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Image: Phantomofearth
Last week, Microsoft rolled out a new Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26120.3653 (KB5053658), and with this update, the company removed the bypassnro.cmd script from the system root directory—a tool previously used to bypass the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) requirement to connect to the internet and sign in with a Microsoft account.
Microsoft explicitly stated that the removal of the script is aimed at ensuring all users are connected to the internet and signed into a Microsoft account during initial setup:
“We’re removing the bypassnro.cmd script from the build to enhance security and user experience of Windows 11. This change ensures that all users exit setup with internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account.”
Originally, the script allowed users to conveniently skip the mandatory Microsoft account login by executing it through the Command Prompt. Upon running, it would trigger a system reboot, after which users could proceed to create a local account without signing in.
With its removal, bypassing the Microsoft account requirement has become more difficult—but not impossible. Microsoft has merely hidden the bypassnro functionality within the system registry. Users can still enable it by manually editing the Windows Registry.
Here are the steps to re-enable bypassnro via the registry:
- On the OOBE Microsoft account login screen, press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt.
- In the Command Prompt, type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following path: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE
- Right-click the blank space on the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it bypassnro.
- Double-click the newly created bypassnro key and change its value from 0 to 1. Click OK to save.
- Return to the Command Prompt and reboot the system by entering: shutdown /r
Alternatively, if you prefer using a direct command without opening the Registry Editor manually, you can execute the following line in the Command Prompt:
reg add “HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE” /v bypassnro /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
You will still need to restart the system using shutdown /r after applying this change. Upon reboot, Windows will recognize the bypassnro setting and skip the mandatory Microsoft account login, allowing you to create a local account and set up three security questions for password recovery.
