An even better Microsoft Account bypass for Windows 11 has already been discovered

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This week, Microsoft disclosed their decision to eliminate a widely-used command line feature, which previously enabled users to avoid connecting to the internet and signing up for a Microsoft Account during the installation process of Windows 11.

Beginning from the year 2022, it’s mandatory to have an active internet connection and a Microsoft Account during the setup process of a new computer for Windows 11. However, there are some users who prefer not to comply with this requirement, leading to the discovery of methods to circumvent or bypass these conditions.

The widely-used workaround was called “oobe\bypassnro”. Typing this into the command line during the Windows 11 installation process would activate a button that allowed users to bypass connecting to the internet, thereby avoiding the necessity of setting up a Microsoft Account.

Microsoft has announced that they are eliminating this specific command, aiming to encourage more users to link to the internet and create a Microsoft Account during the initial setup process. Unsurprisingly, many people online are expressing their disapproval.

Currently, the method called ‘oobe\bypassnro’ is being phased out, however, the specific registry entry that allows the skip-internet button functionality remains unchanged, for now. This means you can still manually edit the registry yourself, but keep in mind it is a lengthy and complex process.

Don’t worry, since an alternate route has been unearthed, which might even be more effective, and it continues to operate through the command prompt (accessible by pressing Shift + F10). This new path streamlines the process of bypassing the Microsoft Account sign-in completely.

Using the handle “@witherornot1337” on platform X, typing “start ms-cxh:localonly” into the command prompt during the Windows 11 setup process enables users to establish a local account immediately, bypassing the initial requirement to connect to the internet first.

Instead of saying, “The command will show an older-style interface similar to Windows 10, where you can enter a username and password for the local account. After hitting ‘next’, you’ll be led directly to configuring the desktop, followed by setting your privacy options.”

You could rephrase as: “Pressing the command will display an interface reminiscent of Windows 10, allowing you to input a username and password for the local account. Clicking ‘next’ will immediately guide you through customizing your desktop, with the final step asking you to adjust your privacy settings.

As an analyst, I have personally validated that this technique functions flawlessly on the most recent Windows 11 Preview Build (26200). This new process is significantly more efficient than the previous oobe\bypassnro method, which necessitated a restart of the PC and a gradual progression through the Windows 11 setup experience before finally reaching the desktop.

As an analyst, I find this innovative approach particularly appealing because it eliminates the need for a system reboot and jumps directly to the concluding phase of the setup process, right before Windows prompts you to personalize your privacy settings. This streamlined experience is undeniably advantageous from all perspectives!

It seems like this temporary solution is functional at the moment, but I have a feeling that Microsoft may tighten their control over such loopholes in the future. Consequently, the longevity of this current loophole remains uncertain, so make the most of it for now.

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2025-03-30 00:39