No More Local Accounts?! Windows 11 Making Users Sign In With Microsoft Accounts

Microsoft is tightening its control over how users install and configure Windows 11, effectively making an online Microsoft account mandatory. The company has started blocking all known methods that previously allowed users to create local accounts or bypass the login requirement during setup. This shift marks a significant step toward enforcing a cloud-connected experience for all Windows 11 users.

The change was identified in build 26220.6772 (KB5065797), released to the Windows Insider program on October 6. According to Microsoft, the decision comes after discovering that many of the unofficial workarounds—used to install Windows 11 without signing in—could inadvertently skip critical setup screens, leading to incomplete or unstable configurations.

In practical terms, local account setup has been nearly eliminated. Previously, users could employ commands such as start ms-cxh:localonly or scripts like bypassnro.cmd to avoid logging in with a Microsoft account. These shortcuts have now been permanently disabled, with the company explicitly confirming their removal. Microsoft stated that the goal is to ensure each Windows 11 installation is performed with an active internet connection and Microsoft account, guaranteeing a “complete and secure setup process.”

This update means that all users must now sign in online when configuring Windows 11 for the first time. The company emphasizes that this integration ensures seamless synchronization with services such as OneDrive, Microsoft Store, and cloud-based settings, forming part of its broader strategy to tie the operating system more tightly to its ecosystem.

While technically still possible, creating a local account now requires performing a custom installation using specialized tools to modify the Windows image before setup. This method is intended only for advanced users with technical expertise, as it involves editing system files and bypassing standard installation procedures.

Microsoft has been gradually implementing these restrictions over time. Earlier in 2025, it had already blocked offline installations via USB devices, and now, with this update, the requirement for an internet connection and Microsoft account is almost absolute.

For those unwilling to comply, the only remaining official option is to continue using Windows 10, which will remain supported and free for upgrades for at least another year in regions like Europe. However, with each new build, Microsoft is making it increasingly clear that Windows 11 is designed to function as a connected platform, where cloud integration and user identity through Microsoft accounts are non-negotiable.

Filed in Computers >Tablets. Read more about Microsoft and Windows 11.