I didn't see this before.
... I have a confession to make:
When I posted that, I was half expecting your post right after mine to go straight to the MS Account controversy
I was rather confused that you didn't even throw a bit of sass or snark at it
Anyway, keep in mind this is announced in a Dev build release note. Microsoft isn't being fully clear here, but what I think is happening is:
1-Going forward, clean installs of Windows 11 Pro Dev builds will require both internet connectivity and MS account integration during setup, at least for personal use (enterprise/domain-controlled devices don't require the MSA, for obvious reasons, but it seems they're still gonna require internet connectivity). Rather par for the course, if you join the beta program you're expected to collaborate with increased telemetry and feedback.
2-Going forward, future Insider builds of Windows 11 Pro will require MSA too (again exception will be enterprise/domain-controlled devices). From what I've seen, it seems a lot of people joined the betas without being part of the Insider program, which back in Windows 10 required MSA integration. To me this means that if you get a build update, you will be prompted to login with MSA or you'll not receive build updates without MSA.
3-This last one is a bit speculative, but it's clear to me Microsoft wants to go in this direction, and this is the one that concerns basically the entire user base. Next big update of Windows 11 (say, Windows 11 22H1 or 22H2) will require both Internet connectivity and MSA for Windows 11 Pro releases in the normal update channel (so far, it had been a thing only on Home edition).
Squeaky wheel gets the grease
Yep, so if people don't want MSA-required setups for personal use, they better screech loudly.