Microsoft is once again blocking the ability to bypass a Microsoft Account when setting up a Windows 11 PC for the first time.

Microsoft has confirmed that it's testing a fix in the latest Windows 11 preview builds that is supposed to address a long standing bug with Windows Update, where the "update and shut down" option ...

Microsoft really does not want you to use Windows 11 without a Microsoft Account or internet, and the latest builds go the extra mile to block possible bypass methods.

Above and beyond the benefits of a fresh do-over, clean installing Windows 11 improves security, exposes new features, and more.

Fortunately, disabling unnecessary background services or apps is simple, and you can improve your PC's performance -- whether it's new or old -- by freeing up system resources once dedicated to them.