Microsoft Ends Local Account Bypass: Windows 11 OOBE Now Requires Microsoft Account Login

Microsoft has confirmed that in the consumer editions of Windows 11 — including Home and Pro — users will no longer be able to bypass the sign-in process during the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) setup phase. All users must now create and log in with a Microsoft account to proceed with installation; without doing so, access to the desktop will be blocked.

All previously known methods and commands for bypassing this requirement have now been rendered ineffective. The restriction is already enforced in Windows 11 Beta Build 26120.6772 and Windows 11 Dev Build 26220.6772, and will be rolled out to the stable release channel following testing.

According to Microsoft, the decision to remove support for local account setup during OOBE is justified as follows:

“We are removing known mechanisms for creating a local account in the Windows Setup experience (OOBE). While these mechanisms were often used to bypass Microsoft account setup, they also inadvertently skip critical setup screens, potentially causing users to exit OOBE with a device that is not fully configured for use. Users will need to complete OOBE with internet and a Microsoft account, to ensure device is setup correctly.”

Microsoft further explained that while the various bypass methods were designed to skip the Microsoft account sign-in, they also unintentionally bypassed critical setup screens, potentially leading to improperly configured devices that exit OOBE prematurely.

In essence, this change aligns with Microsoft’s broader ecosystem strategy. During the OOBE process, users are prompted to enable several Microsoft services, including Microsoft 365, OneDrive, and Windows Backup — all of which require a Microsoft account for full functionality.

However, in practical terms, using a Microsoft account is not strictly necessary beyond setup. For instance, users can continue to sign in with local accounts afterward and still access Microsoft services like OneDrive or Microsoft 365 by signing in separately — without functional limitations. Thus, critics argue that removing the option to skip the login process is unnecessary.

As for local accounts, they remain possible — albeit indirectly. Microsoft clarified that users can create a local account after completing setup with an online account and reaching the desktop. Once switched, the system can continue operating under a local account, though Microsoft strongly recommends remaining signed in with a Microsoft account to ensure a “more seamless and enhanced user experience.”

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