Microsoft has recently announced enhancements to the out-of-box experience (OOBE) for Windows 11, aiming to streamline and expedite the setup process before the close of 2026. Windows President Pavan Davuluri shared this update, yet it notably omits any mention of a long-awaited adjustment: the removal of the mandatory Microsoft account sign-in.
The OOBE, which stands for out-of-box experience, is the initial setup procedure encountered when starting a new Windows PC or after a fresh installation. This process is designed to be user-friendly, guiding users through language selection, Wi-Fi connectivity, privacy settings, and PIN creation, ultimately preparing the device for immediate use.
However, the current setup mandates a Microsoft account and an internet connection to complete the process, eliminating the option for a local account—a feature that previous Windows versions provided. Additionally, users face forced updates and a barrage of promotional pages throughout the setup.
OOBE has three problems, and Microsoft has only tackled one
Setting up a new Windows 11 PC presents three significant challenges, and Microsoft is addressing each at varying speeds:
- Updates: The OOBE requires users to download and install pending updates first, which can take anywhere from 20 to 50 minutes.
- Ads: The setup process is inundated with promotional pages for Microsoft 365, Xbox Game Pass, OneDrive, and Phone Link, alongside some questionable privacy toggles.
- Forced Microsoft account sign-in: Completing the setup necessitates a Microsoft account and internet access, with no option to select a local account.
Microsoft has made strides in addressing the first issue by introducing a “Skip for now” option for updates during setup back in April. However, many argue that updates should not be a part of the OOBE at all; new PC owners typically prefer to see their desktop without delay, reflecting a fundamental understanding of user psychology.
Pavan Davuluri confirms OOBE is next for a faster, calmer setup
In a July 31 update regarding Microsoft’s commitment to Windows quality, Davuluri identified onboarding and setup as a key focus area for the remainder of 2026, stating that the company is “delivering a faster and more efficient out-of-box experience.” While this commitment outlines a timeline for improvements, it lacks specific details on the nature of the changes.
Given Microsoft’s own admissions, the term “efficient” likely refers to reducing the ad-heavy components of the setup process. A test conducted by Windows Latest in March revealed that a full OOBE could take over an hour, featuring multiple ads for Microsoft 365 Personal, Microsoft 365 Basic, Phone Link, OneDrive, and Xbox Game Pass, all before users even reached their desktop, where additional prompts awaited.
Microsoft’s earlier commitment indicated that setup would become “quieter and more streamlined, with fewer pages and reboots,” and Davuluri’s recent update appears to build on this promise. Observations from various tech reviewers highlight that the Windows setup experience remains a significant deterrent for potential users, particularly when compared to the swift and ad-free setup process of macOS, which takes only five minutes and offers an optional Apple ID.
No word on dropping the forced Microsoft account requirement
Historically, local accounts were an option during Windows setup until Microsoft began blocking known workarounds, such as oobebypassnro and the ms-cxh:localonly command, starting in October 2025. Microsoft has justified this restriction by claiming that devices set up without a Microsoft account are “not fully configured for use.” However, it seems more plausible that this policy serves to ensure that fewer users bypass the OOBE without a Microsoft account, which is essential for promoting various services.
The demand to eliminate the MSA requirement is among the most frequently voiced concerns regarding Windows 11, garnering attention from notable figures such as Elon Musk and Epic Games’ Tim Sweeney. In March, following a significant Windows quality commitment announcement, Scott Hanselman, a Microsoft VP, acknowledged the issue and indicated that the team was actively working on it. Yet, five months later, the latest update on this commitment makes no mention of local accounts.
Microsoft has eased up on MSA requirements elsewhere, just not in OOBE
Interestingly, Microsoft has begun to relax its stringent Microsoft account requirements in certain areas. For instance, Bing now allows users to sign in using Google or Apple accounts instead of an MSA. Additionally, the redesigned Windows Search has moved away from pushing MSA-linked content, and widgets have seen a similar reduction in promotional content.
Despite these changes, the process of signing into a Microsoft account remains cumbersome. The recent removal of SMS-based sign-in for Microsoft accounts has shifted users toward passkeys, which, while more secure, complicates the experience for first-time PC setup.
While the prospect of a faster, less cluttered OOBE by the end of 2026 represents a significant improvement in Windows fundamentals, the absence of a local account option on the initial setup screen means that Windows 11 will continue to start with a requirement that no other major operating system imposes.
