Microsoft blocks all options to bypass MS Account on new Installs

MitchInHome · Apr 24, 2024

Some great insight / ideas here - Thanks to all of you guru's - I'll have to leave my mark so I can find this thread in my postings

jimbo45 · Apr 24, 2024

WildWilly said:
I'm not going to do that & here's several reasons why.

The W7 machine is 8 years old. It is not powerful enough to run W10 or W11.

The W7 machine has 6 internal SATA HDDs. I will be removing them from that box & attaching them all to the new W11 box in external SATA-to-USB enclosures. Like I have said elsewhere, it doesn't matter what you have, you will outgrow it. Having my disk space like this means I can easily expand my disk space by simply getting another USB HDD. I have 2 USB SSDs now, but they are only 480G. I believe there are larger USB SSDs out there, but they are not yet as big as USB HDDs. If the technology progresses to where USB SSDs are 20T or bigger, I'll get USB SSDs instead of USB HDDs. But all my disk space is about to be external. The only internal disk space I have is the 2T PCI NVMe SSD onto which I have installed W11. If I ever feel the need for more internal SSD space, I have 3 more currently empty M2 sockets I can use. So the W7 box is about to become just a shell: a 500W PSU, a motherboard, a CPU, 2x4G DDR3 DIMMs, a low end graphics card. That's it. And all of it is 8 years old. I have no interest in trying to prolong its already extra long life. It has served me well. It's time to say good-bye.

I don't have the room to run 2 computers at the same time. The geography of my home prohibits considering that. Plus I have just 1 monitor & just 1 keyboard. Yeah, I have my TV. That is not my preferred computer monitor. It's on the other side of the room. Some things that look fine on my primary monitor have me squinting to read them on the TV. Videos & stuff like that do well on the TV. But it's not an acceptable computer monitor for me.

Given the excruciating hassle installing W11 has been, I am not considering punishing myself by doing it again on another machine.

I just don't want 2 computers.

Reinstalling application software is not going to be much of a hassle. I always keep the install executable for any software I add. I am looking forward to putting them all on my shiny new internal SSD. Clearly, given what I am doing with my HDDs, I will not have to migrate my data. All I have to do is install my software again. Plus I think there's a few things I have now that I won't be installing on W11. Seems to me I have a bit of bloat here, programs that I don't even remember why I have them. So the W11 system will be all new & fresh & I like that idea.

If you weren't on the other side of the world from me, I would offer you the remains of my old W7 box as a gift.

@WildWilly

Why retire the machine ==>just run it as a Linux NAS box and use the HDD's in it as available for shared storage - or use the box as a NAS server -- Linux will run easily on those old boxes - simply share on LAN with SAMBA. Using software RAID as well on it would make those HDD's excellent for multi-media serving or for backups etc etc.

just hide the machine in a closet -- with wifi you can connect to your network -- and once up and running just leave and run 24/7. You don't even need a monitor or keyboard - just run it "headless" and if you use a decent distro e.g Debian LTS you don't have to update / reboot. You can control it easily remotely from Windows via SSH so as I said you don't even need a keyboard or monitor !!.

A NAS server doesn't need to be mega fast -- or have a hugely powerful CPU -- at home that computer would be ideal for this job. I've at least one NAS server here that has been running 24/7 for over 2 years now without a single re-boot and it's probably so dusty now I wouldn't even be able to find it in a hurry !!!!.

Cheers
jimbo

spapakons · Apr 24, 2024

RH247a said:
On Win11 Home OEM HP Laptop first boot up.
I bought another HP just like a previous one and a fake email address that I've used in the past to bypass the MS Acct didn't work. Just like some in beginning of this thread I tried several, fake@fake.com, nobody@nobody.com and gave fake pswds but now MS puts up this-> Oops . . . Someone has entered an incorrect Password for this acct too many times. To help protect you, we've temporarily locked you (MS) acct. You can reset your password.
Also this HP device doesn't bring up anything on Shift+F10

So I chose Option 1 of glasskuter's post #8

1. set up using MS account, then create a new local account with administrative privileges. Restart. Login to the new account and delete the MS account.

The aggressive world system is slowly removing options in many areas. It's just a matter of how far one is willing to go. A Windows Acct is not that bad at this point. I've had an online MS Acct for a decade that I used to buy some items. I can switch to a local acct afterwards. Is it insulting (?) well yes but considering the players and what's being played it's not surprising, just a sign of the times.

Using the same fake email over and over made Microsoft block it. Use a random one like gffjf@jufg.com it should work too. Also in some laptops you must press FN+SHIFT+F10 if the function keys are not enabled by default (the buttons are used for increasing/decreasing brightness and other things). This behavior can be changed in BIOS. If you enable the function keys then it is SHIFT+F10, otherwise it is FN+SHIFT+F10.

garlin · Apr 24, 2024

This is my surefire trick for 22H2 or 23H2 Pro, EDU or Enterprise editions (sorry Home users!):

- choose "Let’s set things up for your work or school"

- click on "Sign in options" -> "Domain join instead"

- "Who’s going to use this PC?"

- enter your normal User Account name

Done. Except for Home edition (which doesn't have Domain join), it doesn't depend on some fake e-mail triggering an error.

Megahertz · Apr 24, 2024

Use MS bypass
- Obviously, disconnect from internet, before install OS.
- You have to press shift+f10 at screen asking for internet, as it does no work if you do it earlier in oobe process (at least not from first screen)
- press shift+f10 to open a CMD window
- run: oobe\bypassnro
It will reboot and when back to the installation wizard you will have the option to install as local

What is "oobe\bypassnro"

When installing Windows 11, if you want to get around having to connect to the internet and login with a MS account, you can enter the command prompt and run: oobe\bypassnro I always thought oobe was the command and \bypassnro was an option switch, and I found it completely odd there was no...

www.elevenforum.com

spapakons · Apr 25, 2024

If SHIFT+F10 doesn't work (in a laptop), try FN+SHIFT+F10, see my previous post.

BamaInArk · Apr 25, 2024

This topic is getting long winded now but apparently Microsoft is still making changes to the installer process. It does seem that MS has now cut off the previously used bypass techniques. Especially with latest version of 23H2 and of course 24. Caught this video from Britec09 posted today. It seems #garlins method posted above might be the only remaining solution.

spapakons · Apr 25, 2024

I don't trust rumors. I trust only what other posters confirm and of course what I see with my own eyes. If the bypass is incorrectly attempted (such as staying online and expecting to let you click on the "I don't have internet" text), of course it will not work. Not everyone on the internet is reliable or has our own experience. As I said in an older post, when an "expert" says something cannot be done I laugh because I already know he did something wrong and it CAN be done. In most cases I have already done it. So I know he is talking BS and don't believe a word.

RH247a · Apr 25, 2024

spapakons said:
Using the same fake email over and over made Microsoft block it. Use a random one like gffjf@jufg.com it should work too. Also in some laptops you must press FN+SHIFT+F10 if the function keys are not enabled by default (the buttons are used for increasing/decreasing brightness and other things). This behavior can be changed in BIOS. If you enable the function keys then it is SHIFT+F10, otherwise it is FN+SHIFT+F10.

Thanks for the replies I will make note of your input. I tried the FN+SHIFT+F10 but nothing. I think maybe the fact that I was still in the initial power on setup of new device might have been part of aspect. (edit add: I also had my network disconnected during my initial power on but I could not get past the MS Acct login requirement. I surmise if I'd kept trying an actual real site that had not gotten too many attempted logins to be flagged etc etc. I eventually might could have beat it. But I just did glasskutter's solution. It's just too much to get around this constant battle with MS.)

However I've already done glasskuter's Option 1. It worked for me.
Navigating the initial MS login was a bit of hoop jump as I'm still kinda new to Win11 and not familiar with the headings. It baulked at letting me login to my previously existing MS Acct. But a popup gave me an option to Fix an issue with One drive. After that was able to login and get out of S-Mode. Set sleep options to something functional and set the mouse to behave.

My new device had a Settings option to add a new local user via the Settings. But that way forced 3 security questions which are a pain because you have to lie to make them secure in today's social media and data breaches. I don't really like even giving security answers out period.
So I used (Cmd shell) netplwiz and added a local user through the resulting popup. That allowed me just a password with a hint. Nothing is that secure nowdays anyhow.

The netplwiz PopUp on Win11 Home said it didn't have a plug in to add the new user to admin group during creation. But immediately after (in same PopUP with the new user selected) I could then click Properties and change it to Administrators.

I then signed out of the MS acct and logged into new admin local user and deleted the MS Acct from the Manage Users.

I surmise as the future unfolds MS will take away more options so that they have us corralled into a perfect data collection program. Oh and of course any new carbon consumption requirements on power plans.

spapakons · Apr 26, 2024

Oops, you said the magic word: S mode. This is the only version that you cannot bypass the Microsoft Account requirement. All the hacks work for Windows 11 Home (standard version) and Windows 11 Pro. For S version they don't work because this version doesn't support a local account unless converted to standard first. I am not sure if this works, but in first configuration screen (choose region) press CTRL+SHIFT+F3 (or FN+CTRL+SHIFT+F3) to login with the built-in Administrator account without replying to all the questions. This is called Audit Mode and let's you configure the computer and add applications without creating an account. After restart you will be asked all the questions again (OOBE mode, Out Of the Box Experience). In Audit Mode go to Settings, System, Activation and see if you can convert S more to standard. You may have to activate first. After you convert to standard version, disconnect from the internet, restart to OOBE mode (where you are asked your region etc) and try the Command Prompt method.

garlin · Apr 26, 2024

spapakons said:
Oops, you said the magic word: S mode. This is the only version that you cannot bypass the Microsoft Account requirement. All the hacks work for Windows 11 Home (standard version) and Windows 11 Pro. For S version they don't work because this version doesn't support a local account unless converted to standard first. I am not sure if this works, but in first configuration screen (choose region) press CTRL+SHIFT+F3 (or FN+CTRL+SHIFT+F3) to login with the built-in Administrator account without replying to all the questions. This is called Audit Mode and let's you configure the computer and add applications without creating an account. After restart you will be asked all the questions again (OOBE mode, Out Of the Box Experience). In Audit Mode go to Settings, System, Activation and see if you can convert S more to standard. You may have to activate first. After you convert to standard version, disconnect from the internet, restart to OOBE mode (where you are asked your region etc) and try the Command Prompt method.

1. Turn off Secure Boot.
2. Boot Windows. S mode is temporarily disabled while Secure Boot is off.
3. Shift-F10 works again. Decide if you want to disable S mode, while you're inside CMD:

Code:

reg add HKLM\system\ControlSet001\Control\CI\Policy /v SkuPolicyRequired /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
reg add HKLM\system\ControlSet001\Control\CI\Policy /v WindowsLockdownTrialMode /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
oobe/BypassRNO

4. Finish Windows install.
5. Shutdown PC. Turn on Secure Boot.

spapakons · Apr 26, 2024

garlin said:
1. Turn off Secure Boot.
2. Boot Windows. S mode is temporarily disabled while Secure Boot is off.
3. Shift-F10 works again. Decide if you want to disable S mode, while you're inside CMD:

Code:

reg add HKLM\system\ControlSet001\Control\CI\Policy /v SkuPolicyRequired /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f reg add HKLM\system\ControlSet001\Control\CI\Policy /v WindowsLockdownTrialMode /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f oobe/BypassRNO

4. Finish Windows install.
5. Shutdown PC. Turn on Secure Boot.

I wasn't aware of this detail. Thanks. When I encounter Windows S mode I always convert it to standard version so I can install desktop applications and reliable drivers (I don't trust Windows Update for drivers).

BamaInArk · Apr 26, 2024

spapakons said:
I don't trust rumors. I trust only what other posters confirm and of course what I see with my own eyes. If the bypass is incorrectly attempted (such as staying online and expecting to let you click on the "I don't have internet" text), of course it will not work. Not everyone on the internet is reliable or has our own experience. As I said in an older post, when an "expert" says something cannot be done I laugh because I already know he did something wrong and it CAN be done. In most cases I have already done it. So I know he is talking BS and don't believe a word.

I just went and attempted a clean install of 24H2 26100.268 and the OOBE bypass still worked for me. Not sure why Brian(Britec09) missed that.

spapakons · Apr 27, 2024

Just as I thought. He was connected to the internet and of course you cannot trick Windows that you don't have an internet connection since you are already connected. It skips the network screen and goes directly to the Microsoft Account. Common sense.

PS: I did a clean installation of Windows 11 23H2 on a laptop and then I used the command to create a local account. It worked as expected. Of course I didn't connect to the WiFi until I was successfully logged in to the desktop with the local account. I don't see why the same method wouldn't work in 24H2, if done right.

RH247a · Monday at 12:46 PM

garlin said:
1. Turn off Secure Boot.
2. Boot Windows. S mode is temporarily disabled while Secure Boot is off.
3. Shift-F10 works again. Decide if you want to disable S mode, while you're inside CMD:

Code:

reg add HKLM\system\ControlSet001\Control\CI\Policy /v SkuPolicyRequired /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f reg add HKLM\system\ControlSet001\Control\CI\Policy /v WindowsLockdownTrialMode /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f oobe/BypassRNO

4. Finish Windows install.
5. Shutdown PC. Turn on Secure Boot.

Just now getting back here to check. Appreciate all the replies with additional details, I will make note of them. Admittedly S-Mode is more crippling to move around in but I felt I'd have less return issues on a new purchase if the initial boot was done completely in S-Mode (shipped mode).
In any case thank you for the latest in the continuing battle between forcing the MS acct login and trying to bypass it. For those (like me) that just became too frustrated and logged into the MS Acct to finish the setup, glasskuter's Option 1 worked for me.
If anyone's interested Rob Braxman's channel on youtube has a video named How to Get Rid of the Microsoft Account in Windows 11 that delineates further registry items for security stuff. Thanks again to all the help from this forum.

Brink · Tuesday at 3:06 PM

I just tested on the latest Canary build, and you can still use step 21 exactly below to set up a local account during Windows Setup for a clean install of Windows 11.

Clean Install Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you step by step on how to clean install Windows 11 at boot on your PC with or without an Internet connection and setup with a local account or Microsoft account. Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes...

www.elevenforum.com

aubergine · Wednesday at 12:32 PM

Windows 11 23H2 - I tried the installation three times (to set up a local account).

The email address fake@fake.com only works if you get the error message below.

But email address fake@fake.com is not working if you get the error message below. To solve this, you have to disable the internet connection and then Shift+F10 > oobe\bypassnro

Bree · Wednesday at 12:39 PM

aubergine said:
But email address fake@fake.com is not working if you get the error message below. To solve this, you have to disable the internet connection and then Shift+F10 > oobe\bypassnro

That is my method of choice anyway, I don't bother to try my luck with the email address lottery :wink: