Setting up Windows 11 without signing into a Microsoft Account is becoming more challenging. The workaround previously used to bypass the mandatory login is now being eliminated, necessitating an internet connection and Microsoft Account during the initial setup.
Farewell, bypass trick
For years, users of Windows who favored local accounts or who simply did not wish to connect their PC to a Microsoft Account employed a straightforward command known as “bypassnro.” By using this command during setup, users could skip the internet and Microsoft Account requirement, maintaining their installation offline and autonomous.
Nonetheless, in the most recent Windows 11 Insider build, Microsoft has completely removed this command, describing it as a measure to “improve security and user experience.”
“We are eliminating the bypassnro.cmd script from the build to boost the security and user experience of Windows 11,” stated Amanda Langowski and Brandon LeBlanc, leaders of the Windows Insider Program. “This modification ensures that all users complete setup with internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account.”
The revised policy will mandate all users, even those uninterested in utilizing Microsoft’s cloud-based services, to configure an account connected to the internet. While the company asserts that requiring an online account enhances security and simplifies setup, critics argue that it is another tactic to steer users into Microsoft’s environment.
Alternative methods
Currently, technically proficient users can still circumvent the restriction by manually adjusting the registry during setup (using Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt and inputting the command “reg add HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionOOBE /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f shutdown /r /t 0”). Nevertheless, Microsoft might soon block this workaround, leaving only intricate techniques like unattended.xml installations, which are troublesome for ordinary users but still feasible for IT professionals.
Reasons behind Microsoft’s actions
Microsoft has been progressively tightening the requirements for Windows 11, such as the necessity of TPM 2.0 for installation and the gradual discontinuation of Windows 10 support. The advocacy for Microsoft Accounts inclines users towards utilizing OneDrive, Microsoft 365, and other services, thereby securing them further into the company’s sphere. While Microsoft argues that this enhances security, many users perceive it as a relinquishment of autonomy. Local accounts provide more confidentiality and fewer advertisements, but they may soon become outdated.
Implications for users
The modification is presently undergoing testing with Windows Insiders, yet it is anticipated to be extended to all Windows 11 users in the forthcoming weeks or months, presumably via the 25H2 update later this year. Thus, users setting up a new PC and desiring a local account should act promptly before Microsoft closes the door permanently.
About Author
