Windows 11 Microsoft Account Bypass: New Method (Works with Internet!)

Microsoft continues to make it increasingly difficult to create a local account during the Windows 11 setup process. If you’ve tried to install Windows 11 recently, you’ve probably noticed that Microsoft strongly pushes you to sign in with a Microsoft account. While previous bypass methods required registry edits, disconnecting from the internet, and restarting your computer, I’m excited to share a newly discovered, much simpler method that works even with an active internet connection. This straightforward command-line trick will save you time and frustration when setting up Windows 11.

Key Takeaways

• A new, simple command (start ms-cxh:localonly) allows you to bypass the Microsoft account requirement during Windows 11 setup.
• This Windows 11 local account bypass works even with an active internet connection, unlike previous methods.
• The method works on all Windows 11 editions, including Home and Pro versions, and has been tested on Windows 11 24H2.

Requirements

• A computer with Windows 11 in the setup process
• Access to the keyboard during Windows 11 installation
• Basic ability to type a command in Command Prompt

Why Bypass Microsoft Account in Windows 11?

While Microsoft accounts offer certain benefits like syncing settings across devices and access to Microsoft services, many users prefer local accounts for various reasons:

• Enhanced privacy by not linking your computer usage to an online account
• No dependency on internet connectivity or Microsoft’s servers
• Simplified login process without online authentication
• Better control over your personal data
• Useful for shared computers, test environments, or systems with limited internet access

The New Windows 11 Local Account Bypass Method

This new method was discovered by @witherornot1337 on X and is significantly easier than previous approaches. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Opening Command Prompt During Setup

The first step is to access the Command Prompt during the Windows 11 out-of-box experience:

1. Proceed through the Windows 11 setup until you reach the Microsoft account sign-in screen
2. Press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt (on desktop computers)
3. On laptops, you may need to press Shift + Fn + F10 instead

Tip: If you can’t get the Command Prompt to open on a laptop, try connecting an external keyboard and pressing Shift + F10 on that keyboard instead.

Executing the Bypass Command

Once the Command Prompt window is open:

1. Type the following command exactly as shown:

start ms-cxh:localonly

2. Press Enter to execute the command

After executing this command, a new window will open allowing you to create a local user account directly, completely bypassing the Microsoft account requirement.

Creating Your Local Account

In the new window that appears:

1. Enter your desired username
2. Optionally set a password (you can leave this blank if you don’t want password protection)
3. Click Continue

The setup will then proceed through the normal configuration screens, including privacy settings, and take you directly to your new local account desktop when complete.

Verifying Your Local Account

To confirm that you’ve successfully created a local account:

1. Once at the desktop, open Settings (press Windows key + I)
2. Go to Accounts
3. You should see your account listed as a local account, not a Microsoft account

Alternative Method: Registry Bypass (Backup Method)

If for some reason the command method doesn’t work for you, there’s still the registry method that has worked reliably in the past:

Registry Method Steps

1. At the Microsoft account screen, press Shift + F10 (or Shift + Fn + F10 on laptops) to open Command Prompt
2. Type these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

ipconfig /release

3. Close the Command Prompt window
4. Click “Back” on the Microsoft account screen
5. Follow the prompts to create your local account
6. To reconnect to the internet after setup, restart your PC or run ipconfig /renew in an admin Command Prompt

Note: If the back button doesn’t appear after using the registry method, disconnect from the Internet/WiFi, run shutdown /r /t 0 in Command Prompt, and choose “I don’t have an internet connection” when the setup process restarts.

Which Windows 11 Versions Require This Bypass?

This Windows 11 local account bypass is primarily needed for:

• Windows 11 Home (all variants, including Single Language)
• Windows 11 Pro

Other versions like Windows 11 Enterprise typically don’t force Microsoft account creation, but these methods should still work on those editions if needed.

Conclusion

The new command-line method for bypassing Microsoft account requirements in Windows 11 is a game-changer. It’s significantly simpler than previous methods, works with an active internet connection, and takes just seconds to execute. Whether you’re setting up a new PC, reinstalling Windows, or helping someone else with their computer, this trick will save you time and give you more control over your Windows experience.

I’ve created a printable infographic (seen above) with both methods that you can download from Gumroad. It’s perfect for keeping handy or sharing with friends and colleagues who might need this information.

Have you tried this new bypass method? Let me know in the comments how it worked for you!

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does this Windows 11 local account bypass method work on all versions of Windows 11?

Yes, this method works on all versions of Windows 11, including Home and Pro editions. It has been specifically tested on Windows 11 24H2 Home Single Language edition, which is commonly pre-installed on consumer laptops.

Will Microsoft patch this bypass method in future updates?

It’s possible that Microsoft may patch this method in future Windows updates, as they have done with previous bypass methods. However, as of now (April 2025), this method works reliably on the latest Windows 11 versions.

Do I need to disconnect from the internet to use this bypass method?

No, that’s the beauty of this new method! Unlike previous bypass techniques, this command works even when you’re connected to the internet during Windows 11 setup.

What if I can’t open Command Prompt with Shift+F10 on my laptop?

On many laptops, you need to press Shift+Fn+F10 instead, as the function keys may have alternate functions by default. If that still doesn’t work, try connecting an external USB keyboard and pressing Shift+F10 on that keyboard.

Is it legal to bypass the Microsoft account requirement in Windows 11?

Yes, it’s completely legal to create a local account on your Windows 11 computer. Microsoft provides these options within Windows itself, though they make them increasingly difficult to access. This method simply uses built-in Windows functionality to access the local account creation screen.