Since the arrival of Windows 8, Microsoft began to ask us to log into the operating system to be able to use all its functions and features. With Windows 10, the Microsoft Account has gained greater prominence, since it not only allows us to have the session started in all Microsoft programs, but also to synchronize data and save important information about our system. However, there are users who, excused in privacy, want to delete this Windows account. And if we do, we may have problems.
It is true that Windows 10 will work without problems both with an account and without an account. Although Microsoft makes things difficult to install the OS without an account, disconnecting from the Internet is possible to do so, avoiding having to go through the hoop. Even if we have logged in, it is possible to close it and switch to using a local Windows account, being outside the control of the company.
But what can happen if we log out? Or even worse, if we decide to unsubscribe and delete our Microsoft Account completely?
We can lose the Windows key
Windows is a paid operating system. In order to use it, it is necessary to go to the box and buy a license. If we have bought a new PC, the license is probably stored in the PC’s UEFI, so we don’t have to worry about anything. However, if we have purchased the license , we will surely have it linked to the Microsoft Account.
At first, we can log out without problems, and our Windows will remain activated. But if we delete the account, and format the PC, unless we still save the activation key, our Windows will not be activated, and then we will have to buy a new key.
We lose Microsoft Store purchases
The Windows store is a platform where we can find and download all kinds of applications and games. Some are free, and some are paid. If we have bought a game, or an app for our PC, it is linked to our Microsoft Account. If we log out of Windows, not only will we not be able to enter the store directly, but we will also not be able to use the apps that we have purchased and that, due to DRM, need validation to open.
However, if we cancel our account, we will lose access to all purchases we have made within this store. The money we have spent on apps or games will disappear, and if we want to download this content again we will have to pay it again.
Goodbye to the advantages of Microsoft Office 365
Although there are many naysayers to subscription services, Office 365 is a great service. This not only allows us to use the latest version of Office on PC and mobile, but also offers us 1 TB of OneDrive storage and 60 minutes of Skype calls per month. In addition, the family subscription allows us to share Microsoft 365 with 5 other members, so if we divide the payment, the cost is very low for everything it offers.
The only requirement to be able to use Microsoft Office 365, or to be invited to a family plan, is to have a Microsoft Account and have logged in with it in Windows 10. If we do not have it, then we will not be able to make use of these advantages.
Microsoft services don’t work
There are many other Windows functions that are tied to this account. For example, to be able to use Skype or Microsoft Teams it will be necessary to have an Outlook email account. The same to be able to use Microsoft’s mail, or if we want to use Edge and have our data synchronized with the cloud.
There are even many other functions of the operating system that will not be available unless we use a Microsoft Account instead of a local account . Everything related to synchronization, or automatic program updates, will not work. And the security of our data may be lower as the session is not linked to the account.