Microsoft is making it much harder for people to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account. They now require a Microsoft account and an internet connection during the initial setup process, and are actively blocking workarounds to bypass this requirement. They believe these are essential steps for new Windows 11 users.
Microsoft has closed loopholes in recent Windows 11 preview versions that let users skip creating a Microsoft Account during setup. The company has confirmed it’s removing these workarounds.
We’re simplifying the initial Windows setup process. We’re removing the option to create a local account during setup, as this sometimes caused people to miss important configuration steps. To make sure your device is properly set up and working correctly, you’ll now need an internet connection and a Microsoft account to complete the setup process.
Starting with the newest versions of Windows 11, familiar commands like *start ms-cxh:localonly* will no longer function. Microsoft has actively blocked workarounds users previously found, including the *oobe/bypassnro* command which was removed some time ago. Now, trying to use *start ms-cxh:localonly* won’t bring up the option to create a local account.
Microsoft requires all Windows 11 users to sign in with a Microsoft account and an internet connection during setup. They’ve blocked the simple workarounds that previously allowed users to avoid this requirement. While it’s still *possible* to bypass it, it now involves advanced techniques like modifying the Windows installation files before you even begin, and setting up a local account through a complex automated process. This makes it much more difficult for the average user.
While new ways to get around these security measures will probably be found eventually, Microsoft has already fixed the most common and simple methods for bypassing Microsoft account security in the latest test versions of Windows 11. Because these are still test versions, it will likely take several weeks for these fixes to reach regular Windows 11 users.
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2025-10-07 01:39