Microsoft is tightening restrictions on several methods used to create a local account during the Windows 11 setup process. Some workarounds that previously allowed users to skip signing in with a Microsoft account may no longer work on newer Windows builds.
The “Learn more” local account workaround is no longer reliable
Previously, some Windows 11 users discovered that clicking the Learn more link on the Microsoft account sign-in screen could open a local account creation page. This method was popular because it did not require users to enter commands in Command Prompt or disconnect from the Internet.
However, on newer installation builds, the link may no longer lead to the local account setup screen. Instead, it can redirect users to an information page or a Microsoft data management page.
Microsoft is disabling account bypass commands
This is not the first time Microsoft has changed the Windows setup experience. The company is also disabling some commonly used commands that allowed users to bypass the Microsoft account requirement during the Out-of-Box Experience, also known as OOBE.
OOBE\BYPASSNROstart ms-cxh:localonly
These commands were commonly used to skip the Internet connection requirement or directly access the local account creation process. Microsoft says that some of these workarounds can skip important setup screens, potentially leaving a device incompletely configured after installation.
Which Windows 11 versions are affected?
The changes have been reported in Windows 11 preview builds from the Dev and Beta channels of the Windows Insider Program. Since these are pre-release versions, the setup process may continue to change before Microsoft rolls the updates out to all users.
As a result, a workaround may function on one Windows installation image but fail on another. Users should check their Windows version before following any setup instructions found online.
Is Microsoft removing local accounts from Windows 11?
Blocking certain methods for creating a local account during the initial setup does not mean that Microsoft is removing local accounts from Windows 11. These changes mainly affect the OOBE process and workarounds used to skip the Microsoft account sign-in step.
A local account stores sign-in information on the computer itself, while a Microsoft account connects the device to Microsoft’s online services. The most suitable option depends on whether the user needs cloud synchronization and other Microsoft services.
Conclusion
Microsoft is restricting more workarounds for creating a local account during Windows 11 setup, including the “Learn more” link and familiar OOBE commands. These changes have been observed in Insider builds, so the experience may vary depending on the Windows version and installation media being used.
Reference: Windows Central
