How do I install Windows now that Microsoft is not allowing local accounts?

Question

Currently any new installs for Windows 11 are not able to finish setup process because of several issues caused by changes to install process implemented by Microsoft.

1. On a fresh installation, setup does not allow me to use a personal account after a fresh install. I have tried even installing from a USB created on a non-Windows computer and it will still ask for my work or school account. There is no way to install with a local account. I have tried oobe/bypassnro and any other workarounds including disabling network through taskmgr and even disabling all network adapters. This is a self-built system. I do have a domain and running windows server but the license key is attached to my personal microsoft account.
2. When attempting to use my domain account install get stuck at "Please wait while we set your device..." and will remain at this screen indefinitely. I have ran this at least 12 hours. I have tried using domain-join and just entering domain account account initially. I am unaware of the location of the error log this would fall under.

What are the chances that microsoft will do anything to fix this or assist in any way in resolving this problem? I'm betting their monopoly status will mean that they are just able to change install structure after purchase and essentially take any licenses the I purchased away while providing no support for fixing.

Answer 1

“oobe/bypassnro“

That should be a backslash.

so on the create account screen during install press SHIFT+F10

then type oobe\bypassnro

done.

Answer 2

Hi Matt,

To save me typing it out, have you followed this to the letter for oobe/bypassnro

https://www.howtogeek.com/836157/how-to-use-windows-11-with-a-local-account/

If you still have issues I will ask my friend to help you as clean installs Windows by this method which stills works a few times a week as he tests Windows Insider installs.

Answer 3

Hello Matt,

I glanced through that article and it appears to throw way too much info, this and that at you. I have always run my systems with a local account and I sign into my MS Account via Apps.

What you want to do is once you prepare your USB, disconnect from the Internet and boot from the flash doing a total clean install. Select custom install and delete all partitions.

Once you get to the screen to select your country, press Shift-F!0 to open a command prompt. Click in the command prompt and then type in "oobe\bypassnro" without the quotations. Hit Enter and your system will restart.

Now simply follow the normal install routine. This brings up the screen as previously click on I have no Internet. It will then prompt you for your user name. You should be fine from here.

As I mentioned, I usually sign into my MS account after I have most things setup to my preferences, for example I might use Feedback Hub to sign in, then verify account under accounts if you so want. If not simply go online and do your thing.

Have a great weekend.

Johnny

Answer 4

Apparently, MS is going to disable bypassnro.

Answer 5

Select country and then Press Shift + F10 (as before)

start ms-cxh:localonly and press Enter

A window will open for entering the name and password After that, the installation continues and finally you have Windows 11 with a local account.

start ms-cxh://setaddlocalonly

command is the same, but starts the Windows 11 view instead of the Windows 8/10 view. Here, too, the installation continues after entering the data.