I’ve seen some guides in arduous ways to get around the Microsoft Account requirement, but I can’t say from experience. I abandoned Windows when the hardware requirements meant I couldn’t upgrade my personal computer to Win11.

> Is it even possible to run Windows anymore without a Microsoft account?

Sure. On Pro you choose Organization/Domain setup and create the local account. Home is harder and the process keeps shifting. There are guides.

> If you only have a local account, OneDrive has nothing to sync to, right?

Mostly correct except if you have a local account and an MS login for Store/Office/etc. It isn't syncing automatically (so far) but could be triggered accidentally.

Another first today. I saw a dot next to my username (Start->username) that was naggy notification to MS Account myself.

Either install windows without being connected to the internet or log in using username: test pass: fuckmicrosoft It will fail to log in and offer to create a local account. PD: that password is optional, any password will do, but over time I noticed it is good for mental health.