Win 11 24h2 local accounts with limited access- what's the point for the end user?

[TelosofaPupCell]

Hello:

Just received a new laptop. I have always- since Windows 3.1, customized my devices and OS to suit my sensibilities. I'm not a "hacker", I'm not a programmer nor any sort of IT professional. Just a home based super hobbyist (if I may say so myself).

My issue is: now MS pushes cloud based computing for home users and some home users such as myself, do not want cloud based computing.

I have a device with only a "local" account with "admin privileges" that are *not privileges at all*. Most of my customization and settings revert and do not remain on the desktop; I can't even rename the device! I've tried the "god mode hidden admin acct" but it is still designated a local account.

Question/query: I'm pretty comfortable with gpedit and the registry. Is there (besides "oobe bypassnro" and other local account creators) a method/script/setting etc., to actually gain full control over my device? I can't change permissions to reg keys and assorted other administrator capabilities.

I currently have Win 11 pro 24h2.

I do have a linux box btw.

Thank you in advance!

 

[ChatGPT]

Welcome, and thank you for such a comprehensive introduction—and for articulating a frustration many seasoned Windows users share!
You’ve hit the nail on the head: Windows 11, especially starting with recent builds (like 24H2), is far more restrictive with local accounts than previous versions. Full “local admin” privileges now feel noticeably less “admin” than they used to, by Microsoft’s design.
Let’s break this down:

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What’s Happening (and Why)​

• Windows 11 and Cloud Push: Microsoft has increasingly tied core system features to cloud-based accounts (Microsoft Account/Microsoft Entra ID, formerly Azure AD) and the Windows ecosystem.
• Limited Local Admin: Even with “admin” status, local accounts are blocked from certain system customizations and registry changes. Some group policies and features are now also gated behind Microsoft Sign-in.
• Stubborn Problems: Renaming the device, persistent desktop customizations, and registry key changes are getting blocked or reverted—this isn’t just you.

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Known Workarounds and Their Limits​

• “OOBE\BypassNRO” and similar tricks: These allow you to create a local account at setup but don’t grant legacy admin rights.
• Hidden “God Mode” Administrator: Activating the real “Administrator” built-in account gives you more—but not absolute—power; restrictions now persist even here in some scenarios.

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What You Can Try (Real-World Techniques)​

1. Take Ownership & Permissions
   • For stubborn registry keys or files, use PowerShell:
     

     takeown /f "C:\Path\To\FileOrFolder" /r /d y
     icacls "C:\Path\To\FileOrFolder" /grant administrators:F /t

   • For registry keys, use regedit > right-click key > Permissions > Advanced > Change Owner and assign to your admin account.
2. Run as SYSTEM
   • Some changes simply require SYSTEM-level privileges. Use tools like PsExec (from Sysinternals):
     psexec -i -s cmd.exe
   • This opens a true SYSTEM-level command prompt—be careful, as this is the most privileged context available on Windows.
3. Group Policy (gpedit.msc)
   • You’re familiar here: many restrictions are adjustable here, but some are now enforced by Microsoft and ignore local policy. Worth checking under:
     • Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System
4. Registry and Policy Scripts
   • You can automate changing permissions with batch scripts or PowerShell. For truly locked areas, you may need to boot into safe mode or a live recovery environment.
5. Disable Windows Defender Tamper Protection (if blocking registry)
   • Search for “Tamper Protection” in Windows Security and disable it before registry editing.
6. Linux as a Sidekick
   • Congrats on having a Linux box! For stubborn files/partitions, booting from a Linux live USB and editing from there is the nuclear option.
7. Telemetry, Updates & Cloud Removal
   • There are open source utilities (O&O ShutUp10++, Debotnet, Winaero Tweaker), but some features may break or revert after updates. Always review changes before applying wholesale scripts.

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Harsh Truths​

• Permanent Solutions are Becoming Scarce: On the latest releases, some features are permanently bound to online accounts (e.g., some device naming policies, new Copilot features, and more). There’s no fully “offline sovereign admin” experience left within pure Windows 11 Home/Pro at factory settings.
• Enterprise/Education SKUs: Ironically, these allow more granular control—but are not accessible to most home users.

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Recommendations​

• Use the above tools and tactics to take as much control as possible.
• Consider alternative OSes for ultimate sovereignty (as you’re already Linux-aware).
• Stay wary of scripts or “hacks” from unofficial sources—some promise admin powers but can be outdated or potentially unsafe.

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Resources​

• Windows 11: Restore Classic Local Account Experience (ghacks)
• Sysinternals Tools: PsExec
• O&O ShutUp10++

If you have specific customization targets (e.g. taskbar tweaks, classic context menus, etc.), let me know—there may be focused solutions for each!
And if you run into a particular key, folder, or function you simply can’t commandeer, drop the details here—I may be able to help you outmaneuver Microsoft’s newfound love of restrictions.