If you prefer installing Windows 11 without linking an online profile, your options are shrinking fast. Historically, Windows relied on local accounts—user profiles that live solely on your PC and require no internet connection. Privacy-conscious users prefer these accounts because they restrict the data Microsoft receives about usage. However, the company is now continuing its campaign to push users toward online sign-in with a crackdown of every workaround that allows users to create a local account on Windows 11.
Microsoft closes local account workarounds in Windows 11 setup, first in beta builds
The latest step in this crackdown appeared in recent Windows 11 Dev and Beta build patch notes. Microsoft explicitly announced it is “removing known mechanisms for creating a local account in the Windows Setup experience (OOBE).” This action specifically targets popular tricks, including the effective bypassnro.cmd script, which historically allowed users to dodge the mandatory internet and Microsoft account sign-in page during the initial setup flow. The company is systematically squashing these popular workarounds currently in the testing phase.
Microsoft’s official argument for this change centers on user experience and security. The company states that these mechanisms “inadvertently skip critical setup screens, potentially causing users to exit OOBE with a device that is not fully configured for use.” They argue that users must complete the OOBE with an internet connection and a Microsoft account to ensure everything sets up correctly.
Many industry observers and users remain skeptical of this reasoning. They suggest the “critical screens” Microsoft worries about skipping are the ones designed to promote services like Microsoft 365 and OneDrive configuration. By forcing an online login, Microsoft ensures new users for its ecosystem immediately. This is crucial for data collection and subscription revenue. The move clearly prioritizes the company’s business model over user choice.
There are still options, but they require certain knowledge
Fortunately, dedicated users still have a few options. However, these require more technical skill. Those running Windows 11 Pro can still leverage the “Domain join instead” command during setup to avoid creating an online account. Meanwhile, for those on Windows Home, third-party tools like Rufus or manual tinkering with the Windows ISO itself remain viable paths to a local installation.
That said, there seems to be a clear trend developing. Microsoft really doesn’t want users to easily avoid online account creation. If the community finds new, simple workarounds, we should expect the company to squash those, too. For now, the best strategy is to prepare for an online sign-in unless you are ready to tackle a more technical setup -or move to a Linux-based OS.
