Microsoft’s stringent requirement for a Microsoft account during the setup of new PCs and fresh Windows installations can be particularly frustrating, especially when faced with a system lacking a functional network adapter. This situation often arises during clean installations of Windows on brand-new machines equipped with unfamiliar Wi-Fi adapters that lack built-in drivers in Windows 11. While Windows Update typically serves as a reliable source for such drivers, the irony lies in the fact that one cannot access the Internet to resolve an Internet connectivity issue.
In response to this challenge, Microsoft has introduced a fallback option in the initial setup process for Windows 11. This feature allows users to install necessary drivers from a USB drive when the Windows installer does not include the required components. While many would prefer a more straightforward solution that does not necessitate signing in with a Microsoft account, this enhancement marks a notable improvement over previous iterations.
For those who are more technically inclined, there remain local account workarounds. By pressing Shift + F10 and entering OOBEBYPASSNRO in the Command Prompt window that appears, users can bypass the account requirement altogether, providing a lifeline in these tricky situations.
Boosted security for file sharing
The recent 24H2 update has significantly enhanced the default security measures for SMB file-sharing connections. According to Ned Pyle, Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, these changes may lead to some functionalities being disrupted. However, this disruption is generally a positive development, as it indicates that previously less secure configurations are being rectified.
Two primary adjustments have been implemented: all SMB connections are now required to be signed by default, a measure designed to thwart relay attacks, and Guest access for SMB shares has been disabled in the Pro edition of Windows 11. This restriction had already been in place for the Enterprise, Education, and Pro for Workstation editions during the Windows 10 era. Notably, while Guest fallback access remains available by default in Windows 11 Home, the requirement for SMB signing applies across all Windows editions, reinforcing the overall security landscape.
