License Terms |url=https://www.microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/usetm/documents/windows/10/oem-pre-installed/UseTerms_OEM_Windows_10_English.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729194240/https://www.microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/usetm/documents/windows/10/oem-pre-installed/UseTerms_OEM_Windows_10_English.pdf |archive-date=2025-07-29 |access-date=2025-08-11 |page=6 |quote="If we can’t [informally resolve a dispute], you and we agree to binding individual arbitration before the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) under the Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”), and not to sue in court in front of a judge or jury."}}</ref>
When ''Windows'' ''10'' is installed from the ISO that can be downloaded from Microsoft, the EULA explicitly mentions forced arbitration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft Software License Terms |url=https://www.microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/usetm/documents/windows/10/oem-pre-installed/UseTerms_OEM_Windows_10_English.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729194240/https://www.microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/usetm/documents/windows/10/oem-pre-installed/UseTerms_OEM_Windows_10_English.pdf |archive-date=2025-07-29 |access-date=2025-08-11 |page=6 |quote="If we can’t [informally resolve a dispute], you and we agree to binding individual arbitration before the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) under the Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”), and not to sue in court in front of a judge or jury."}}</ref>


==Windows 11==
====Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program====
''Main article: [[Microsoft Windows 11]]''
In response to the criticisms aimed at the hardware requirements associated with Windows 11, Microsoft has opted to provide consumers with the option to take advantage of their Windows 10 ESU program. The Windows 10 ESU program will allow users to continue receiving security updates for 1 year, but not without a cost (unless you live in the EU <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bowden |first=Zac |date=2025-09-25 |title=Microsoft outlines requirements for its free Windows 10 EOL extended support program in Europe — Microsoft account check-in every 60 days, or have access revoked |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/windows-10-free-esu-eea-requirements-revealed-microsoft-account-60-days |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250929125619/https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/windows-10-free-esu-eea-requirements-revealed-microsoft-account-60-days |archive-date=2025-09-29 |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Windows Central}}</ref>).
 
For those outside of the EU, the cost associated with entering the Windows 10 ESU is one of the following:
 
*Enable Windows Backup to sync device settings to your attached [[Microsoft account]].
*Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
*One-time $30 (or equivalent) payment.
 
Source for Windows 10 ESU cost options: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/extended-security-updates
 
===Windows 11===
{{Main|Microsoft Windows 11}}


====TPM 2.0 chip requirements====
====TPM 2.0 chip requirements====
Line 91: Line 119:


[[File:MSInstall.png|thumb|An image of a Windows 10 installation, to illustrate the effort required to make an account unattached to a Microsoft account.]]
[[File:MSInstall.png|thumb|An image of a Windows 10 installation, to illustrate the effort required to make an account unattached to a Microsoft account.]]
Numerous [[dark patterns]] have been implemented in the form of vague language and a confusing user interface, which hides the option to create an account without a Microsoft account under sub-menus and small text. This implementation, first launched under Windows 10 in 2015, continues into the [[Windows 11]] installation process. In March 2025, Microsoft announced that the creation of a Microsoft account would be mandatory when downloading Windows 11, claiming that the decision would tighten security and streamline the user experience.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-28 |title=Windows 11 Enforces Mandatory Microsoft Account for Setup: What You Need to Know |url=https://windowsforum.com/threads/windows-11-enforces-mandatory-microsoft-account-for-setup-what-you-need-to-know.358519/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Windows Forum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222014631/https://windowsforum.com/threads/windows-11-enforces-mandatory-microsoft-account-for-setup-what-you-need-to-know.358519/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>  On occasion, Microsoft accounts have been unilaterally disabled by Microsoft.  The default experience with a Microsoft account and trusted computing is that if something goes wrong with the computer, you are likely to lose all your data.  Experienced users know to backup credentials to minimize this risk, however Microsoft sets most users up for failure.
Numerous [[dark patterns]] have been implemented in the form of vague language and a confusing user interface, which hides the option to create a local-user without a Microsoft account under sub-menus and small text. This implementation, first launched under Windows 10 in 2015, continues into the [[Windows 11]] installation process. In March 2025, Microsoft announced that the creation of a Microsoft account would be [[Forced account|mandatory]] when downloading Windows 11, claiming that the decision would tighten security and streamline the user experience (see [[Deceptive language frequently used against consumers]]).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-28 |title=Windows 11 Enforces Mandatory Microsoft Account for Setup: What You Need to Know |url=https://windowsforum.com/threads/windows-11-enforces-mandatory-microsoft-account-for-setup-what-you-need-to-know.358519/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Windows Forum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222014631/https://windowsforum.com/threads/windows-11-enforces-mandatory-microsoft-account-for-setup-what-you-need-to-know.358519/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>  On occasion, Microsoft accounts have been unilaterally disabled by Microsoft.  The default experience with a Microsoft account and trusted computing is that if something goes wrong with the computer, you are likely to lose all your data.  Experienced users know to backup credentials to minimize this risk, however Microsoft sets most users up for failure.


====Discontinued support for Windows Mixed Reality (WMR)====
====Discontinued support for Windows Mixed Reality (WMR)====
{{Main|Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) discontinuation}}
{{Main|Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) discontinuation}}


Beginning with [[Windows 11]] version ''24H2'', Microsoft no longer supports Windows Mixed Reality, and all support for the platform will end November 1, 2027. This affects device models from manufacturers including ''[[Samsung]]'', ''[[HP Inc.|HP]]'', ''[[Lenovo]]'', ''[[Acer]]'', ''Dell'', and Microsoft - including their own flagship device, Microsoft ''HoloLens''. Users who wish to continue using these devices must either use Windows 10 or block the ''24H2'' update from being installed.<ref>https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/hp-reverb-g2-windows-11-24h2-not-working-need-help/dd90e232-1f28-4655-aafa-685285017d59 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171951/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/hp-reverb-g2-windows-11-24h2-not-working-need-help/dd90e232-1f28-4655-aafa-685285017d59 Archived])</ref>
Beginning with [[Windows 11]] version ''24H2'', Microsoft no longer supports Windows Mixed Reality, and all support for the platform will end November 1, 2027. This affects device models from manufacturers including ''[[Samsung]]'', ''[[HP Inc.|HP]]'', ''[[Lenovo]]'', ''[[Acer]]'', ''Dell'', and Microsoft - including their own flagship device, Microsoft ''HoloLens''. Users who wish to continue using these devices must either use Windows 10 or block the ''24H2'' update from being installed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=@Anonymous |date=2024-11-17 |title=HP Reverb G2 + Windows 11 24H2 Not Working Need Help |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/3940487/hp-reverb-g2-windows-11-24h2-not-working-need-help?forum=windows-all&referrer=answers |url-status=live |website=[[Microsoft Build 2026]]}}([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171951/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/hp-reverb-g2-windows-11-24h2-not-working-need-help/dd90e232-1f28-4655-aafa-685285017d59 Archived])</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Retrieved from "https://consumerrights.wiki/w/Microsoft_Windows"