Mac users have understood this for a long time. If you really want to use a Mac machine, you have to have an Apple ID. For Windows users, it started with Windows 8 and continues with Windows 10. You need a Microsoft account to get the most out of your device.
On Windows machines, there is a “local” account and there is a “Microsoft account.” Even though these two distinct options started in Windows 8, there are still tons of people who don’t understand the differences. Let’s see if we can’t clarify by using the Benjamin Franklin decision-making process:
| Advantages of a Microsoft Account or Apple ID | Disadvantages of Microsoft Account or Apple ID |
|---|---|
| You can sync info across devices with which you use your account. | Syncing across devices involves “the cloud.” This is only a negative if you don’t trust placing your info there. |
| If you forget your device password or you get hacked, you can go online on another device and use the “forgot password” process to change your password. | You must use a password or a password-related method to log in to your device. Some people find this annoying. |
| Devices protected by a password are more secure. | |
| You can use the same password to share data across devices in iCloud (Apple) or OneDrive (MS) |
Not only are there more reasons in the left column, the reasons given there are more compelling than those on the right. Let’s compare advantages and disadvantages using a local account:
| Advantages of a Local Account | Disadvantages of a Local Account |
|---|---|
| You don’t need to use a password to use your device. | Your device is more vulnerable without a password. |
| Even if you use a password with a local account, none of your data can be accessed from another device without adding additional software. | |
| Your devices won’t “look the same” like they do with a Microsoft account. For instance, when I log in to any of my Windows computers, it has the same desktop background as the others. | |
Despite any grumbling you may do because you “hate passwords,” you should definitely use a Microsoft account (if a PC) or an Apple ID (if a Mac). It just makes better sense!