Windows 8 activation procedure

[Orionaut]

Is it possible to by-pass the "Microsoft account" part of setting up Win 8?

I am about as likely to want to buy an "App" from the "App Store" as I am to buy a Lada Riva! (Actually I am MORE likely to buy a Lada Riva) and I cannot really see why running my PC should be conditional on Microsoft "Knowing where I live", Knowing My Age, DoB, Sex etc.

Now, I could always Lie (And have a dead letter e-mail address for this sort of crap) But I am not sure what the future consequences might be (Can Win be deactivated on a whim by Ms because they cant spam me) but in any case I don't really see why I should have too in order to avoid giving away practically ALL the personal information that might be needed to create a false identity!!

(I haven't loaded Win 8 yet myself. This extraordinarily intrusive procedure came up last night when I was helping a friend set up her new PC, and She was incensed by it too, especially the age and DoB bit! If It cannot be resolved then I cannot think of a better reason to stick with Win 7 Pro)

 

[demonix]

There should be an option to set up a local account instead using a microsoft account at that point.

 

[Orionaut]

There should be an option to set up a local account instead using a microsoft account at that point.

I have been doing some web-searches on the issue today and the matter of "Local Accounts" did come up. However, it is not offered as an obvious option at the time and I have still not found how one can easily access the option at the time of setting up!

 

[subroutine]

I've just installed win8 on a local account and activated it via the setting menu once installed.

 

[mranderson]

Use only a local account.

 

[hyperst]

Well I would say it's best to use real details and not made up one, I had to change my password about a week after install, windows just put up a big message that my account had been compromised and i needed to change password.