Windows 11 without a MS Acct

Bree · Oct 11, 2024

jimbo45 said:
I don't think the Internet connection though can be bypassed -- at least not via the OOBE screens. Again there might be some hack.

The OOBE\BypassNRO.cmd script is no hack. It's supplied by Microsoft. It works for both Home and Pro to restore the hidden OOBE option to skip connecting to the Internet. It works, I have used it many times for both Home and Pro, up to and including 24H2.

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...

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jimbo45 · Oct 11, 2024

Bree said:
The OOBE\BypassNRO.cmd script is no hack. It's supplied by Microsoft. It works for both Home and Pro to restore the hidden OOBE option to skip connecting to the Internet. It works, I have used it many times for both Home and Pro, up to and including 24H2.

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

Good to know --thanks -- although not sure why the Internet thing is so important - Without connection to the Net Windows really isn't of much use in a domestic environment unless in a tightly controlled work environment and these days thats usually 0r increasingly done by cloud servers / Virtual Desktop Infrastructure.

Cheers
jimbo

Bree · Oct 11, 2024

jimbo45 said:
Good to know --thanks -- although not sure why the Internet thing is so important - Without connection to the Net Windows really isn't of much use in a domestic environment....

It's only necessary to stay disconnected until you have set up your first account in OOBE as a local account. If you connect it will try to force an MS account on you. Once OOBE setup is complete you can connect. Windows won't force you to switch to an MS account (though it will keep suggesting that you do so).

antspants · Oct 11, 2024

In my opinion: The way I see it, you may as well sign in the first time with a Microsoft Account and switch to a Local Account when you’re ready.

I could almost guarantee, again in my opinion, you’re going to want one eventually even if only temporarily.
Switching back and forth between them is as easy as the tutorials in here.

There are benefits to a Local Account
There are benefits to a Microsoft Account

You’re not hard set into either.

Switch to Local Account from Microsoft Account in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to switch to a local account from a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 11 with instead. You can sign in to Windows 11 with a local account or a Microsoft account. However, you can easily switch between using a local account or a Microsoft account to sign in...

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Switch to Microsoft Account from Local Account in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to switch to a Microsoft account from a local account to sign in to Windows 11 with instead. You can sign in to Windows 11 with a local account or a Microsoft account. However, you can easily switch between using a local account or a Microsoft account to sign in...

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Bree · Oct 11, 2024

antspants said:
In my opinion: The way I see it, you may as well sign in the first time with a Microsoft Account and switch to a Local Account when you’re ready.

I could almost guarantee, again in my opinion, you’re going to want one eventually even if only temporarily.
Switching back and forth between them is as easy as the tutorials in here.

In my opinion you're better off choosing a local account first, even if you intend to switch it to a Microsoft Account permanently. The reason is all about the name of your user folder, it's always set to be the same as the name of your account. If you want to choose any meaningful name then you can only do so when creating a local account. With a Microsoft Account you will be stuck with using the first 5 character of your email address.

The OP didn't want an MS account in any shape or form. I agree that an MS account can be useful. I use one myself for OneDrive, the Store, etc. without switching my local account to an MS account.

Add Microsoft account to Local account for Hybrid account in Windows 11

A Microsoft account (MSA) is a good choice if a user wants to use the same account on multiple devices, or wants to make it easy to use all / any Microsoft services. Setting up a preinstalled Windows 10 on a new device, after a clean install, or creating a new user on existing Windows...

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antspants · Oct 11, 2024

Bree said:
The reason is all about the name of your user folder, it's always set to be the same as the name of your account.

Sure, I get that, but if I was unfortunate enough to have to have had my name taken at Microsoft, I’d of just registered an account called [email protected] it’s still only going to be using the first 5 letters which is my name or of my full name, which is still my name.
And as in this case where it’s seeming more like being a throw-away account only for the purpose of a Microsoft Account sinto-xyz1234 is fine.

Chicken or the egg either way really I suppose.

But in the future, if having to reinstall: Regardless of what I have read, entering an email address is by far easier when installing Windows. And I’d bet it wont be long before they do away with local accounts entirely unless an LTSC install? Maybe?

Bree · Oct 11, 2024

antspants said:
I’d bet it wont be long before they do away with local accounts entirely....

I doubt that, local accounts should be here to stay. After all, the built-in Administrator account has to be a local account.

antspants · Oct 11, 2024

That’s assuming there will be admin accounts. Windows will evolve in the no so distant future to be no different than something like IOS. That’s my prediction.

Bree · Oct 11, 2024

antspants said:
Windows will evolve in the no so distant future to be no different than something like IOS. That’s my prediction.

The next version after 24H2 is currently in early stages of development in the Insider Canary Channel - it still has local accounts

OAT · Oct 11, 2024

antspants said:
That’s assuming there will be admin accounts. Windows will evolve in the no so distant future to be no different than something like IOS. That’s my prediction.

I wouldn't be so sure and It would not be my prediction at all.

"Administrator Protection is an upcoming platform security feature in Windows 11, which aims to protect free floating admin rights for administrator users allowing them to still perform all admin functions with just-in-time admin privileges."

Enable or Disable Administrator Protection for Admin Approval Mode in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable Administrator Protection for admin approval mode elevations in Windows 11. Starting with Windows 11 build 26220.7961 (Beta 25H2) and build 26300.7965 (Dev 25H2), Administrator protection is being gradually re-enabled and aims to protect free...

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TairikuOkami · Oct 11, 2024

THISisMyUzrName said:
1. Can a local account actually be assigned FULL adminstrative privileges?

You can use an elevated (hidden) admin account, it will give you SYSTEM rights.

Enable or Disable Built-in Administrator Account in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable the built-in Administrator account in Windows 11. Windows 11 includes a hidden built-in Administrator account that serves as the local system administrator with elevated rights by default without needing Run as administrator or UAC (User...

www.elevenforum.com

THISisMyUzrName said:
2. In other words, will the data collection, ads, tracking, etc by MS be thwarted?

No, but your sent data will be "anonymized", though without MSA you will have no control over it.

If you do not care about security nor privacy, then local account is the way to go, but it will introduce you to a world of pain. As said, regardless of which account you choose, you will be tracked, but MS account gives you some control as required per privacy laws.

antspants · Oct 11, 2024

Bree said:
The next version after 24H2 is currently in early stages of development in the Insider Canary Channel - it still has local accounts

And? How does that strengthen the argument for a local account as supposed to Microsoft account? Or the argument re the chicken or the egg?

If the only argument to using a local account first is having a cool username, I’m not sure we’re getting anywhere here?
And like I mentioned, for me, sinto-Oi812@ still created the user folder, sinto. name-1234@ still creates the user folder, name

I can change my name on my Microsoft account to Freddy Kruger Gates and that’s what will show to represent my Microsoft account.
The email address and the users name, we all blockout in public anyway

Really, I don’t think it matters, local first MS Account first. I’m really only commenting for the argument of what’s easiest.

Windows 11 without a MS Acct

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