Microsoft Removes Local Account Bypass in Windows 11, Forcing Sign-Ins for New Setups

Microsoft has introduced a new Windows Insider build for Windows 11 in its Dev Channel, bringing several updates and changes. Among them, a significant modification is the removal of the bypassnro command script. This script allowed users to bypass the mandatory Microsoft Account sign-in requirement during the setup process for new or freshly installed Windows 11 systems. Its removal affects users who prefer local accounts or need to install Windows without an internet connection.

Microsoft Enforces Account Sign-In, Raising Concerns for Local Account Users

Microsoft’s Windows Insider Program leads, Amanda Langowski and Brandon LeBlanc, confirmed that this change is an intentional feature, not a bug. According to them, removing the bypassnro script enhances both security and user experience in Windows 11. The goal is to ensure all users complete the setup process with an internet connection and a Microsoft Account, thereby integrating them more deeply into Microsoft’s ecosystem.

For users who prefer to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft Account, this change poses challenges. Some people may be in locations without internet access, while others may simply prefer local user accounts, which have been an option in previous Windows versions. While Microsoft Accounts offer benefits such as cloud backups, encryption key storage, and settings synchronization, local accounts provide a more private experience with fewer notifications and promotional prompts.

Workarounds Still Exist, but Future Windows 11 Updates May Limit Options Further

Despite the removal of bypassnro, there are still other ways to bypass the Microsoft Account requirement. Some of these workarounds are outlined in guides that help users remove unnecessary features from a fresh Windows 11 installation. However, bypassnro was particularly convenient because it worked seamlessly for both Home and Pro editions of Windows 11. Without it, users may need to rely on more complex or less stable methods.

As of now, the bypassnro command still works in stable versions of Windows 11, including the 24H2 update from late last year. The change is currently only applied in the Windows Insider Dev Channel, where Microsoft tests features that may or may not make it to the final public release. Since the Dev Channel recently transitioned to the 26200 series builds, this modification may not affect mainstream Windows users until the 25H2 update, expected to launch later this year.