unattended installation Archives

Winsage

October 7, 2025

Microsoft clamping down on Windows 11 local account setup — latest Insider build removes ‘local-only commands,’ skipping Microsoft account sign-in will crash setup process

The Out of Box Experience (OOBE) for new Windows installations has changed, making it harder for users to bypass signing into a Microsoft account. Microsoft has removed "local-only commands" that allowed users to circumvent online sign-ins, requiring a continuous internet connection to complete the setup. The removal of the start ms cxh:local command and the earlier disabling of the "bypassnro" method means users must log into their Microsoft accounts to proceed. These changes apply only to direct installations, not managed devices. While some technically inclined users may still find ways to bypass the requirement, concerns about privacy and ease of use have been raised. Critics suggest these changes may be part of a strategy to promote Microsoft 365 and OneDrive services during the setup process.

Winsage

October 7, 2025

No account? No Windows 11 for you, says Microsoft

Microsoft is tightening the integration of its services within Windows 11 by closing a loophole that allowed users to bypass the requirement of a Microsoft account during installation. Recent Insider builds indicate that this change will soon be implemented in the production version of the operating system. The company has identified local commands that facilitated account-free installations as "known mechanisms," with the command start ms-cxh:localonly no longer functioning. Users will now need an internet connection and a Microsoft account to complete the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) for proper device setup. This change primarily affects unmanaged devices, while managed devices remain unaffected. Microsoft aims to enhance user experience and security by ensuring engagement with its online services. Earlier, the company removed the bypassnro.cmd script that allowed setup without an internet connection, reinforcing its commitment to this direction. Although some complex methods to circumvent the Microsoft account requirement still exist, they may not be appealing to average users, making it increasingly difficult to install Windows 11 on unmanaged devices without a Microsoft account.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

How to easily create an unattended answer file for Windows 11

On Windows 11, an answer file named autounattend.xml can be created to streamline the installation process by bypassing setup steps. To create this file, users need to install the DISMTools application, which provides a wizard for generating the unattended file. The installation of DISMTools involves using Command Prompt to run the command: winget install CodingWondersSoftware.DISMTools.Preview. To create the unattended file, users launch DISMTools, navigate to the "Unattended answer file creator," and follow the wizard to configure settings such as system language, processor architecture, disk settings, product key, account settings, and network settings. The final step is saving the file as autounattend.xml. To integrate the answer file into Windows 11 installation media, users download the Media Creation Tool, select the USB flash drive option, and copy the autounattend.xml file to the USB drive. This prepares the USB for an unattended installation of Windows 11. The XML file may also appear as "unattend.xml" in other contexts.