[samb1729]

> Microsoft wants people to register online [...] in order to increase the market share of the Windows app store and other Microsoft online services

> So it's not malicious

I would have to firmly disagree there. Microsoft are pushing the notion that an online account with some identity provider is a necessity for home computing by hiding the (perfectly functional) option to create a local account.

[deafpolygon]

The only reason why that functionality is still there at all is to avoid a lawsuit. "See, it's still implemented!"

This is just frog in a boiling pot. Windows (and iOS) is becoming an OS as a service.

Pretty soon you won't be able to use it without paying for something.