Microsoft Removes Bypass Script in Windows 11 Preview, Enforcing Online Setup
Microsoft has taken a firm stance in its latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5516 by removing the bypassnro.cmd script, effectively closing a loophole that allowed users to install Windows 11 without internet access or a Microsoft Account.
Announced on March 28, 2025, this update marks a significant shift in Microsoft's approach to user onboarding and account management. The bypassnro.cmd script had become a widely used workaround for those who preferred to set up Windows with a local account instead of linking their installation to Microsoft’s cloud-based services.
The removal, according to Microsoft aims to “enhance security and user experience,” ensuring that all users complete setup with an internet connection and a Microsoft Account. This aligns with the company’s broader strategy of fostering a more integrated Windows ecosystem with synchronized settings, Microsoft 365 services, and enhanced security features like two-factor authentication.
Impact of the Change
By eliminating this script, Microsoft has made Microsoft Account sign-in mandatory during installation, unless new community-driven workarounds emerge. Security experts suggest that this move reinforces Microsoft's push for a more unified identity system across its platforms and services.
For enterprise users, the change raises concerns about automated deployment workflows, as IT administrators often rely on tools that create standardized Windows images without requiring individual Microsoft Account authentication. How this update will affect enterprise installations remains to be seen.
Currently, this change applies only to the Dev Channel build 26200.5516, based on the upcoming Windows 11 version 24H2. As Microsoft continues refining its OS, this update signals a stronger commitment to enforcing connected account requirements ahead of the official release.
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