New Windows 11 build tightens Microsoft account requirement, but a workaround still exists

The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5516 introduces changes to the operating system's setup process, pushing more users towards using a Microsoft account. This move is part of Microsoft's ongoing effort to force Microsoft accounts into the Windows 11 experience, a decision that has faced resistance from users preferring local accounts.

In an official blog post, Microsoft announced the removal of the bypassnro.cmd script, a tool previously used to bypass the Microsoft account requirement. The company cites enhanced security and improved user experience as the primary reasons for this change, emphasizing the need for internet connectivity during setup.

Despite these changes, users have discovered a new workaround. On X, user Wither OrNot shows that by pressing Shift + F10 at the Windows 11 booting screen and entering start ms-cxh:localonly into the command line, users can complete the installation offline without a Microsoft account. However, given Microsoft's history of closing such loopholes, further updates may be expected to address this workaround.