New Method Found to Bypass Microsoft Account Requirement During Windows 11 Installation

A new method has been discovered that allows users to bypass the requirement to create a Microsoft account when installing Windows 11. This method involves clicking on a small text link labeled "En savoir plus" ("Learn more" in English), which appears under the Microsoft account input field during the initial setup of a new PC. Unlike previous workarounds, this approach does not require the use of command prompts, third-party software, or fake Microsoft accounts. Instead, it directly allows users to create a local account, which is not tied to a Microsoft account. This method currently applies to Windows 11 Home, the version most commonly used on consumer PCs. It comes at a time when Microsoft has been actively closing other loopholes that allowed users to skip the Microsoft account requirement. For example, a previously used script known as oobe\bypassnro is no longer functional, and the command start ms-cxh:localonly has stopped working on newer versions of Windows 11. The process to use this method is straightforward. Users begin the installation normally, selecting language, keyboard, and network settings. When they reach the screen that asks to connect to a Microsoft account, clicking on the "En savoir plus" link will redirect them to the local account creation screen. From there, users can enter a username, password, and security questions to complete the setup. Creating a local account can be beneficial for users who prioritize privacy. It avoids features like advertisements for Microsoft 365, automatic OneDrive synchronization, and BitLocker encryption, which are enabled by default when using a Microsoft account. Additionally, it gives users more control over their system's drivers and update settings. However, this method is not considered a bug but rather a likely coding error that Microsoft can fix at any time with an update to the OOBE (Out-of-Box Experience), the first-time setup assistant. The issue arises from a link that was intended to lead to a help page but mistakenly redirects to the local account creation screen.