In the ever-evolving landscape of Windows 11, users have historically sought various methods to bypass the operating system’s requirement for a Microsoft account during initial setup. However, recent developments indicate that one popular workaround is being phased out. The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview build, specifically version 26200.5516 (KB5054687), has officially removed the bypassnro.cmd script, a tool that many considered the simplest way to navigate around Microsoft’s account mandate. This change, as noted in a Windows Insider blog post, aims to “enhance security and user experience of Windows 11.”
The bypassnro method was straightforward, requiring users to open a command prompt with Shift + F10 and enter a specific command sequence. With its removal from the Preview build, there is a strong possibility that this change will also be reflected in future release builds, leaving users to explore alternative options.
Installing Windows 11 without creating a Microsoft Account
Despite the loss of the bypassnro script, users still have other avenues to consider. One notable alternative is the Rufus method, which involves creating a bootable Windows 11 USB installation drive using the Rufus USB Creator Utility. By simply checking a box to disable account requirements, users can sidestep the need for a Microsoft account altogether. While the recent changes have yet to be tested with this method on the latest Insider build, its absence from the changelog suggests it may still function as intended.
Another emerging method leverages a hidden local account setup screen, which can be accessed via the developer console. After the initial installation and restart of Windows 11, but before reaching the account sign-up section, users can press Ctrl + Shift + J to open the console. Entering the command WinJS.Application.restart(“ms-cxh://LOCALONLY”) and then closing the console allows access to the local account setup screen. Our own Jacob has successfully tested this approach on a fresh Windows 11 build, although its compatibility with the most recent Insider build remains uncertain.
While Microsoft’s push for users to create accounts is understandable, particularly for enhancing user experience and security, many users—especially those managing enterprise environments—may find the requirement burdensome. The removal of these bypass methods raises concerns that we may be witnessing the beginning of a broader crackdown on such workarounds. The prospect of mandatory Microsoft accounts for every Windows installation looms on the horizon, whether users embrace it or not.
