Is that not consistent with how Microsoft always introduced its "features"? Especially all the crap that came since Windows 10/11.
First you could still create a local account after there was backlash against cloud-everything, nowadays a local only Windows is quite complex to set up.
The Cortana/search bar stuff was also regularly re-enabled or parts of it made non-configurable, with them only occasionally backtracking. Not to speak of the ads that are included nowadays.
Their strategy generally seems to be boiling the frog when it comes to pushing these features onto the users, whether they want it or not.
You can still install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account.
It requires configuring the installation before you boot from the USB stick.
I use https://rufus.ie/en/ when creating bootable USB sticks, and it turns out that this tool detects when you're trying to create a Windows installation medium, and prompts with a list of useful customizations, including "Remove requirement for online Microsoft account". (if you look through the screenshots on the webpage, there's one with the Windows customization dialog box)
I've used this many times myself and it works great.
However, as I mentioned below, I read something recently that says local account options are being removed in an upcoming version (I can't find the article now).
I presume it means the binaries are being removed from the ISO so this may no longer work (except for Enterprise and LTSC I'd imagine).
Although this is still true for AD environments, Microsoft has been pushing Entra ( or whatever they call it these days ) hard and would prefer for that to no longer be the case. It's also been getting harder to actually run on-prem AD at a reasonable price point per user.
Effectively, expect even enterprise to be online first with an escape hatch for those customers that need it, obviously only available on E5 or something like that...
You can also do shift+F10 when a windows install is starting up, then type in `OOBE\BYPASSNRO`. That reboots and allows you to continue without internet and only setting up a local account without needing an online one. Wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft removes this eventually but I do this all the time when setting up new stations for my job.
I read recently somewhere that this has been removed in the latest (alpha?) build now... their intention is clear: this install belongs to Microsoft, not you!
same thing with the Edge browser for me, i have to remove on every update (he has so much telemetry that is a burden, same with other parts of the SO). This is a testament on the philosophy change between all those years, i used so much win95/98/xp that i loved, the times were so simple...
First you could still create a local account after there was backlash against cloud-everything, nowadays a local only Windows is quite complex to set up.
The Cortana/search bar stuff was also regularly re-enabled or parts of it made non-configurable, with them only occasionally backtracking. Not to speak of the ads that are included nowadays.
Their strategy generally seems to be boiling the frog when it comes to pushing these features onto the users, whether they want it or not.