Solved Why is a clean install so hard?

Megahertz · Jun 11, 2023

Ell201275 said:
So to clarify, there is NO WAY to automatically include the OOBE Bypass thing as part of the install media?
Is there not something I can add to the Windows 11 22H2 .iso to achieve this?

Unless you have an unattended script to auto install, the installation will stop to ask to create a user profile. At this moment launch a CMD window (press Shift+F10 simultaneously to open a command line prompt) and type oobe\bypassnro. Computer will reboot and when back to OOBE you can skip logging with a Microsoft account.
That isn't a big deal.

As the bypassnro.cmd modify the register (reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f) you can probably modify it on a script.

MisterEd · Jun 11, 2023

Megahertz said:
Unless you have an unattended script to auto install, the installation will stop to ask to create a user profile. At this moment launch a CMD window (press Shift+F10 simultaneously to open a command line prompt) and type oobe\bypassnro. Computer will reboot and when back to OOBE you can skip logging with a Microsoft account.
That isn't a big deal.

As the bypassnro.cmd modify the register (reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f) you can probably modify it on a script.

I am curious. What is the fascination of using this script. I have never used this script because I have never needed it to set up Windows 11 with a local account. Of course if I set up Windows 11 with no Internet connection that would be different. Since I always have the Internet connected then that is a moot point.

Megahertz · Jun 13, 2023

MisterEd said:
I am curious. What is the fascination of using this script. I have never used this script because I have never needed it to set up Windows 11 with a local account. Of course if I set up Windows 11 with no Internet connection that would be different. Since I always have the Internet connected then that is a moot point.

Win 11 by default doesn't give you the option to install using a local account so you must use the bypassnro if you want to install Win 11 using a local account and not a MS account.

MisterEd · Jun 13, 2023

Megahertz said:
Win 11 by default doesn't give you the option to install using a local account so you must use the bypassnro if you want to install Win 11 using a local account and not a MS account.

True but there other ways around that if you know how. Here is what I did.

It is also true that Windows 11 setup requires you to be connected to the Internet. There are ways around that but I don't worry about it and always connect to the Internet.

When the setup asks me to either create a Microsoft account or log on with an existing Microsoft account I comply by attempting to log into the following account:
Username: username
Password: password

Windows attempts to log into that account but fails because the account with that username/password combination does not exist. It displays the error message "Oops, something went wrong". I am then asked to create a local account.

I realize this is not as elegant as using "bypassnro" but my method is simpler because it is easier to remember.

Note that I have tried using random usernames but they don't work. The Microsoft account with username=username must exist with a different password! That is why the login fails and allows me to bypass the Microsoft account requirement.

I have included the following screenshots where I installed Windows 11 and bypassed the Microsoft account requirement. Hint I did not use "bypassnro".

Try3 · Jun 13, 2023

MisterEd said:
I realize this is not as elegant as using "bypassnro" but my method is simpler because it is easier to remember

But the only thing we need to remember is how to read the installation tutorial.
Clean install - ElevenForumTutorials

The tutorial procedure includes the bypassnro steps.
Your method is in its post #139.

All the best,
Denis

MisterEd · Jun 13, 2023

Try3 said:
But the only thing we need to remember is how to read the installation tutorial.
Clean install - ElevenForumTutorials

The tutorial procedure includes the bypassnro steps.

Your method is in its post #139.

All the best,
Denis

You haven't heard of the KISS principle?

x509 · Jul 21, 2023

Hi all,

I am the OP on this thread, from last April.

To recap, i gave up on Win 11 because I couldn't get a clean install get past the need to be connected to a network, even though drivers hadn't been installed yet. Instead I did a clean install of Win 11 to replace the old, bit-rotted install of Win 10 I had been using.

Today, while browsing a new website, I came across this web page. I wish I had found it earlier.

Reinstall Windows 11 and no network found? Workaround for an idiotic hurdle | igor´sLAB

You would think that Windows 11 automatically includes at least the most important standard drivers. The WLAN is active and there might even be an Ethernet cable in the LAN port.

www.igorslab.de

Winuser · Jul 29, 2023

Does anyone know when MS started trying to get users to use a MS account when setting up a new computer? I just setup a new Beelink mini pc with Windows 11 Pro. When I got to the screen where I thought I was going to have to use shift +F10, I just had to click on the I don't have internet box.

Try3 · Jul 29, 2023

Winuser said:
Does anyone know when MS started trying to get users to use a MS account when setting up a new computer?

It was at the installation of a particular Windows 10 Version, possibly Version 1909.

Winuser said:
I thought I was going to have to use shift +F10, I just had to click on the I don't have internet box.

Others have reported the same but the reason remains unknown.

All the best,
Denis

antspants · Jul 31, 2023

What an odd thread.

MisterEd · Jul 31, 2023

antspants said:
What an odd thread.

Why is the thread odd?

The only thing odd is how Microsoft had made it hard to install Windows 10 and 11.

With Windows 7 and before you booted with you DVD or flash drive with the Windows setup program and installed it. At the end you created your local user account. Of course you needed to connect to the Internet at some point but it was your choice when that was.

Now Microsoft does its best during the setup of Windows 10 and 11 to force you to log in with a Microsoft account. This requires you to be connected to the Internet. No choice at all. The posts in the thread just illustrate workarounds for this.

antspants · Jul 31, 2023

I should of said “I find this an odd thread”
Yeah I understand why the thread was made, I just don’t understand all the objections to some of the stuff. I don’t know why people don’t want to be connected to the internet, they’re going to connect to it anyway (read on). I don’t understand the disadvantages of having a MS account, someone please explain it to me… unless it’s about OneDrive then don’t because there’s a Brink tutorial for that. And isn’t it true we can change it after the fact so as to log in using a local account? Everyone should have at least one dummy MS account. I like mine, saves my digital license so if i lose my key I’m covered, I don’t have o pay for upgrades, i’m covered… etc.

Someone mentioned the average Jo Blow, like people are in here fighting for the greater good. You guys are in here for the lucky of us that made our way to you, we can say a collective prayer for the ones that haven’t, yet.
I see people on Facebook complaining about the new approach to rules, the data mining, the injustice of FB jail. God forbid a company that owns a product be allowed to profit or set conditions of use. I’m guilty of it, I complain all day. Generally about my neighbours dog but other stuff also. Probably software, and my wifes mother.

MisterEd · Jul 31, 2023

antspants said:
I should of said “I find this an odd thread”
Yeah I understand why the thread was made, I just don’t understand all the objections to some of the stuff. I don’t know why people don’t want to be connected to the internet, they’re going to connect to it anyway (read on). I don’t understand the disadvantages of having a MS account, someone please explain it to me… unless it’s about OneDrive then don’t because there’s a Brink tutorial for that. And isn’t it true we can change it after the fact so as to log in using a local account? Everyone should have at least one dummy MS account. I like mine, saves my digital license so if i lose my key I’m covered, I don’t have o pay for upgrades, i’m covered… etc.

Someone mentioned the average Jo Blow, like people are in here fighting for the greater good. You guys are in here for the lucky of us that made our way to you, we can say a collective prayer for the ones that haven’t, yet.
I see people on Facebook complaining about the new approach to rules, the data mining, the injustice of FB jail. God forbid a company that owns a product be allowed to profit or set conditions of use. I’m guilty of it, I complain all day. Generally about my neighbours dog but other stuff also. Probably software, and my wifes mother.

There are probably several reasons but for most people they just want to set up their computer they want it to. It should be their choice as to whether to use a local or Microsoft account. Microsoft wants to take away that choice an force people to use a Microsoft account. However, there a lot of people that don't trust Microsoft and are convinced that a Microsoft account is a good way for Microsoft to spy on them.

BTW, I use a local account on all my Windows 10 and 11 computers. However, each can also can be switched to a Microsoft account when that is needed. Since I don't use One Drive that is not very often.

I am kind of annoyed at Microsoft regarding Office 2021. Previous versions of Office automatically saved my work as it went along. This saved me a lot of times. Office 2021 has to be logged into my Microsoft account so that it can automatically save my work to One Drive. Since I don't do this I have to manually save my work or risk losing it.

Try3 · Jul 31, 2023

MisterEd said:
Previous versions of Office automatically saved my work as it went along.

That still exists. It's still set up in Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Publisher, Options, Save - Save Autorecover every ..., Save to computer by default.

Or have I misunderstood you?

Denis

TechnoMage2021 · Jul 31, 2023

I've read this thread several times and every time I go away a talking to myself, and asking "Why? Why? Why?"
WE, or more specifically I have given the secret to a very simple Clean Install several times on this forum and several times on other forums as well.
In no way does that include anything to do with requiring a MS account, or any other MS BS.
Rufus took care of all of that.
I've installed Win-11, time after time, from an install Flash Drive, with NO demands for anything.
That Flash Drive was made by "Rufus" using an ISO from a reputable source.

Then once I have Windows 11 all set up, tweaked and tuned for perfection, I make a Ghost Image of it.
That image file can then be restored to another hard drive (or SSD) and transplanted into another PC.

I'm typing this on a very old Dell Latitude D820 (look it up). It was refurbished and resold by Dell in 2008 with Windows XP on it.
With a little ram upgrade, from 1GB to 2GB, and Win-11 already installed on a new SSD, this OLD Laptop is running Win-11 like a Champ. It's no Gamer, or high performance PC, but it runs good.
It never ceases to amaze me, how the newer OS's, like Win-11 can be transplanted from PC to PC or from desktop to laptop, with narry a whimper. All I had to do, was deinstall a few programs that I had on my desktop, but don't want to use here on this laptop.

I really don't know, if MS has made installing Win-11 difficult or not, because it's certainly not hard for me.
Just give me about an hour and I'll put Win-11 on just about anything.

I wish I could make a video, but that's really not my thing.

JAM83 · Jul 31, 2023

antspants said:
I should of said “I find this an odd thread”
Yeah I understand why the thread was made, I just don’t understand all the objections to some of the stuff. I don’t know why people don’t want to be connected to the internet, they’re going to connect to it anyway (read on). I don’t understand the disadvantages of having a MS account, someone please explain it to me… unless it’s about OneDrive then don’t because there’s a Brink tutorial for that. And isn’t it true we can change it after the fact so as to log in using a local account? Everyone should have at least one dummy MS account. I like mine, saves my digital license so if i lose my key I’m covered, I don’t have o pay for upgrades, i’m covered… etc.

Someone mentioned the average Jo Blow, like people are in here fighting for the greater good. You guys are in here for the lucky of us that made our way to you, we can say a collective prayer for the ones that haven’t, yet.
I see people on Facebook complaining about the new approach to rules, the data mining, the injustice of FB jail. God forbid a company that owns a product be allowed to profit or set conditions of use. I’m guilty of it, I complain all day. Generally about my neighbours dog but other stuff also. Probably software, and my wifes mother.

Using a MS Account is annoying in so many ways. It takes part of your email address and uses it for your user folder name which is annoying. I like having my first name, middle initial and last name as my user folder name. If you set up Windows using a MS Account, you have to jump through so many hoops to change the user folder name, and you could end up screwing something up. It's easy to set up a local account during Windows setup now. You don't even have to be disconnected from the internet.

JAM83 · Jul 31, 2023

TechnoMage2021 said:
I've read this thread several times and every time I go away a talking to myself, and asking "Why? Why? Why?"
WE, or more specifically I have given the secret to a very simple Clean Install several times on this forum and several times on other forums as well.
In no way does that include anything to do with requiring a MS account, or any other MS BS.
Rufus took care of all of that.
I've installed Win-11, time after time, from an install Flash Drive, with NO demands for anything.
That Flash Drive was made by "Rufus" using an ISO from a reputable source.

Then once I have Windows 11 all set up, tweaked and tuned for perfection, I make a Ghost Image of it.
That image file can then be restored to another hard drive (or SSD) and transplanted into another PC.

I'm typing this on a very old Dell Latitude D820 (look it up). It was refurbished and resold by Dell in 2008 with Windows XP on it.
With a little ram upgrade, from 1GB to 2GB, and Win-11 already installed on a new SSD, this OLD Laptop is running Win-11 like a Champ. It's no Gamer, or high performance PC, but it runs good.
It never ceases to amaze me, how the newer OS's, like Win-11 can be transplanted from PC to PC or from desktop to laptop, with narry a whimper. All I had to do, was deinstall a few programs that I had on my desktop, but don't want to use here on this laptop.

I really don't know, if MS has made installing Win-11 difficult or not, because it's certainly not hard for me.
Just give me about an hour and I'll put Win-11 on just about anything.

I wish I could make a video, but that's really not my thing.

I assume you use ISO from MS Website. . If so, how did you set up using Rufus on a flash drive and have it disable certain things, if that's what you are saying?

TechnoMage2021 · Jul 31, 2023

How many times can I say "NO" without sounding like I'm repeating myself.
NO, I do not download the ISO from MS. That is not required!!!
NO, why do you have to ask? We've been talking about Rufus for months, or more.
Rufus is a program that you have to download and install on your PC, that can burn an ISO to a Flash Drive, and in the process take out all the MS BS. It gives you a menu of options, as to what you want it to eliminate. You can even tell it what name you want to use.
Rufus itself is never ON the flash drive. It runs on your computer, to take the ISO and burn it to the FD.
It greatly simplifies the install, by removing all the conditions and stipulations imposed by MS.
I would have thought that all this is common knowledge by now. It should be!

TM

TechnoMage2021 · Jul 31, 2023

Addendum:
Only the latest versions of Rufus, have the ability to strip away the BS from a Windows ISO, so that it will install with the least amount of hate and discontent.
Here is the Options menu from Rufus:

I've found no good reason, to NOT take ALL the options, as shown above.
A year or so ago, we did not have this program and the ability that it gives us, to do a clean, lean and mean install of Windows 11.

Cheers Mates!
TM

MisterEd · Jul 31, 2023

Try3 said:
That still exists. It's still set up in Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Publisher, Options, Save - Save Autorecover every ..., Save to computer by default.

Or have I misunderstood you?

Denis