When setting up Windows 11, Microsoft requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account – on both Home and Pro. For company devices this is often unwanted: the computer should belong to a local or company account, not to the private account of whoever happens to set it up.
Many people still know the old shortcuts. They no longer work: Microsoft removed the oobe\bypassnro script in 2025, and the start ms-cxh:localonly command has been blocked since Windows 11 25H2. Here is the current state.
As of September 2026, Windows 11 24H2/25H2. Microsoft changes the setup regularly. Test the method on one device before a larger rollout.
Method 1: create an installation stick with Rufus (recommended)
The free tool Rufus creates a bootable USB stick from the official Windows image and can remove the account requirement directly. It is currently the most reliable method because it works on the installation media rather than on a command during setup.
- Download the official Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft.
- Download Rufus from the official website
rufus.ieand start it. - Select the USB stick (at least 8 GB) and the ISO, then click Start.
- In the dialog, enable “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account” and optionally enter a local user name.
- Install from the stick. Windows creates the local account without asking for a Microsoft account.
Method 2: answer file (autounattend.xml) – ideal for businesses
Microsoft itself supports unattended installations for businesses. A file named autounattend.xml in the root of the installation stick answers the setup questions automatically – including local account, language, keyboard and time zone.
- Benefit: every device is set up identically, saving a lot of time across several workstations.
- The file can be created with online generators or with Windows System Image Manager from the Windows ADK.
- Caution: a plain-text password does not belong on a stick lying around. Change the password after setup.
Method 3: registry entry during setup (not future-proof)
Only the script was removed, not the registry switch behind it. In many 25H2 installations, setting the value manually still works:
- Start setup without a network cable or Wi-Fi.
- On the country selection screen, press Shift + F10 (on laptops possibly Shift + Fn + F10).
- Enter in the command prompt:
reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
shutdown /r /t 0- After the restart, “I don’t have internet” appears again, followed by the option to create a local account.
Don’t rely on it: Microsoft likes to block exactly these switches with the next feature update. Practical tip: if no feature updates are offered after installation, delete the BypassNRO value from the registry again.
Method 4: switch to a local account afterwards
If Windows is already set up with a Microsoft account, you don’t need to reinstall. Under Settings › Accounts › Your info › Sign in with a local account instead you switch officially, without any trick. Programs and files are kept.
What to keep in mind without a Microsoft account
- Back up the BitLocker key. With a Microsoft account, the recovery key is stored online automatically. With a local account you must store it safely yourself – otherwise you lock yourself out in case of a fault.
- OneDrive and settings sync are unavailable or need to be signed in separately.
- Free Store apps can still be installed without signing in.
And in a company?
For company devices, a local account is usually just an intermediate step. The cleaner approach is joining Active Directory or Microsoft Entra ID: users sign in with their company account, policies and updates are managed centrally, and the device stays with the company when someone leaves.
We set up new workstations completely – with an answer file, clean documentation and a secured BitLocker key. More under workplace, remote work & telephony.
Frequently asked questions
Does oobe\bypassnro still work?
No. Microsoft removed the script from setup in 2025. The underlying registry value can still be set manually in many installations, but that is not future-proof.
Is installing with Rufus legal and safe?
Yes, as long as you use the official ISO from Microsoft and Rufus from its official website. Rufus only changes setup settings, not Windows itself. You still need a valid licence.
Can I link a Microsoft account later?
Yes. Under Settings › Accounts › Your info you can switch to a Microsoft account at any time.
What is the best approach for several company devices?
An answer file (autounattend.xml) for an identical base installation, followed by joining Active Directory or Entra ID.
