MS Acct vs Local acct

The use of the MS Account is similar to the use of an Apple ID
While not needed in most cases, it does confer some benefits.

Here's a couple of links from MS for Win8:
Microsoft account - A single login to services and devices
Microsoft Account Benefits Overview

and other links from this Google search:
benefits of using a microsoft account - Google Search

I always use the MS account

One of the best features for me was I recently go a Windows Tablet, after signing in with my account it asked if I wanted this as a new device or to use settings from my laptop, once the tablet was set up it had the same settings as my laptop all transfered over automatically

CountMike said:

In the case of W 10 TP it's because MS expects (that's why it's released at this stage) so they would know about gripes and suggestions for it's development and to report problems. Luckily, there's options to opt out and use it with local account if you are unwilling to help.

I'd offer more feedback, if it wasn't mandatory to log in to a MS account to do it (or sign up to multiple websites).

As badrobot mentioned, you still get pop-up feedback forms, you just can't offer any feedback.
I received one the other day and I told them what I think needs to be fixed in File Explorer.

Presumably they still receive telemetry anyway.

DavidY said:

There are extra risks with a Microsoft account - for example if a hacker got your email password, they might be able to change it and lock you out of your computer as well as your email account.

I set up my machine to have an admin-level account for maintenance and a standard level one for day-to-day usage. If someone wanted to use a Microsoft account then my suggestion would be to make that a standard account, and have a local account with admin rights.

I think you can take extra mesurments like two-step authentication, but as you said, using an MS Acct needs you to be more carefull than a local one.

DavidY said:

There are extra risks with a Microsoft account - for example if a hacker got your email password, they might be able to change it and lock you out of your computer as well as your email account.

NickTh said:

I think you can take extra mesurments like two-step authentication, but as you said, using an MS Acct needs you to be more carefull than a local one.

Sorry but as far as I am concerned it's exactly the opposite. Local account in Windows cannot be two step authenticated, if someone let's say could physically use my computer when I am not present he could try after trying to get in to a local account and although most probably not having any luck (I use quite strong passwords), I would never even know about that.

With an MS Account I have absolutely no worries. I can give you my MS Account email and password and you would still never get in to my account to check my mail, not to speak about into security settings to change my password or other security options. Always on a new browser, one I have not yet verified, or on a new computer, the two step verification jumps in.

Nobody else can sign in to my MS Accounts.

I thought this about MS Account and how to start using the Two Step Verification might interest others, too, so I spent my insomniac night doing this video:



Brink's excellent tutorial at our sister site the Eight Forums: Microsoft Account Two Step Verification - Turn On or Off

Kari

Basically, the main reason I am staying away from MS account is because of all the scanning and syncing that it does by itself. Security is not one of my reasons.

badrobot said:

Basically, the main reason I am staying away from MS account is because of all the scanning and syncing that it does by itself. Security is not one of my reasons.

Could you please enlighten and educate me and tell what does it "scan and sync by itself" if you do not enable OneDrive file sync and disable everything in PC Settings > Accounts > Sync your settings?

Even then the MS Account beats a local account 6 to 0, mostly due the added security through two step verification. Not to mention how easy it is then to turn on / enable just those sync options I'd like to be enabled, leaving everything unwanted disabled.