Well, it was fun while it lasted. After leaving it that way for a few years, Microsoft is removing the workarounds that let you install Windows 11 without an internet connection or Microsoft account.
The change is currently being tested, but you won’t be able to get Windows 11 without a Microsoft account. Previously, you could avoid the installation screens you normally saw with paid Windows installations.
Amanda Langowski, Program Manager for Windows Insider said in a blog post On Monday, these installation screens, called the Windows installation experience (or “out-of-the-box experience”), are crucial during installation.
“While these mechanisms have often been used to bypass Microsoft account settings, they also inadvertently skip important setup screens, potentially leaving users OOBE with a device not fully configured for use,” Langowski said.
A few months ago, Microsoft disabled the “bypass no” command, which allowed users to install Windows 11 without being on the Internet or having a Microsoft account. This week’s hotfixes also removed the “start ms-cxh:localonly” command, which allowed users to install the operating system locally. This is practically the last step to eliminate the possibility of installing Windows 11 without connecting to the Internet.
in the subreddit r/Windows11/there was one lively discussion – with pros and cons – about the changes that Microsoft has implemented. One Reddit user called the changes “absolutely frustrating,” and another commented, “If Microsoft wants to collect our data, don’t let them.” »
However, some Redditers defended the Windows 11 updates. One pointed out that people hate every new version of Windows until they love it. And someone commented: “Why is everyone upset about this when you can sign into your Google or Apple account from your phone?”
A Microsoft representative did not immediately respond to a request for further comment.