Using a digital license and privacy worries

[MichaelKnight]

I have ordered pc parts from a supplier and they gave me an OEM licensed Windows 11 Pro package.The problem is, I have read on internet that if I change the motherboard in the future, I will not be able to use OEM licensed Windows again.Though I have also read that Microsoft relaxed Oem version rules and that it is possible to use Oem version even after a motherboard change, using "Activation Troubleshooter" on their website(though I am not sure if it is really possible and worry that it may change in the future)

So I wanted to give it back and wanted to buy a retail box version but they said that they have only "digital license" version of Windows 11 Pro.The problem is, from what I've read, if I buy a digital license of Windows, I have to link a Microsoft account with the Windows license and I have some privacy worries about that. Is there really a privacy issue about that?

 

[USAFRet]

I have ordered pc parts from a supplier and they gave me an OEM licensed Windows 11 Pro package.The problem is, I have read on internet that if I change the motherboard in the future, I will not be able to use OEM licensed Windows again.Though I have also read that Microsoft relaxed Oem version rules and that it is possible to use Oem version even after a motherboard change, using "Activation Troubleshooter" on their website(though I am not sure if it is really possible and worry that it may change in the future)

So I wanted to give it back and wanted to buy a retail box version but they said that they have only "digital license" version of Windows 11 Pro.The problem is, from what I've read, if I buy a digital license of Windows, I have to link a Microsoft account with the Windows license and I have some privacy worries about that. Is there really a privacy issue about that?

With either type of Win 10 or 11 license, you need to link it to a MS account.
Unless, of course, you jump through a bunch of hoops.

BUT.....
That MS account thing is mostly irrelevant.

All my systems have 3 accounts.
1. MS account, used only for the initial licensing, and in the incredibly rare (never) instance I need something from the MS Store.
2. Local Admin - Used for isntalling things, or other Admin functions
3. Local Standard user - the daily driver, what I'm using right now.

On my main system, the last time I logged into the MS account was sometime last year.
Really, it is just a way to validate the OS license.

And the "MS account" is simply an email address and password. Mine is a rarely used gmail account.
People freak out about having an MS account, but I guarantee you are giving up FAR more via other platforms.


With your system and the "OEM license", don't freak out about it.
If, at some point in the far future, you want to change the major parts, then maybe you'd need a new license. Which is a small percentage of the cost of a whole new PC.

 

[MichaelKnight]

Thanks for your answer

 

[MichaelKnight]

I had installed Windows 11 Pro Retail a few weeks ago. I had used a local account.

Today, Windows started asking me to link it to a MS account when I try to login using my local account.There is an option to skip but I have to click on "Remind me in 3 days".If I understand it right, I need to link my local account to MS account.But I am not sure if this is the case or if when I create a MS account it will be a seperate account and I will have the freedom to choose between two accounts(local account or MS account) when log-in.

Which is the case?Also do I have to write my real name into MS account while signing-up?

 

[MichaelKnight]

Well, I think it might be solved, using the tips under this link:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...t/cb052912-2d26-40ca-a540-0a41a141db1f?page=2

It turns off some options in Windows System Notifications, so now I don't have to use a MS account I think.
Though one of questions is still valid:
Do I have to write my real name into MS account while signing-up if I want to create a new one ?

 

[USAFRet]

Though one of questions is still valid:
Do I have to write my real name into MS account while signing-up if I want to create a new one ?

No.

You know what I use as my "MS account"?
A rarely used gmail address.
Yes, really.

I've had it that way for well over a decade.

 

[MichaelKnight]

Thanks for your answer