Bread maker query - milk powder

[IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads]

I've recently got a Kenwood 450 bread maker from a freecycle type site. The basic recipe sets I need to put dried skimmed milk powder in my bread. I've made bread by hand plenty of times, and have never used milk powder. Is this really necessary? Could I use a bit of fresh skimmed milk?

According to the instructions on my bread machine, you can use fresh milk, if it’s making the bread straightaway. If you use the timer, to have the bread ready for tomorrow’s breakfast, and the ingredients are sitting there at room temperature for 12 hours, then you should use dried milk powder rather than fresh milk!

Makes sense!

The bread turns out just fine without milk powder

Only times I have needed milk powder or milk is for milk bread or brioche, just water for everything else.