local account Archives

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Microsoft extends free Windows 10 security updates into 2026, with strings attached

Microsoft is integrating Microsoft Accounts more prominently in Windows 11, encouraging users to migrate from Windows 10. The Windows Backup feature aids users in transitioning to a new Windows 11 PC, with a temporary grace period for Windows 10 users. Yusuf Medhi, Microsoft’s Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the ease of using Windows Backup for transferring data and settings. Users with a Microsoft Account can also earn points through the Microsoft Rewards program to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Signing in with a Microsoft Account is necessary for ESU enrollment, and users must log back in if they reset or reinstall Windows on a new device. Once enrolled, a Windows 10 PC continues to receive security updates even if the user signs out of their Microsoft Account or stops using Windows Backup.

Winsage

May 23, 2025

In 3.5 years, Notepad.exe has gone from “barely maintained” to “it writes for you”

By late 2021, Windows’ Notepad text editor had not seen significant changes for a long time, but updates began to increase, reflecting a trend toward integrating generative AI technologies. In November, Microsoft started testing an update that allows users to rewrite or summarize text using generative AI. A new feature called Write enables users to generate text from scratch based on simple instructions, requiring a Microsoft Account for access and utilizing monthly AI credits. Users without a paid Microsoft 365 subscription receive 15 credits per month, while subscribers with Personal and Family plans receive 60 credits. All AI functionalities in Notepad can be disabled in the app's settings, and these features are unavailable to local account users. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out preview updates for Paint and Snipping Tool, introducing AI tools like a sticker generator and an AI-powered smart select tool, along with a welcome experience screen for new users.

Winsage

May 5, 2025

How to Remove Login Password on Windows 11

To remove the login password on Windows 11 for a local account, open Windows Settings by pressing “Windows + I,” navigate to “Accounts,” select “Sign-in options,” expand the “Password” section, click “Change,” enter the current password, leave all fields blank on the next screen, and click “Next” and then “Finish.” For a Microsoft account, open the Start menu, type “netplwiz,” uncheck “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer,” and if necessary, adjust settings in Windows Settings under Accounts > Sign-in options to disable the toggle for “For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device (Recommended).” After that, return to the netplwiz window, uncheck the option, and click Apply > OK. Consider removing the PIN for a smoother sign-in experience.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

An iPad can’t run macOS, but it can run… Windows 11?

A developer has successfully run an unofficial version of Windows 11, called Tiny11, on an iPad Air with an M2 processor. Tiny11 is a lightweight variant of Windows 11 that requires only 8GB of storage and can operate on systems that do not meet the official minimum requirements. It was demonstrated to work on the iPad Air, although it faces challenges such as delays in booting and program launches. Tiny11 is designed to be a stripped-down version of Windows 11, omitting many applications and services, and it does not require a Microsoft account. However, it remains an unofficial software, and users are advised to be cautious due to potential security vulnerabilities and usability issues.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Windows 10 LTSC – the version that won’t expire for years

The end of support for Windows 10 is approaching in October, but two editions will remain supported for two and seven more years, respectively. Windows 10 LTSC 2021 will receive mainstream support until January 12, 2027, and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 until January 13, 2032. LTSC versions lack the Windows Store and many modern applications, offering a streamlined experience with essential features only. Activation of LTSC editions requires an enterprise product key, obtainable through a Volume License Agreement. The IoT version is limited to US English, while the standard LTSC supports 38 languages. LTSC editions do not receive version upgrades, remaining on version 21H2 indefinitely. LTSC ISO files are not readily available on the Microsoft download page but can be accessed through the Microsoft portal with an enterprise license. Unauthorized third-party Windows distributions, such as Tiny11 and Atlas OS, exist but may violate Microsoft’s terms of service.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

6 reasons why I think Microsoft should keep the ‘local account’ option in Windows 11

Microsoft has updated Windows 11 to make it more difficult for users to bypass internet and Microsoft account requirements during installation, specifically in builds 26120.3653 and 26200.5516. The "BypassNRO.cmd" script, which allowed the creation of local accounts without an internet connection, has been removed. Local accounts provide enhanced privacy by storing data locally, simplify the setup process without needing an internet connection, and allow unrestricted access to systems in offline environments. Users can choose meaningful folder names with local accounts, and they facilitate smoother Remote Desktop connections compared to Microsoft accounts. Although local accounts can still be created post-installation, there are concerns about their availability in future updates, especially for the Home edition.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

New Windows 11 trick lets you bypass Microsoft Account requirement

A new method allows users to bypass the Microsoft Account requirement in Windows 11 during installation. By pressing Shift+F10 at the "Let's connect you to a network" prompt and entering the command "start ms-cxh:localonly," users can create a local account. This process eliminates the need to switch to a Microsoft Account and simplifies the setup compared to previous methods. Users can verify the use of a local account after installation by checking their account name in the Start menu.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Microsoft has disabled the popular ‘bypassnro’ Windows 11 sign-in workaround in the latest Insider build, but there exists another

The Windows 11 Insider Preview build version 26200.5516 (KB5054687) has removed the bypassnro.cmd script, a tool used to bypass the requirement for a Microsoft account during initial setup. Users can still use alternative methods to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, such as the Rufus method, which allows the creation of a bootable USB installation drive that disables account requirements. Another method involves accessing a hidden local account setup screen via the developer console by entering a specific command after the initial installation. The removal of the bypassnro script raises concerns about a potential crackdown on workarounds for mandatory Microsoft accounts.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Here’s a new trick to installing Windows 11 without a Microsoft account

Microsoft removed the BypassNRO.cmd script from the preview versions of Windows 11 for Insiders on the Dev Channel to enhance security and user experience, ensuring all users exit setup with internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account. The script previously allowed users to bypass the Microsoft Account requirement during installation. A new workaround has been discovered by Windows Insider testers, allowing users to create a local account during installation by entering a specific command in the command prompt. The removal of BypassNRO.cmd currently affects only the preview version, while the script remains available in public versions of Windows 11. It is expected that the script will be phased out from all Windows 11 PCs later this year.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Microsoft’s killing script used to avoid Microsoft Account in Windows 11

Microsoft has removed the 'BypassNRO.cmd' script from the Windows 11 Insider Dev preview build to enhance security and user experience, requiring users to log in with a Microsoft Account during installation. This change reflects Microsoft's ongoing emphasis on using a Microsoft Account since the launch of Windows 11, making it difficult to set up the operating system with a local account. Users previously used the script to bypass this requirement by creating a Registry value that allowed them to proceed without an internet connection. Although the script is no longer available, the BypassNRO Registry value remains intact, and users can still achieve the same outcome by manually modifying the Windows Registry. However, there is a possibility that Microsoft may disable this Registry value in the future.