Microsoft Removes Windows 11 Microsoft Account Creation Loophole – What You Need To Know

1️⃣ Microsoft is removing the “bypassnro” command, forcing Windows 11 users to create an online Microsoft Account during setup.

2️⃣ Users can still modify the system registry or use an unattended.xml script, but Microsoft may close these loopholes soon.

3️⃣ Microsoft claims this change enhances security and integrates users into its cloud ecosystem, linking Windows 11 to OneDrive and Microsoft 365.

4️⃣ Microsoft is tightening Windows 11 installations, making it harder to use local accounts or bypass system requirements like TPM 2.0.

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Microsoft is doubling down on its requirement for Windows 11 users to create an online Microsoft Account, removing one of the last remaining loopholes that allowed users to set up their system without an internet connection. If you’ve been relying on the “oobe\bypassnro” command to skip the Microsoft Account setup, you might be out of luck soon.

Microsoft Closes the “Bypassnro” Workaround

Since Windows 11 version 22H2 launched, Microsoft has made it mandatory for users to create a Microsoft Account during setup. While many users prefer local accounts for privacy reasons or to avoid internet connectivity requirements, Microsoft insists on linking Windows 11 installations to online accounts.

Previously, users could bypass this by entering the command “oobe\bypassnro” during installation, effectively skipping the internet connection step and allowing for a local account setup. However, Microsoft has announced in a Windows Insider Preview update that this method is being removed permanently.

According to Microsoft’s update:

“We’re removing the bypassnro.cmd script from the build to enhance security and user experience of Windows 11. This change ensures that all users exit setup with internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account.”

You can find the announcement about the removal of ‘bypassnro’ here. Press ‘Ctrl + F’ and type ‘Other‘ to locate it quickly.

Once this update rolls out to the main Windows 11 version, users will no longer be able to use the “bypassnro” command to avoid setting up a Microsoft Account.

Are There Still Workarounds?

While Microsoft is actively closing loopholes, there are still a few ways to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft Account. One method is modifying the system registry during the installation process. By pressing Shift + F10 at the network setup screen, you can open Command Prompt and enter the following command:

reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
shutdown /r /t 0

This forces the system to restart and allows you to proceed with a local account setup. However, there’s no guarantee this workaround will last for long. Given Microsoft’s aggressive push to enforce online account sign-ins, they may close this method in future updates.

Another, more complex alternative involves using an unattended.xml automation script. IT professionals and businesses setting up multiple devices often use this method, but it requires technical knowledge and is not as simple as entering a command.

Improved Bypass Method:

Video posted on X by witherornot1337
✅ Only requires Home and Pro Editions
✅ Create local account without the need to skip internet connection.
✅ No restart required.

Why Is Microsoft Doing This?

Microsoft claims that these changes are meant to enhance security and provide a more streamlined user experience. By requiring internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account, the company ensures users have access to features like OneDrive, seamless Windows updates, and cloud-based personalization settings.

However, many users see this as another way Microsoft is restricting user choice. The push for online accounts aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to integrate cloud services deeply into the Windows ecosystem, nudging users towards services like Microsoft 365 and OneDrive.

What’s Next?

If you prefer using a local account, now might be the time to set up your Windows 11 device before these workarounds disappear completely. Microsoft has already tightened its grip on installations by preventing the use of old Windows product keys and restricting Windows 11 installations on older PCs lacking TPM 2.0.

While some users might find ways to keep circumventing these restrictions, it’s clear that Microsoft is making it harder to avoid using an online account. Whether this move truly benefits users or is just another way to drive engagement with Microsoft services remains up for debate.

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