• The local account tax

    Sign in optionsThere is a term often used when buying a computer called the “Apple tax.” It means that once you move into the Apple ecosystem, things are more expensive. Or, at a minimum. you must plan on possibly buying extra cables, connectors, and a printer and scanner or two.

    Here’s another one, but from the Windows 11 world: the “local account tax.” If you want a local account without a password, there is an easy way to get one set up. It involves zero hacks, no back doors, no dropping to a command line.

    How? Buy Windows 11 Professional Edition when you buy a new PC.

    With that SKU, you choose the option in setup to Setup for work or school. Don’t enter anything; just click on Sign-in options. Then click on Domain join instead, put in your desired username, and leave the password blank. Click Next and that’s it. No fuss, no muss — you get a local account with no hassle.

    So, yes, it’s a “tax.” But if you insist on a local account, my guess is that you’ll think it’s worth it.