Microsoft is tightening restrictions on users trying to bypass the Microsoft account requirement when installing Windows 11.
The company is now removing more methods that allow users to create local accounts during setup.
The change appeared in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6772 (KB5065797), released to Insiders in the Dev Channel, suggesting that it will likely roll out to all users in upcoming builds.
According to Amanda Langowski from Microsoft, the decision was made because bypassing the Microsoft account setup could result in devices not being “fully configured.”
“We are removing known mechanisms for creating a local account in the Windows Setup experience (OOBE),” Langowski said. “While these mechanisms were often used to bypass Microsoft account setup, they also inadvertently skip critical setup screens, potentially causing users to exit OOBE with a device that is not fully configured for use.”
Once this change takes effect, users will need to complete the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) with an internet connection and a Microsoft account to finish setting up their PC correctly.
This update follows Microsoft’s earlier move to remove the BypassNRO.cmd script from Windows 11, which was used to skip the Microsoft account requirement. At the time, the company said the change was made to improve both security and user experience.
While the BypassNRO Registry value has reportedly still worked as a workaround, Microsoft may remove that option in a future release as well. The workaround involves manually entering registry commands during installation, but Microsoft has not confirmed whether it still functions in the latest builds.
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By removing these bypass options, Microsoft appears to be pushing more users toward its online ecosystem, ensuring that every Windows 11 device is fully configured and connected to a Microsoft account from the start.
