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The Party's Over: Windows 11 Installation Will Require the Internet
Microsoft blocks all known local account bypasses in Windows 11 setup to ensure full device configuration with mandatory Microsoft account and internet connection, affecting most new installs.
- On October 6, 2025, Microsoft released Insider Preview Build 26220.6772 to the Dev Channel, removing known mechanisms that let installers create local accounts during the Out-Of-Box Experience setup process.
- According to Microsoft, `While these mechanisms were often used to bypass Microsoft account setup, they also inadvertently skip critical setup screens, potentially causing users to exit OOBE with a device that is not fully configured for use`, requiring internet and a Microsoft account for proper setup.
- Microsoft has blocked the popular oobe/bypassnro workaround removed months ago, and the start ms-cxh:localonly command no longer shows a local account creation screen.
- Right now, enforcement applies to new installations and reinstalls in the Dev Channel and will likely take weeks to reach public releases, while bypasses need editing Windows image and unattended install.
- Viewed broadly, Microsoft's moves reflect a 'game of Whac-A-Mole' as critics argue tightening limits choice and pushes Microsoft 365 and OneDrive integration during OOBE, positioning Windows as a service platform.
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27 Articles
27 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources27
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution71% Center
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources are Center
71% Center
L 29%
C 71%
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