Windows 11 News

[Jayro]

It took many years before 10 got good. I'm waiting for 11 to get there. It's not quite there yet. Maybe another year.

 

[console]

More news here:


Microsoft confirms removal of popular Windows 11 account bypass


https://www.tweaktown.com/news/1042...-popular-windows-11-account-bypass/index.html

https://www.pcmag.com/news/windows-11-blocks-a-loophole-that-allowed-you-to-avoid-making-a-microsoft

https://www.makeuseof.com/microsoft-removing-windows-11-install-loophole

https://www.zdnet.com/article/micro...11-local-account-trick-but-workarounds-remain



Microsoft has confirmed it's removing a popular workaround for bypassing Windows 11, requiring a Microsoft account when going through the setup.


Jak Connor
Tech and Science Editor

Published Mar 29, 2025 10:53 AM CDT
1 minute & 15 seconds read time


TL;DR: Microsoft is eliminating a workaround that allowed users to bypass the requirement of having a Microsoft account during the Windows 11 setup process. This change means users will now need a Microsoft Account to complete the setup of Windows 11.

The debut of Windows 11 22H2 introduced the requirement of a Microsoft account for both Windows 11 Home and Pro versions, but users who were particularly annoyed at this requirement and technically inclined enough, discovered a workaround that bypassed the dreaded Microsoft Account.

What is considered to be one of the most popular workarounds is "bypassro," which is a command line prompt that's entered during the setup process that circumvents the requirement of an internet connection to continue the setup process and a Microsoft Account. Unfortunately, this workaround is now being removed by Microsoft, as confirmed in the latest Windows 11 preview build, with Microsoft's reasoning being to "ensure that all users exit setup with internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account."

As you can probably imagine, this change will be quite annoying for any Windows 11 user who doesn't want a Microsoft Account or an internet connection during setup, but this doesn't mean it's impossible to bypass the requirements. Notably, "bypassro" can be manually re-added in a command line by typing the following, "reg add HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionOOBE /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f shutdown /r /t 0".

However, it's entirely possible this workaround will be the next on Microsoft's hit list; with Windows Central reporting, Microsoft could remove the registry value that enables the command line to work.

Notably, Windows 11 operating systems that are already set up without a Microsoft Account will not be affected by this change. More specifically, this workaround removal is currently in the Windows 11 beta build, meaning it will likely see a public release very soon.




*****************


Very shocking news for everyone about Microsoft made big change made to Windows 11 again for a lot of worse like H*LL!

This look like going target to Windows 11 version 25H2 and above. Not sure about Windows 12 maybe be same to Windows 11 version 25H2 and above.

It's make me angry about this Windows 11 version 25H2 and above are more problems for us and everyone!

Time to move into Linux operating system for our next new computer to drop out crappy Windows operating system away!

Evil of Microsoft company is now go to H*LL right now!

 

[mrmagicm]

This is the BEST WAY to push people not changing their old windows 10 or going to Linux or similar os!! GREAT!!

 

[Skv0ra]

This is why many people are sticking with Windows 10, then again M$ makes awful choice decisions.

You're better off going with Linux by that point.

Any computing/gaming system ironclad rule - you do NOT update unless it becomes completely forced down your throat. I get sweats every time my damn Switch forces an update just so I can play something online because I like my cfw.

 

[console]

This New Trick Lets You Install Windows 11 Without Creating an Account


https://www.makeuseof.com/install-windows-11-no-account/



By Jowi Morales Published 2 hours ago


Microsoft is forcing Windows 11 users to create an online Microsoft account after installation. But if you prefer keeping your data offline, here’s how to bypass that requirement.

This Command Will Force Windows 11 to Create a Local Account​

New Windows 11 installs since February 2023 force users to log into or create an online Microsoft account to use their PC. Those who don’t want to do that can skip this step by using the “bypassnro” command, but the software giant is apparently closing this loophole.

Thankfully, an X (formerly Twitter) user @witherornot1337 shared a quick and easy way to use Windows 11 with a local account.


https://x.com/witherornot1337/status/1906050664741937328

Improved bypass for Windows 11 OOBE:

1. Shift-F10
2. start ms-cxh:localonly

Only required on Home and Pro editions.



When Windows 11 is asking for your country or region, press Shift + F10 on your keyboard and then type start ms-cxh:localonly. This will launch a Microsoft account window, where you can enter your username and password without connecting to Microsoft’s servers. Once done, press Next, and you now have an offline Windows 11 PC—simple as that.

Of course, you won’t get the advantages of using a Microsoft Account with Windows if you do this. But if you don’t like the idea of having a massive, faceless corporation having access to your data, then the hassle might be worth it.

This technique has been discovered quite recently, and as it becomes more popular, Microsoft might soon take notice. Hopefully, it will take the company a much longer time before closing this loophole, but if that’s the case, you can try this other method to keep your computer away from Microsoft’s clutches.

Tweak This Setting in the Registry Editor to Bypass the Microsoft Account Requirement​

This procedure is a bit more involved, as shared by @xpower7125 on X, but it’s a viable solution if the start ms-cxh:localonly command refuses to work. When you’re at the Microsoft Account screen after finishing the install of Windows 11, hit Shift + F10, then type regedit.

Once the Registry Editor window is open, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE. From there, open HideOnlineAccountScreens and change the Value data to 1.


https://x.com/xpower7125/status/1906309324411986210


Yet another bypass for the Windows 11 OOBE Microsoft Account screen

Shift + F10 --> regedit

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE

HideOnlineAccountScreens --> 1

Works on both Windows 11 Home & Pro



While not officially endorsed by Microsoft as a way for the average user to bypass its login requirement, the company actually explains what this command does on the Windows Hardware Developer support page. By setting the value to 1 or true, the sign-in page is hidden during the Windows 11 OOBE setup process. This means you can just create a local account instead of an online one when logging in for the first time.

The page specifically says this is for enterprise users who do not want their employees to connect their email address with their Windows PC. But even if you’re a Home or Pro user, you can take advantage of this feature as long as you know how to use it.



**************


Dear Microsoft, please stop mess with us and people again! Scold on you, Microsoft!

 

[AncientBoi]

This New Trick Lets You Install Windows 11 Without Creating an Account


https://www.makeuseof.com/install-windows-11-no-account/



By Jowi Morales Published 2 hours ago


Microsoft is forcing Windows 11 users to create an online Microsoft account after installation. But if you prefer keeping your data offline, here’s how to bypass that requirement.

This Command Will Force Windows 11 to Create a Local Account​

New Windows 11 installs since February 2023 force users to log into or create an online Microsoft account to use their PC. Those who don’t want to do that can skip this step by using the “bypassnro” command, but the software giant is apparently closing this loophole.

Thankfully, an X (formerly Twitter) user @witherornot1337 shared a quick and easy way to use Windows 11 with a local account.


https://x.com/witherornot1337/status/1906050664741937328



View attachment 495326



Improved bypass for Windows 11 OOBE:

1. Shift-F10
2. start ms-cxh:localonly

Only required on Home and Pro editions.



When Windows 11 is asking for your country or region, press Shift + F10 on your keyboard and then type start ms-cxh:localonly. This will launch a Microsoft account window, where you can enter your username and password without connecting to Microsoft’s servers. Once done, press Next, and you now have an offline Windows 11 PC—simple as that.

Of course, you won’t get the advantages of using a Microsoft Account with Windows if you do this. But if you don’t like the idea of having a massive, faceless corporation having access to your data, then the hassle might be worth it.

This technique has been discovered quite recently, and as it becomes more popular, Microsoft might soon take notice. Hopefully, it will take the company a much longer time before closing this loophole, but if that’s the case, you can try this other method to keep your computer away from Microsoft’s clutches.

Tweak This Setting in the Registry Editor to Bypass the Microsoft Account Requirement​

This procedure is a bit more involved, as shared by @xpower7125 on X, but it’s a viable solution if the start ms-cxh:localonly command refuses to work. When you’re at the Microsoft Account screen after finishing the install of Windows 11, hit Shift + F10, then type regedit.

Once the Registry Editor window is open, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE. From there, open HideOnlineAccountScreens and change the Value data to 1.


https://x.com/xpower7125/status/1906309324411986210


Yet another bypass for the Windows 11 OOBE Microsoft Account screen

Shift + F10 --> regedit

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE

HideOnlineAccountScreens --> 1

Works on both Windows 11 Home & Pro



While not officially endorsed by Microsoft as a way for the average user to bypass its login requirement, the company actually explains what this command does on the Windows Hardware Developer support page. By setting the value to 1 or true, the sign-in page is hidden during the Windows 11 OOBE setup process. This means you can just create a local account instead of an online one when logging in for the first time.

The page specifically says this is for enterprise users who do not want their employees to connect their email address with their Windows PC. But even if you’re a Home or Pro user, you can take advantage of this feature as long as you know how to use it.



**************


Dear Microsoft, please stop mess with us and people again! Scold on you, Microsoft!

Yea, saw that posting yesterday on YT. I did it the RUFUS way for 23H2. I also have a copy of 24H2.

 

[RandomUser]

I wonder if the answer files will get around the account requirement. Seems like it should for all versions so far.

 

[LightBeam]

Yeah I'm fine with my AtlasOS installation, might try ReviOS next time I'll have to reinstall.

But I don't think I'm ever going to bother with a regular Windows installation anymore, it's already bad that you have to use some weird workarounds to bypass some shit.
It's just much more convenient to install a custom playbook at that point

 

[CMDreamer]

Damn! At this point of time they should've called it Windows 11 Vulnerability Edition.

 

[SylverReZ]

Damn! At this point of time they should've called it Windows 11 Vulnerability Edition.

It's just as bad over Vista. Also a shame that Windows 10 is ending support by November afaik, I prefer this OS a lot more.

 

[Viri]

The nice thing about Linux, is that too few people use it, so nobody bothers making viruses for it. lol

 

[SylverReZ]

The nice thing about Linux, is that too few people use it, so nobody bothers making viruses for it. lol

The only impact are businesses and corporations who use Debian or any Linux distro for their servers.

 

[KleinesSinchen]

It's just as bad over Vista. Also a shame that Windows 10 is ending support by November afaik, I prefer this OS a lot more.

Three more years with ESU license if you insist on staying on Win 10. It is increasingly expensive each year though.
=====

Forcing online accounts is a d*ck move. But hey, people accepted it for Apple iOS long ago…

 

[CMDreamer]

Forcing online accounts is a d*ck move. But hey, people accepted it for Apple iOS long ago…

More like a s#!t move (on the other way).

And yes, but think of it, it's Apple iOS, most users can't even find their archives on it.

 

[The Catboy]

This New Trick Lets You Install Windows 11 Without Creating an Account


https://www.makeuseof.com/install-windows-11-no-account/



By Jowi Morales Published 2 hours ago


Microsoft is forcing Windows 11 users to create an online Microsoft account after installation. But if you prefer keeping your data offline, here’s how to bypass that requirement.

This Command Will Force Windows 11 to Create a Local Account​

New Windows 11 installs since February 2023 force users to log into or create an online Microsoft account to use their PC. Those who don’t want to do that can skip this step by using the “bypassnro” command, but the software giant is apparently closing this loophole.

Thankfully, an X (formerly Twitter) user @witherornot1337 shared a quick and easy way to use Windows 11 with a local account.


https://x.com/witherornot1337/status/1906050664741937328



View attachment 495326



Improved bypass for Windows 11 OOBE:

1. Shift-F10
2. start ms-cxh:localonly

Only required on Home and Pro editions.



When Windows 11 is asking for your country or region, press Shift + F10 on your keyboard and then type start ms-cxh:localonly. This will launch a Microsoft account window, where you can enter your username and password without connecting to Microsoft’s servers. Once done, press Next, and you now have an offline Windows 11 PC—simple as that.

Of course, you won’t get the advantages of using a Microsoft Account with Windows if you do this. But if you don’t like the idea of having a massive, faceless corporation having access to your data, then the hassle might be worth it.

This technique has been discovered quite recently, and as it becomes more popular, Microsoft might soon take notice. Hopefully, it will take the company a much longer time before closing this loophole, but if that’s the case, you can try this other method to keep your computer away from Microsoft’s clutches.

Tweak This Setting in the Registry Editor to Bypass the Microsoft Account Requirement​

This procedure is a bit more involved, as shared by @xpower7125 on X, but it’s a viable solution if the start ms-cxh:localonly command refuses to work. When you’re at the Microsoft Account screen after finishing the install of Windows 11, hit Shift + F10, then type regedit.

Once the Registry Editor window is open, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE. From there, open HideOnlineAccountScreens and change the Value data to 1.


https://x.com/xpower7125/status/1906309324411986210


Yet another bypass for the Windows 11 OOBE Microsoft Account screen

Shift + F10 --> regedit

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE

HideOnlineAccountScreens --> 1

Works on both Windows 11 Home & Pro



While not officially endorsed by Microsoft as a way for the average user to bypass its login requirement, the company actually explains what this command does on the Windows Hardware Developer support page. By setting the value to 1 or true, the sign-in page is hidden during the Windows 11 OOBE setup process. This means you can just create a local account instead of an online one when logging in for the first time.

The page specifically says this is for enterprise users who do not want their employees to connect their email address with their Windows PC. But even if you’re a Home or Pro user, you can take advantage of this feature as long as you know how to use it.



**************


Dear Microsoft, please stop mess with us and people again! Scold on you, Microsoft!

Pretty sure installing Linux is faster than going through all of this

 

[SylverReZ]

Forcing online accounts is a d*ck move. But hey, people accepted it for Apple iOS long ago…

Corporations just want your data one way or another.

 

[bonkmaykr]

Adding this to my W.I.P. list of Microsoft Boycott Resources.

 

[tech3475]

Pretty sure installing Linux is faster than going through all of this

YMMV.

I'd still end up using Windows one way or another for some windows only hardware/software.

Even on my gaming laptop, Acer the bastards cheaped out on the RGB keyboard so it doesn't save the settings and the default is some awful random lights. And no openRGB and some Acer specific alternative I came across doesn't work.

 

[XFoxPrower]

They've been playing Russian Roulette with features since Windows 8. Misleading install environment had Aero, then I got visual papercuts on flat edges & colors. They even managed to ruin Solitaire? Exclusively-Monochrome OS to accommodate tablets with 32MB of RAM? Power users have fled. If I ever get a PC, guess I gotta go Linux. Is Microsoft even a threat anymore?

 

[SylverReZ]

Microsoft has created a separate edition of Windows 11 around November, 2024 called "Windows WNC," and as the name suggests, it's designed for Windows 365 Link devices aimed to create a remote network client for enterprises. It was never meant to be used by the general public, and for good reasons. The entire build is stripped down meaning you cannot use it as a daily driver; no Start Menu, no Desktop, only a login prompt to sign into a Microsoft organization account.