New and simpler hack lets you bypass Microsoft account requirement when installing Windows

[zohaibahd]

In brief: Just days after Microsoft removed a handy script from Windows 11 Insider builds that allowed people to skip the Microsoft Account requirement for installation, resourceful testers have already discovered a new method. Unlike the previous one, this one is surprisingly simple.

The removed "BypassNRO.cmd" script previously allowed users to bypass the mandatory Microsoft Account login during setup and create a local account instead.

In a recent blog post, Microsoft justified its removal, claiming it enhances "security and user experience" by ensuring all users complete setup with an internet connection and a linked Microsoft Account.

While manually tweaking the registry can still achieve the same result, that method is clunky and not for the faint of heart. Fortunately, one user going by Witherornot1337 has shared a much smoother alternative on X. The workaround involves opening a Command Prompt (Shift + F10) and entering "start ms-cxh:localonly."

Improved bypass for Windows 11 OOBE:

1. Shift-F10
2. start ms-cxh:localonly

Only required on Home and Pro editions. pic.twitter.com/ZUa89ZPBI3

– Wither OrNot (@witherornot1337) March 29, 2025

PC World notes that this command triggers a legacy-style Windows 10 setup window where users can create a local account with a username and password, requiring no registry edits or restarts. Witherornot1337 provided a short video demonstration showing how easily the trick works.

Microsoft's removal of BypassNRO.cmd only affects Windows 11 preview builds in the Dev Channel. Stable releases can still use the script. However, if Microsoft sticks with this change – and it's Microsoft, so why wouldn't it – the script will likely vanish from public releases later this year.

Microsoft's apparent hard stance on requiring an online account to install Windows is annoying and unfortunate because not everyone has one. Many users also have privacy concerns regarding the company's potential to monitor their activities.

Perhaps more importantly, some users prefer keeping their Windows login tied solely to their device. Having your credentials stored in a company's SSO is just waiting for a leak to happen like the one Oracle recently suffered.

Microsoft phased out the official local account option in Windows 11's setup some time ago, leaving workarounds like BypassNRO.cmd as the only alternatives. Now that Microsoft has closed that loophole, the new command-line trick offers a lifeline – at least temporarily. The big question is how long it will last before the company patches out this method, too.

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New and simpler hack lets you bypass Microsoft account requirement when installing Windows

 

[TheBigT42]

Why not just say you are going to join a domain???

 

[wiyosaya]

Why not just say you are going to join a domain???

Joining a domain used to be an option for "Pro" windows only.

 

[yRaz]

Does MS not see SteamOS and Apple as a threat? The company I work is considering issuing everyone macs to replace all our windows 10/11 machines because of how they're handling it. To over simplify the problem, where I work they company is saying "we need computers that work this way" and M$ is telling us "no, you need to use your computers this way." And which people do talk about the closed ecosystem on Apple, the way my company needs to use computers would work fine on Apple. The overall quality of Windows has dropped, too. For years it was simple and stable. The OS did not interfere with what you were trying to do. Now it feels like Windows is actively trying to interfere with how we're trying to use their product.

And it really doesn't make any sense why they are doing this. They need to get out of the way and let people use their products how they see, not the other way around.

 

[TheDreams]

Joining a domain used to be an option for "Pro" windows only.

It is, its very annoying since we purchase machines for work purposes but sometimes they come with the home version. Then we have to create an account using microsoft, create a local admin once we get in and then delete the microsoft account. Then upgrade license to pro. So much extra work, the bastards

 

[Squid Surprise]

It is, its very annoying since we purchase machines for work purposes but sometimes they come with the home version. Then we have to create an account using microsoft, create a local admin once we get in and then delete the microsoft account. Then upgrade license to pro. So much extra work, the bastards

To be fair, the fault lies with whoever does your purchasing... if you plan on having Windows Enterprise, then simply purchase it and install... seems like your company is doing things on the cheap...

Does MS not see SteamOS and Apple as a threat? The company I work is considering issuing everyone macs to replace all our windows 10/11 machines because of how they're handling it. To over simplify the problem, where I work they company is saying "we need computers that work this way" and M$ is telling us "no, you need to use your computers this way." And which people do talk about the closed ecosystem on Apple, the way my company needs to use computers would work fine on Apple. The overall quality of Windows has dropped, too. For years it was simple and stable. The OS did not interfere with what you were trying to do. Now it feels like Windows is actively trying to interfere with how we're trying to use their product.

And it really doesn't make any sense why they are doing this. They need to get out of the way and let people use their products how they see, not the other way around.

I think the simple answer is: no, they don't feel threatened in the least. Kind of reminds me of the Saturday Night Live sketch with the phone company "We don't care, we don't have to - we're MS!"

 

[Thatsdisgusting]

Does MS not see SteamOS and Apple as a threat?

Only after every steam title get "steamOS\MacOS" as a supported platform. Before that, they don't care

 

[axiomatic13]

I just reinstalled my PC. Rufus the USB imaging SW method for adding a local account still worked. I use both on my PC. I use a Windows account to play games on, since I have purchased games on XBL. But then I use a local account for my business software. This way ensures that all those services for the business software are not running in the background while I game.

 

[seeprime]

Only after every steam title get "steamOS\MacOS" as a supported platform. Before that, they don't care

They still won't care. Almost all Windows revenue comes from Enterprise sales and support, including cloud services

 

[imdarkbreeze]

I just reinstalled my PC. Rufus the USB imaging SW method for adding a local account still worked. I use both on my PC. I use a Windows account to play games on, since I have purchased games on XBL. But then I use a local account for my business software. This way ensures that all those services for the business software are not running in the background while I game.

Yes, but it's unlikely you used the current insider build, which is not what is in the wild right now for normal users but will be in the future, to do your install. So, of course any of the bypass methods would still work.

 

[hahahanoobs]

Two of the biggest reasons I use a Microsoft Account:
-Passkeys for Microsoft, Google and Amazon.
-Windows Digital License Activation.

 

[DukeJukem]

Yes, but it's unlikely you used the current insider build, which is not what is in the wild right now for normal users but will be in the future, to do your install. So, of course any of the bypass methods would still work.

I tested the 25h2 iso in virtualbox last night, got it from uupdump. it still allows domain joining for pro.

 

[kiwigraeme]

Two of the biggest reasons I use a Microsoft Account:
-Passkeys for Microsoft, Google and Amazon.
-Windows Digital License Activation.

I'm not completely trusting of MS with reinstalling windows , if had multiple hotmail accounts ( had a business one as well ) and multiple PCs = not sure how it keeps count.
Stuffed up on a PC of mind so just ran that MAS script so much easier and quicker

Do remember having to phone MS maybe 5 times 2000-2015 to activate a PC under old system tbf code the key or whatever they gave you quickly

 

[candle86]

Does MS not see SteamOS and Apple as a threat? The company I work is considering issuing everyone macs to replace all our windows 10/11 machines because of how they're handling it. To over simplify the problem, where I work they company is saying "we need computers that work this way" and M$ is telling us "no, you need to use your computers this way." And which people do talk about the closed ecosystem on Apple, the way my company needs to use computers would work fine on Apple. The overall quality of Windows has dropped, too. For years it was simple and stable. The OS did not interfere with what you were trying to do. Now it feels like Windows is actively trying to interfere with how we're trying to use their product.

And it really doesn't make any sense why they are doing this. They need to get out of the way and let people use their products how they see, not the other way around.

Apple doesn't let you do what want with your computer what are you smoking, apple's entire ecosystem is you do what we tell you, when we tell you and if you try anything else we will make your life hell. Mac's belong very very far away from an enterprise environment, truthfully macs all belong in landfills

 

[BadThad]

Does MS not see SteamOS and Apple as a threat? The company I work is considering issuing everyone macs to replace all our windows 10/11 machines because of how they're handling it. To over simplify the problem, where I work they company is saying "we need computers that work this way" and M$ is telling us "no, you need to use your computers this way." And which people do talk about the closed ecosystem on Apple, the way my company needs to use computers would work fine on Apple. The overall quality of Windows has dropped, too. For years it was simple and stable. The OS did not interfere with what you were trying to do. Now it feels like Windows is actively trying to interfere with how we're trying to use their product.

And it really doesn't make any sense why they are doing this. They need to get out of the way and let people use their products how they see, not the other way around.

And, I would gladly pay for this. I've never had the need for a Microsoft account except at work. I don't need "the cloud", free storage, email, etc. What I need is an OS that's not bloated down with a bunch of crap I don't want or need. And I also don't need MS looking up my arse with a microscope.

 

[OortCloud]

MS continue their confrontational computing initiative. Driving more and more rusty nails into the coffin that Windows is becoming and completely ignoring the very real threat of Linux distros like SteamOS. The need for Windows on home PC's will reach a tipping point very shortly.

 

[candle86]

MS continue their confrontational computing initiative. Driving more and more rusty nails into the coffin that Windows is becoming and completely ignoring the very real threat of Linux distros like SteamOS. The need for Windows on home PC's will reach a tipping point very shortly.

I think you overestimate the reach of steam OS there' isstill plenty of games that won't work on Linux. Add to that the actual largest market share for operating systems is not the home user it's the Enterprise market and as somebody that works on the Enterprise side of this whole thing we're not interested in retraining the users to use Linux.

The biggest games also come out under the Activision logo by Microsoft and if you think they're going to Make those games Linux compatible You're nuts they're not going to. Until you can dethrone call of duty Windows will remain dominant for the computer gamer also.

 

[Yppah]

It is, its very annoying since we purchase machines for work purposes but sometimes they come with the home version. Then we have to create an account using microsoft, create a local admin once we get in and then delete the microsoft account. Then upgrade license to pro. So much extra work, the bastards

Why? I also have to setup preinstalled Win Home machines. I dont recall your issue. Because I used bypassnro. You didnt?

 

[OortCloud]

I think you overestimate the reach of steam OS there' isstill plenty of games that won't work on Linux. Add to that the actual largest market share for operating systems is not the home user it's the Enterprise market and as somebody that works on the Enterprise side of this whole thing we're not interested in retraining the users to use Linux.

Valve estimate there are over 4 million Steam Decks, ROG's etc in use now. That's a lot of SteamOS already and a lot of people who don't clearly care that it wont play Call of Duty. I have no skin in this game one way or another, I'm just surprised that alarms bells aren't going off in Redmond, especially as Steam are now starting to roll out licensing of the OS to other vendors...

 

[candle86]

Because there's no need for the alarm bills to go off at all 4 million it's less than the market share of the rest of the Linux ecosystem combined. It's really not a threat people were saying the same crap about Chromebooks they're not a real threat

 

[candle86]

Why? I also have to setup preinstalled Win Home machines. I dont recall your issue. Because I used bypassnro. You didnt?

Actually what you should be asking is if they're buying computers for Enterprise environment why are they buying them with home pre-installed anyway that's needlessly wasting their money. And also potentially violates the surgeon area between them and Microsoft even if they bring it up with a pro key that they purchase it might still actually be violating the service agreement. On top of that equipment sold with a home license tends to be consumer grade instead of Enterprise grade so you're also getting an overall less reliable computer unless you're a startup with no capital there is no excuse for buying a consumer system to use in business setting.

 

[yRaz]

I think you overestimate the reach of steam OS there' isstill plenty of games that won't work on Linux. Add to that the actual largest market share for operating systems is not the home user it's the Enterprise market and as somebody that works on the Enterprise side of this whole thing we're not interested in retraining the users to use Linux.

The biggest games also come out under the Activision logo by Microsoft and if you think they're going to Make those games Linux compatible You're nuts they're not going to. Until you can dethrone call of duty Windows will remain dominant for the computer gamer also.

I think this is a lie that MS needs to stop believing. I've been MS free in for over 2 years. you know what I've found? most modern multiplayer experiences are garbage and there are also tons of games that DO support Linux. My Favorite PvP combat experience is Elder Scrolls Online and Space Marine 2 is gobs of fun.

People are so exhausted by the mishandling of Windows that they're willing to make sacrifices to be free of it. I'm sure there are SOME people who will hold out on windows to play cod, not everyone.

 

[candle86]

I think this is a lie that MS needs to stop believing. I've been MS free in for over 2 years. you know what I've found? most modern multiplayer experiences are garbage and there are also tons of games that DO support Linux. My Favorite PvP combat experience is Elder Scrolls Online and Space Marine 2 is gobs of fun.

People are so exhausted by the mishandling of Windows that they're willing to make sacrifices to be free of it. I'm sure there are SOME people who will hold out on windows to play cod, not everyone.

You're not the target market The target market is the guys that say brah, it's the people who play world of Warcraft is the people that rely on Microsoft office everyday it's the older folks that use it to do their quicken and TurboTax. The point has 4 million users is less than 1% of the total market share it's not an actual threat. And hey if you prefer a worse overall computing experience that is your choice I'm not going to tell you you can't have it I'm just going to tell you the truth you lose a lot going to an inferior system it just is what it is now on a handheld system like a steam deck it's not really a real computer anyway I mean you're not going to do anything productive with it it's just an overpriced switch as far as I'm concerned.

 

[yRaz]

You're not the target market The target market is the guys that say brah, it's the people who play world of Warcraft is the people that rely on Microsoft office everyday it's the older folks that use it to do their quicken and TurboTax. The point has 4 million users is less than 1% of the total market share it's not an actual threat. And hey if you prefer a worse overall computing experience that is your choice I'm not going to tell you you can't have it I'm just going to tell you the truth you lose a lot going to an inferior system it just is what it is now on a handheld system like a steam deck it's not really a real computer anyway I mean you're not going to do anything productive with it it's just an overpriced switch as far as I'm concerned.

So I can tell you haven't used Linux just from the way you talk, it offers a significantly better experience which is why I'm constantly flabbergasted at Windows when I go from my home computer to my work computer. Most things are done in the browser these days, which is why Chromebooks are so popular. Most people who need "a computer" will never need to do something outside of a browser.

And as someone who is middle-aged, I have found replacements for everything I need on windows, most of them are free. The irony being is that lots of software I used moved to a subscription model and you can no longer buy it so I started hunting for alternatives. The Alternatives just HAPPEN to work on Linux with many of them being free. I started attempting to switch in 2018, but always ended up back on Windows. I finally fully switched in 2022 and I've been thrilled with the experience. I can't play all of my games in my steam library, but now I happily pay more for games that DO work on Linux.

But you have to falsehoods you need to shed. your biggest is that Linux is somehow a bad operating system, it is not. it is not the clunky, incompatible ego booster for needs that it was 20 years ago.

The second is that hiding games behind a OS softlock will prevent everyone from switching. It might prevent SOME people, but they won't stop everyone.

 

[candle86]

So I can tell you haven't used Linux just from the way you talk, it offers a silicantly better experience which is why I'm constantly flabbergasted as Windows when I go from my home computer to my world computer. Most things are done in the browser these days, which is why Chromebooks are so popular. Most people who need "a computer" will never need to do something outside of a browser.

And as someone who is middle-aged, I have found replacements for everything I need on windows, most of them are free. The irony being is that lots of software I used moved to a subscription model and you can no longer buy it so I started hunting for alternatives. The Alternatives just HAPPEN to work on Linux with many of them being free. I started attempting to switch in 2018, but always ended up back on Windows. I finally fully switched in 2022 and I've been thrilled with the experience. I can't play all of my games in my steam library, but now I happily pay more for games that DO work on Linux.

Bur you have to falsehoods you need to shed. your biggest is that Linux is somehow a bad operating system, it is not. it is not the clunky, incompatible ego booster for needs that it was 20 years ago.

The second is that hiding games behind a OS softlock will prevent everyone from switching. It might prevent SOME people, but they won't stop everyone.

I support Lennox and an Enterprise environment for our application of web development team because it's one of the few niche locations Linux is better and it's an absolute pain in the *** certifiedt. I am fully Linux certified and a good supporting it now for 10 years it doesn't make it good