I'm so frustrated by #Windows11 that I'm thinking of getting a #MacBook #Neo. I've written a lot about #Windows and some about #Linux, which you can see at https://www.ii.com/portal/windows/ and https://www.ii.com/portal/nix-nux/. I'm losing my mind learning about all the ways to #debloat Windows, minimize #telemetry, use only a #LocalAccount, get rid of ads, get rid of AI, etc. that maybe it is time for me to give up on Windows. I'm thinking I'll get one at #Costco, but I'd love your thoughts on...

* whether Costco is a reasonable place to get a #MacBookNeo
* what #privacy and #security issues should I be aware of with a MacBook Neo. I will not connect to an #Apple account or use any #AppleServices

Thanks for any tips!

Microsoft are removing mechanisms for creating a local account in Windows Setup

https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2025/10/06/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-26120-6772-beta-channel/

#HackerNews #Microsoft #Windows #LocalAccount #Removal #Windows11 #InsiderPreview #TechNews

Adding a #localAccount to #Windows can be done using #Powershell :
New-LocalUser
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.localaccounts/new-localuser?view=powershell-5.1

Then, use Add-LocalGroupMember to add the account to the "Users" group and it will appear in the login list.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.localaccounts/add-localgroupmember?view=powershell-5.1

Discover how to safeguard your privacy by mastering Windows' settings and tools, protecting your data from unwanted tracking and intrusive features.

https://medium.com/@jakob.stanfield/how-to-defend-your-privacy-against-windows-intrusive-features-essential-tips-for-windows-users-da3d3771c492

https://open.substack.com/pub/jstech2/p/how-to-defend-your-privacy-against?r=447w2v&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

#WindowsPrivacy #DataProtection #TechSecurity #WindowsSettings #PrivacyControl #Cortana #Telemetry #LocationTracking #OneDrive #LocalAccount

I've just tried setting up Windows 11 home on a new laptop and discovered that all the work-arounds I can find for having a local-only account no longer work.

This is pretty disappointing. I was going to be trying out linux on this hardware but now it's more likely to be the only OS on the machine going forward.

#microsoft #windows11 #local #localaccount #localonlyaccount