UPDATE: Microsoft has just intensified its crackdown on local accounts in Windows 11, making it increasingly challenging for users to bypass the mandatory Microsoft account login during setup. This shift, which began with the launch of Windows 11, is prompting widespread frustration among users who prefer local accounts for privacy and ease of use.
The latest measures, confirmed by tech analysts and user reports, reveal that Microsoft is not only pushing for Microsoft account usage but is also limiting existing workarounds. As of July 2023, many users have found that command prompt tricks, such as “start ms-cxh:localonly” and “oobe/bypassnro,” are on the verge of being disabled. This crackdown appears to be a strategic move by Microsoft to enhance data collection and promote its paid services, including OneDrive and Xbox Game Pass.
Local accounts have long been favored for their privacy benefits, allowing users to store personal data locally and avoid intrusive ads. However, with Microsoft’s new policies, users face a more challenging environment. Local accounts also enable offline use, protecting users from constant prompts to subscribe to Microsoft’s services.
Despite the tightening grip, there is still hope for users who prefer local accounts. The tool Rufus has emerged as a lifeline, allowing users to create custom Windows installation media that bypasses the Microsoft account requirement altogether. Users can utilize Rufus to prepare a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage, facilitating a smoother setup process without logging into a Microsoft account.
To do this, users need to download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft, install Rufus, and select the appropriate settings to customize their installation media. This includes checking the box labeled “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account,” ensuring a local account can be created during setup.
However, this workaround may not last long. If Microsoft continues its path of tightening restrictions, users may soon find it increasingly complicated to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account. Moreover, the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build (26220.6772) still allows users to avoid the Microsoft account login if they have a Windows 11 Pro license, but this option is limited and may soon change.
Microsoft’s ongoing modifications create a sense of urgency for users who value their privacy and wish to maintain control over their data. As the company continues to phase out local account access, many users are left feeling cornered, forced into a more intrusive setup process.
The implications of these changes are significant. Users who resist adopting a Microsoft account could face mounting difficulties, making the transition to Windows 11 feel less like an upgrade and more like an unwanted imposition.
For those contemplating a switch, the ideal alternatives may include exploring different operating systems, such as Linux, which offer a more user-centric experience without mandatory account logins.
Stay tuned for further updates as Microsoft continues to evolve its policies around local account usage and Windows 11 setup. The countdown is on for users needing to act quickly to maintain their preferred setup.