Linus Tech Tips Discussion

 Microsoft is removing local accounts workaround in Windows 11 setup Summary Microsoft has announced in the latest Microsoft Insider blog post that they will be closing the loopholes that allowed users to bypass the required online Microsoft account when setting up Windows 11. Currently users can skip the online account and complete the Windows 11 setup process with a local user account by using the start ms-cxh:localonly command (bypassnro had already been removed in a previous update). Microsoft has claimed that the bypasses allowed users to skip "critical setup screens" during setup. Users will now be required to complete the Windows 11 setup process with an internet connection and using an online Microsoft account.   Quotes Quote Microsoft is cracking down on bypass methods that let Windows 11 installs use a local account, and avoid an internet requirement during the setup process. In a new Windows 11 test build released today, Microsoft says it’s removing known workarounds for creating local accounts as they can apparently cause issues during the setup process.   The changes mean Windows 11 users will need to complete the OOBE screens with an internet connection and Microsoft account in future versions of the OS. https://www.theverge.com/news/793579/microsoft-windows-11-local-account-bypass-workaround-changes   Quote Local-only commands removal: We are removing known mechanisms for creating a local account in the Windows Setup experience (OOBE). While these mechanisms were often used to bypass Microsoft account setup, they also inadvertently skip critical setup screens, potentially causing users to exit OOBE with a device that is not fully configured for use. Users will need to complete OOBE with internet and a Microsoft account, to ensure device is setup correctly. https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2025/10/06/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-26220-6772-dev-channel/     My thoughts "Critical setup screens"... Is that what Microsoft calls their advertisements for OneDrive and Microsoft 365 subscriptions?   Since this change is coming in a new update to Windows 11, is there anything that would prevent somebody from downloading a current or older version of Windows 11 that still has the bypass available and completing the setup, and then updating to the most recent version after setup is complete? Once the install is complete if you're using a local account it isn't going to force you to change to an online Microsoft user account, right?... At least for now...   It's worth noting that this change is currently only on the developer channel of Windows 11. It's not guaranteed this will end up in the main release, though I'd say it's pretty likely it will and Microsoft has