US EditionNo account? No Windows 11 for you, says Microsoft
Microsoft has blocked the easiest methods to bypass Microsoft account setup in Windows 11, requiring internet and account sign-in to ensure complete device configuration, according to Insider builds.
- This year, Microsoft is removing known OOBE bypasses in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6772, closing a popular loophole that allowed installs without a Microsoft account.
- Microsoft said the move was meant to improve setup safety and completeness, requiring internet and a Microsoft account to ensure devices are fully configured during OOBE.
- In recent test builds, Microsoft specifically disabled the `start ms-cxh:localonly` command and earlier removed the oobe/bypassnro workaround and bypassnro.cmd script months ago.
- Unmanaged PC setups now face stricter online requirements, as local-only installations are blocked in previews while managed devices remain exempt.
- Microsoft's ongoing loophole-closing efforts continue a 'Whac-A-Mole' pattern, with alternative bypasses requiring an unattended installation process; preview changes will likely reach stable public Windows 11 release timeline in several weeks.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Microsoft has deleted known methods in a Windows 11 preview to avoid an online account during installation.
Microsoft Is Plugging More Holes That Let You Use Windows 11 Without an Online Account
Microsoft is eliminating all known workarounds that let users install Windows 11 without an internet connection or Microsoft account, forcing everyone through the online setup process. The Verge reports: "We are removing known mechanisms for creating a local account in the Windows Setup experience (OOBE)," says Amanda Langowski, the lead for the Windows Insider Program. "While these mechanisms were often used to bypass Microsoft account setup, t…
Microsoft tightens the requirements for the installation of Windows 11 and plans to block all known methods with which the compulsion to a Microsoft account could be dealt with so far.
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