Microsoft is tightening restrictions on using local accounts for Windows 11 installations, affecting those who wish to bypass the online account requirement during setup.
New restrictions on Windows 11 setup
Microsoft has announced it will end methods that allow users to create local accounts during Windows 11 installation. Amanda Langowski, head of the Windows Insider Program, stated these methods often skip important setup steps, potentially leading to incorrectly configured devices.
The updates mean Windows 11 users must now connect to the internet and use a Microsoft account to complete setup in future operating system versions.
Removal of workarounds for account setup
Earlier this year, Microsoft eliminated the “bypassnro” workaround. The latest updates also disable the “start ms-cxh:localonly” command, which users had found to avoid Microsoft account requirements. This command will now reset the setup process instead of bypassing it.
These workarounds were mostly used by those who preferred not to use a Microsoft account or wanted to change the default user folder name created using their account’s email address.
Options for user customization
While users must now use a Microsoft account, Microsoft is adding a feature to allow users to specify their default user folder name during setup. However, this requires running a command, with hopes that it will eventually be simplified.
This change may help address user concerns about customizing their installation experience while still adhering to Microsoft’s requirements.
