Microsoft has announced a significant change to the setup process for new Windows 11 PCs, particularly affecting users who prefer to operate without a Microsoft Account. The company has confirmed the removal of a widely-used command line, known as bypassnro, which allowed users to circumvent the requirement for an internet connection and a Microsoft Account during the initial setup of Windows 11.
Changes in Setup Requirements
When Windows 11 version 22H2 was introduced, Microsoft mandated that both the Home and Pro editions necessitate an internet connection and a Microsoft Account for setup. However, users quickly identified workarounds, with the bypassnro command becoming particularly popular. By entering this command into the command prompt during the setup process, users could skip the internet connectivity step, effectively bypassing the Microsoft Account requirement.
In the latest preview build of Windows 11, Microsoft has decided to eliminate this command to “ensure that all users exit setup with internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account.” This decision is expected to stir controversy among Windows users who prefer not to link their accounts to Microsoft services. As a result, the straightforward option to bypass these requirements on new installations of Windows 11 will no longer be available.
Alternative Workarounds
While the removal of the bypassnro command presents challenges, there are still alternative methods to navigate the setup process. One such method involves creating an unattend.xml installation file, which allows users to bypass the setup phase entirely. However, this approach requires a more complex setup, including the creation of a new Windows installation image from scratch.
For those who are technically inclined, it remains possible to manually reintroduce the bypassnro command by executing a specific command in the command prompt:
reg add HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionOOBE /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f shutdown /r /t 0Nevertheless, the longevity of this workaround is uncertain, as Microsoft may eventually remove the registry value that enables the command in future updates.
Impact on Existing Users
Importantly, users who have already set up their Windows 11 PCs without a Microsoft Account will not be affected by this change. The modifications pertain solely to the installation and setup experience for new users, where the requirement for an internet connection and Microsoft Account will now be strictly enforced.
The removal of the bypassnro command is currently being tested in the latest Windows 11 beta build, indicating that it is likely to be rolled out to production versions in the near future.
