Microsoft Closes Local Account Loopholes in Latest Windows 11 Preview Build

Microsoft is tightening restrictions around creating local accounts during Windows 11 setup, making it harder for users to avoid signing into a Microsoft account. In the latest Windows Insider Dev Channel release (build 26220.6772), the company removed the known workarounds that allowed users to skip this step and complete setup offline.

In older versions of Windows 11, users could press Shift + F10 when they were performing the out-of-the-box setup process and enter commands to bypass the Microsoft account and internet requirements. These commands, like "OOBE\BYPASSNRO" and "start ms-cxh:localonly," no longer function in the new build, Ars Technica reported Tuesday.

Microsoft says these workarounds could skip what it calls "critical setup screens." However, users point out that those screens primarily promote services such as Microsoft 365, Xbox Game Pass, and the data-tracking Windows Recall tool rather than any critical system configuration.

Historically, Windows 11 Pro users have been able to create local accounts by joining a work or school domain. However, it is unclear if this option is still available in the latest preview release.

The removed bypass commands first appeared in early test versions of Windows 11 in March 2025, but they continue to work in the Release Preview version of the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update.