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Or if ordering a new PC you can get one with Windows 11 Pro for a few $$ more, choose the option to domain join (during initial setup) to create a local account, and create user accounts with no Microsoft account.

Makes it easier to do minor little things like drive encryption as well.

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There are a surprising number of laptops where getting Pro edition simply isn't an option. Lots of brands no longer offer detailed build-to-order customization and instead only sell online the same three or four configurations per mdel that retailers stock.

That's likely more a question of sales channel and business vs consumer devices.

Can't you upgrade post install anymore?

You can but it's more expensive ($100 vs $35ish?) and is done through the Microsoft Store and a Microsoft account which is what some people are trying to move away from.

Absolutely disgusting

This. Way easier than any CLI workarounds, and pro is very available. Just don't buy your laptop from Best Buy and the likes. Stick to the better product lines. ThinkPad, XPS, Precision, Latitude, EliteBook, ProBook, Surface, etc. almost all come with pro as default or as an available option.

Just stay away from the more consumer oriented product lines

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