So far everything I've heard is that a Microsoft Account *IS* *REQUIRED* for extended support. Cost is not the issue Microsoft having *ANY* access, without my knowledge, to my computer and files is not happening if there is any way I can prevent it.
The "Cloud" is too susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks and other forms of hacking. It's not this piece of data it's the aggregate of the data available, if you're afraid of AI you should be afraid of 'The Cloud'.
IMHO Windows 11 on a local account is safer than Windows 10 with extended support and a Microsoft account.
But, with all the data collection that has gone on in the past, I simply no longer trust Microsoft. Your data personal or otherwise is VALUABLE whether it is used for you or against you, whether it is compromised by hackers or shared with with the financial graders, (Equifax) etc.
Too many 'professionals', who should know better, are drinking the Microsoft poisoned Kool-Aid. And, far too many of my peers are, too.
