Windows 11 is closing a loophole that let you skip making a Microsoft account
1 min read
Summary
In its Windows 11 Insider Preview, Microsoft has confirmed it will remove the ‘bypassnro.cmd’ script, which allows users to bypass setting up a device with a Microsoft account.
The company claims the change has been made to enhance security and the user experience.
The removal of the script will ensure all users set up their devices with internet connectivity and a Microsoft account, but it also reduces the ease with which business and secondary users can initiate set up without needing to link to an account.
While the command is now disabled in the latest beta build, it is possible to reactivate it with a registry edit during the initial set up process.
However, Microsoft has not guaranteed how long this solution will be available, and is continuing to make it harder for users to install Windows 11 on older devices or upgrade to the OS from Windows 10.