Windows 11 has made it increasingly difficult to set up a local account during installation, pushing users toward Microsoft accounts for cloud integration. However, a newly discovered command-line trick allows users to bypass this requirement and retain their privacy.

Why Microsoft Pushes for Online Accounts

Microsoft has been gradually phasing out local accounts in favor of Microsoft accounts across Windows 11 installations. This shift enables:
- Seamless synchronization across devices
- Access to Microsoft 365 and OneDrive
- Enhanced security features like Windows Hello
- Personalized experiences through cloud data

While these features benefit many users, privacy-conscious individuals and enterprise environments often prefer local accounts for greater control over their systems.

The Command-Line Bypass Method

During Windows 11 setup (22H2 or later), when prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account:

  1. Press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
OOBE\BYPASSNRO
  1. The system will reboot automatically
  2. Upon restart, you'll see a new "I don't have internet" option
  3. Select this option to proceed with local account creation

How This Trick Works

The command triggers a hidden network rollback operation (NRO) that:
- Temporarily disables network connectivity requirements
- Forces the setup to offer offline account creation
- Doesn't modify system files or violate EULA
- Works on both Home and Pro editions

Alternative Methods for Different Scenarios

For Existing Installations:

  1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info
  2. Click "Sign in with a local account instead"
  3. Follow the migration prompts

Registry Editor Method (Advanced Users):

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE]
"BypassNRO"=dword:00000001

Important Considerations

  • Some features like Windows Hello PIN login require Microsoft accounts
  • Certain Store apps may have limited functionality
  • Enterprise environments should use proper provisioning packages
  • Future updates may close this loophole

Why Users Prefer Local Accounts

  • Privacy: No forced data synchronization
  • Control: Complete ownership of credentials
  • Security: Reduced attack surface
  • Compliance: Meets certain regulatory requirements
  • Performance: Less background synchronization activity

Microsoft's Stance on Local Accounts

While Microsoft hasn't officially acknowledged this bypass method, their continued efforts to hide local account options suggest they view cloud integration as essential to the Windows 11 experience. However, they maintain that:
- Local accounts remain supported for certain scenarios
- Enterprise editions retain easier local account options
- Some features will always require Microsoft accounts

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the command doesn't work:
- Ensure you're using the latest Windows 11 version
- Try connecting to Wi-Fi first before running the command
- Verify your keyboard's function keys are working properly
- Some OEM installations may have modified setup behavior

The Future of Local Accounts in Windows

As Microsoft continues its cloud-first strategy, experts predict:
- Increasingly obscure local account options
- More features tied to Microsoft accounts
- Possible complete removal in consumer editions
- Continued availability in enterprise environments

For now, this command-line trick provides a valuable workaround for users who value privacy and control over cloud convenience.