If you’ve been hoping to bypass creating a Microsoft account during your Windows 11 setup, your time may be running out. Microsoft is shutting down a popular workaround that allowed users to skip the mandatory account requirement, forcing many to reconsider their options when installing the OS.
Since the rollout of Windows 11 version 22H2 in February 2023, Microsoft has enforced a strict rule that requires both a Microsoft account and an active internet connection for users to complete their Windows 11 installation—whether you’re on the Home or Pro version. But for over a year, tech-savvy users had discovered a loophole. By simply typing “bypassnro” in the command prompt, they could avoid signing up for a Microsoft account during setup.
Well, that trick is no longer going to work. Microsoft has confirmed that this bypass method is being phased out. As spotted by Windows Central, this loophole has already been removed from the latest beta build and is expected to vanish in the upcoming production versions. The company claims that this change is aimed at improving “security and user experience,” though it’s clear this move is also part of their ongoing push to get more users connected to their ecosystem.
So, what does this mean for you? If you’ve already set up Windows 11 without linking a Microsoft account, nothing will change for you. You can still receive updates and use your PC as usual. However, if you’re setting up Windows 11 on a new machine, and you’re still holding out for a way to avoid creating an account, you might be out of luck. That said, the online community is buzzing with new workarounds, shared on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter). But these solutions come with a caveat—many are trickier to pull off and could also be wiped out in future updates.
Microsoft’s drive to make users create a Microsoft account during installation has sparked plenty of criticism, with privacy concerns at the forefront. High-profile figures like Elon Musk have voiced their frustrations over the process, even engaging with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on social media. Despite the backlash, the tech giant has continued to make its push for an all-in-one experience.
Microsoft has also been tightening the reins elsewhere. Just last month, the company removed official instructions for installing Windows 11 on unsupported machines, those lacking necessary hardware like TPM 2.0, a chip designed for better security. This follows a broader trend of limiting user choice and streamlining the Windows 11 experience, for better or worse.
So, if you’re thinking about dodging the Microsoft account during setup, you might want to act fast—who knows how long even the current workarounds will last.
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