Can I install apps without using a linked account?


Recommended Posts

Can I install & use apps from the Windows Store without using a linked MS email account on Windows 8?

 

Windows 8 seems to insist that I switch my Windows local account to be a Microsoft email ID account to install anything from the store. I don't understand why I need to do this...

 

Or am I missing something?

No you can't.

 

You will need a MS account in order for you to have the apps which linked to your account...  That way, if you get a new PC or device, you sign in with same account and you have apps on your account. 

 

Since you have credit card that is linked to your account for purchases.

Couple of reasons:

 

1. Purchases from the store are tied to your account so you can use them on other devices.

 

2. Skydrive OneDrive will also sync files and settings between your devices through your Live ID.

  On 17/02/2014 at 22:14, Lamp0 said:

Can I install & use apps from the Windows Store without using a linked MS email account on Windows 8?

 

Windows 8 seems to insist that I switch my Windows local account to be a Microsoft email ID account to install anything from the store. I don't understand why I need to do this...

 

Or am I missing something?

 

Actually you can, sort of... The people above are correct in their belief that you need a linked Microsoft account in order to use certain "metro/modern" apps such as the app store, however you do not actually have to switch away from having a local Windows user account in order to achieve this.

 

Essentially there are two similar but somewhat subtly different Microsoft account related prompts that you might encounter in Windows 8.x when using a local account. There's the prompt that talks about switching/converting to a microsoft account, and there's one that more simply allows you to "link" a Microsoft account to your local account. The latter is what you're after. What happens is your Microsoft account credential is stored in the credential manager, you'll see it listed under Control Panel > User Accounts and Family Safety > Credential Manager > Windows Credentials > Generic Credentials, (the entry labelled 'MicrosoftAccount:user=[your email]'). Additionally stored somewhere is a piece of info to associate the app with that credential, so the app knows which Microsoft account to assume as an identity when you next use the app. You may find that you have to enter the Microsoft account login details for each individual app that needs them.

 

The detail of how to get this second alternate prompt is the bit I forget (it's been a while since I did it and I rarely ever use metro/modern apps). What I do remember is that wasn't at all hard. I don't remember whether apps present you with the linking prompt as opposed to other interface areas that give the convert prompt and it's just a case of recognising the difference, or whether the apps present you with the convert prompt and if you click on something you get the other one... I did just now try deleting the credential here on my 8.1 installation on which I use a local type user account, but when the app store app then gave me a prompt, it was simply to re-enter the password, since the app remembered the credential itself. I would install a copy of Windows 8 in a VM and check the precise details, but I don't really have the time to spare for that.

 

If you're struggling to get the right prompt, one thing you could try is to add the credential directly through the control panel interface I mentioned above (click 'Add a generic credential'), then try and see if the app picks it up and just prompts for the password.

 

Btw, apps may ask you to re-enter the password from time to time. I've no idea whether this is related to how rarely I ever use them. Bit of a pain, but I'd still never switch from a local account.

  On 18/02/2014 at 01:04, theblazingangel said:

Actually you can, sort of...

 

 

ah, thanks!

 

The option is actually right there when you click to install an app from the Store with a local account.

 

If you click "Next" it will walk you through switching the accounts but clicking the link, "Sign into each app separately", will let you give a store login without switching your account. And sure enough this adds a "Generic Credential".

 

 

Link_Account.jpg

You can force the second dialog to appear by restricting "sign in to Microsoft Accounts" in security policy. 

 

Set this as follows (you'll find it in security options)

 

post-105752-0-51708000-1392765276.png

 

You'll find that every app forces you to link, rather than convert your existing account:

 

post-105752-0-60060800-1392765361.png

 

With this configuration, you can never use an MS account, or switch to one on your pc. It even hides the buttons to do so (incase you do by error) in PC Settings

The information presented thus far is a little imcomplete.  There are actually three ways to log into Windows 8 -- each with pros and cons:

 

Method 1: Local or domain account with individual login to all apps

Pros:  MS Account only needed if you choose to run Store apps. Otherwise you can log into each store app with a different MS account allowing you to share accounts between users.  This configuration allows you to use one MS account to download and purchase apps (which you can share between different users or computers), but still be able to use another account for game achievements, Skype, Xbox Music, Xbox Video, e-mail, or other Apps that use an MS account.

Cons:  Skydrive cannot be used by any app nor Windows itself without manually mapping via Network Places. Settings synchronization (Start screen, apps, account info, etc.) does not work.

 

Method 2: Local or domain account with linked Microsoft Account

Pros:  Single sign-on for all apps. Settings synchronization functions providing roaming profile support among Windows 8 devices (unless using domain roaming profiles).

Cons:  Cannot share store apps between different users. Services like Xbox Music and Video will not prompt for a separate account. Requires MS account.  Some settings synchronization items are disabled on domain accounts.

 

Method 3: Direct login to Microsoft Account

Pros:  Same pros as Method 2. No need to manage credentials for local account.

Cons:  Same cons as Method 2 except for domain settings limitations which does not apply. Requires a saved credential to access network resources.

 

Note that using Roaming Profiles on a domain account will prevent Start Screen synchronization.

 

 

To answer the original question, you can absolutely fully utilize Windows 8 without a linked account. Microsoft will continue to prompt you when apps update, however. There may be a way to disable this, but I don't know.

 

The reason they are doing this is to "encourage" you to use a Microsoft Account. Doing so enables a lot of services and makes things a lot more streamlined.  For me, I struggled with this for awhile because we used Zune (and now Xbox Music) on several PCs. With Windows 8 and linked accounts, we would have to have separate Music Passes for each user -- something I did not want to pay for. Since we can still use the Zune client to actually do our music downloads and purchases, we're working around it. But we chose to give up on running Xbox Video on more than the Xbox or my primary account. It's sad. I services like XBM and XBV should allow separate sign on. Much like the new Beats Music allows multiple devices. But, alas, that's another issue.

 

-Forjo

Not sure if someone mentioned this or not but you can run the apps from a different MS account than what it was purchased. Meaning buy app with MS account A, sign into MS account B. Install App using MS account A. Run Apps with MS Account B. Its kind of like side loading but not exactly. Yes this is legal.

  On 18/02/2014 at 23:16, Richard C. said:

You can force the second dialog to appear by restricting "sign in to Microsoft Accounts" in security policy. 

 

Set this as follows (you'll find it in security options)

 

attachicon.gifbadms.png

 

 

That option in the Group Policy Editor? I don't have Pro, so I don't get that.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Popular Now

  • Posts

    • I used to believe rhetoric too, then I met Vandana Shiva and learned of his true legacy on the continent.
    • Razer HyperFlux V2 Wireless charging mouse mat aims to revolutionise your gaming setup by Fiza Ali Razer has introduced the HyperFlux V2, a wireless charging system designed to power compatible gaming mice directly through a mouse mat. Unlike conventional solutions that rely on charging docks or cables, Razer says that the HyperFlux V2 mat incorporates a charging coil beneath its surface, allowing a mouse to draw power continuously while in use. The HyperFlux V2 is offered in two surface variants. The Hard Surface Edition features a "low-friction finish" intended to facilitate rapid cursor movements. It is intended for fast-paced competitive gaming scenarios in which swift tracking is prioritised. On the other hand, the Cloth Surface Edition features a textile weave that is said to provide additional resistance. Both editions include a rubberised underside which should prevent the mat from sliding during play. In terms of connectivity, the HyperFlux V2 employs an auto-pairing mechanism that links a mouse to the mat as it makes contact, eliminating the need for manual setup. The system also supports Razer’s HyperSpeed Multi-Device technology, allowing both a mouse and a keyboard to connect via the mat without requiring separate USB receivers. An LED indicator embedded in the mat displays battery status through colour changes, enabling users to monitor charge levels and avoid overcharging. This feature is intended to help preserve the battery lifespan of the mouse by allowing charging to halt once a preferred level is reached. The HyperFlux V2 mat supports wireless charging for several of Razer’s gaming mice, including the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K, the Basilisk V3 Pro, the Cobra Pro, and the Naga V2 Pro. In addition to mouse charging, the mat also facilitates multi-device connectivity for certain Razer keyboards, specifically, the BlackWidow V4 Mini HyperSpeed, the BlackWidow V3 Pro, the DeathStalker V2 Pro, and the DeathStalker V2 Pro Tenkeyless, although these keyboards are connected solely for data transmission and do not receive power from the mat. The HyperFlux V2 is now available, starting at $119.99. For more information, head over to the dedicated webpage here.
    • Indeed. It's almost like they didn't release the game half-baked and full of Day 0 bugs that needed to be patched...go figure.
    • YouTube has started limiting the bitrate of non-YouTube TV subscribers. But I would have thought that a corporate client would have gotten a pass on that...
  • Recent Achievements

    • Conversation Starter
      johnwin1 earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • One Month Later
      Marwin earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Year In
      fred8615 earned a badge
      One Year In
    • Week One Done
      Jim Dugan earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Week One Done
      Adam Todd earned a badge
      Week One Done
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      214
    2. 2
      snowy owl
      156
    3. 3
      ATLien_0
      134
    4. 4
      Xenon
      126
    5. 5
      +FloatingFatMan
      116
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!