Windows 11 is closing a loophole that let you skip making a Microsoft account

The Verge - Mar 28th, 2025
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Microsoft is intensifying its requirements for Windows 11 by eliminating the bypass script that allowed users to set up a new PC without connecting to the internet or using a Microsoft account. This change, currently in the Windows 11 Insider Preview, aims to enhance security and user experience by ensuring all users complete setup with an internet connection and a registered Microsoft Account. The company has already disabled the bypassnro command in the latest beta and plans to implement this in production versions soon. While some workarounds exist, such as registry edits and automation scripts, their longevity is uncertain as Microsoft may soon close these gaps as well.

This move by Microsoft is part of a broader strategy to encourage users to adopt Windows 11 and move away from Windows 10, which will no longer receive support after October. The company is also enforcing stricter hardware requirements, like TPM 2.0 support, and has stopped allowing installations using old product keys. This approach has implications for users who prefer to maintain older systems or are reluctant to create Microsoft accounts, potentially impacting individuals and businesses that frequently set up new devices. Microsoft's focus on security and user experience reflects its ongoing efforts to streamline and control the Windows ecosystem, influencing how users interact with their devices and the company's services.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The news story presents a timely and relevant topic concerning changes in Microsoft's Windows 11 setup process, focusing on the removal of a bypass script that allowed users to avoid linking their devices to a Microsoft account. The article is generally accurate in its reporting, although it lacks direct sources and could benefit from more transparency in its sourcing. It provides a balanced view by discussing both the security rationale behind Microsoft's decision and the potential inconvenience to users, although it could include more diverse perspectives to enhance balance.

The story is well-structured and clear, making it accessible to a broad audience, but it could improve readability by explaining technical terms more thoroughly. While the topic is of significant public interest and has the potential to influence user opinions, the article's impact is somewhat limited by its lack of depth in exploring the broader implications of Microsoft's strategy. Overall, the story effectively informs readers about important changes in Windows 11 but could enhance its engagement and impact by incorporating more detailed analysis and diverse viewpoints.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article accurately reports Microsoft's decision to remove the bypassnro script from the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview, which aligns with the claims that Microsoft is enhancing security and user experience by requiring internet connectivity and a Microsoft account during setup. The story correctly identifies the existing workarounds, such as the registry edit and unattended.xml method, which are still viable for now. However, it lacks detailed evidence or direct quotes from official Microsoft sources, which could strengthen its claims. Additionally, the article's mention of Microsoft pushing users away from Windows 10 is accurate, as support for Windows 10 is ending soon. The story's factual accuracy is generally sound, though it could benefit from additional verification of Microsoft's long-term plans regarding these changes.

7
Balance

The article presents a largely balanced view by discussing both the rationale behind Microsoft's decision—citing security improvements—and the potential inconvenience to users who prefer not to link their devices to a Microsoft account. However, it leans slightly towards highlighting the challenges users face without providing a comprehensive view of the potential benefits of Microsoft's security enhancements. The story could improve by including perspectives from users or IT professionals who might support Microsoft's decision for security reasons. Overall, while the article attempts to cover multiple angles, it could better balance the negative and positive aspects of the changes.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, providing a straightforward explanation of the changes Microsoft is implementing and their implications for users. The language is accessible, and the article logically progresses from explaining the changes to discussing potential workarounds and the broader context of Microsoft's strategy. However, the story could benefit from more detailed explanations of technical terms, such as 'bypassnro command' or 'unattended.xml,' to ensure complete understanding by a non-technical audience.

6
Source quality

The article references Windows Central and other indirect sources to support its claims, but it lacks direct quotes or statements from Microsoft officials, which would enhance its credibility. The reliance on secondary sources means the information might not be as authoritative as it could be if it included primary sources. The story would benefit from a more diverse range of sources, such as expert opinions or direct statements from Microsoft, to provide a more robust and reliable account of the events.

6
Transparency

The article does not clearly disclose its sources or the methodology behind its claims, which affects transparency. The lack of direct citations or links to official Microsoft announcements or statements makes it difficult for readers to verify the information independently. While the story provides some context about the changes and their implications, it could improve by explicitly detailing the sources of its information and any potential biases or conflicts of interest that might influence its reporting.

Sources

  1. https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/want-to-install-windows-11-without-linking-it-to-a-microsoft-account-it-just-got-harder-to-do-this-sadly-but-its-still-possible
  2. https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/microsoft-will-force-windows-11-installs-to-use-a-microsoft-account-confirms-removal-of-popular-setup-bypass
  3. https://windowsforum.com/threads/windows-11-insider-preview-end-of-bypass-for-microsoft-account-requirement.358509/
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvQXRNXQ6rY
  5. https://www.xda-developers.com/microsoft-cracks-down-windows-11-microsoft-accounts/