Windows 11 Insider Build 26220 Removes Local Account Bypass Shortcuts in OOBE

Microsoft’s latest Insider Preview has removed the last easy tricks that let people set up Windows 11 with a purely local account during the Out‑Of‑Box Experience (OOBE), and the resulting round of patches has reignited a familiar cat‑and‑mouse struggle between privacy‑minded users and Microsoft’s push for cloud‑first sign‑ins.

Background​

Windows has long supported two basic account models: local accounts, which store user credentials only on the device, and Microsoft accounts (MSA), which tie a device to an online identity for sync, backup, and cloud services. Since Windows 11’s consumer rollout Microsoft has gradually nudged users toward an MSA‑first setup during OOBE, citing improved security, recovery options, and a smoother service integration experience.
That nudge turned into a firm requirement in recent Insider flights. Microsoft’s formal change — described in the Windows Insider release notes as “Local‑only commands removal” — explicitly states the company is removing “known mechanisms for creating a local account in the Windows Setup experience (OOBE)” because some of those shortcuts “inadvertently skip critical setup screens” and can leave devices improperly configured. The change appears in Dev/Beta channel release notes for Insider Preview Build 26220.6772.
Microsoft’s rationale is straightforward: by steering all consumer OOBE flows through the MSA + internet route, the company can ensure key features are enabled, recovery and security options are registered, and telemetry/diagnostics profiles are consistently applied for support. That benefits Microsoft’s support model, telemetry completeness, and some security scenarios — but it also reduces user choice, particularly for people and organizations that prefer fully offline or local‑only accounts.

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What changed (and when)​

The official change​

• The Windows Insider blog entry for Build 26220.6772 lists two related OOBE items: a small, supported command‑line helper to set the default profile folder name during setup, and the blunt removal of local‑only commands. The release notes say those local‑only commands “were often used to bypass Microsoft account setup” and can “skip critical setup screens.”

The immediate effect​

• Insider testers report that the previously common in‑OOBE shortcuts now either do nothing or reset the setup flow, effectively forcing an MSA + internet path to proceed. Multiple mainstream outlets reproduced the behavior and confirmed the blocking of the two most widely used shortcuts.

A short timeline​

• Early workarounds exposed — users discovered methods during OOBE to force local account creation (e.g., bypass scripts, registry toggles).
• Microsoft removed the convenient bypass script (“bypassnro”) earlier in the year; testers and outlets documented the change and the remaining alternatives.
• A new simple command — start ms‑cxh:localonly — surfaced and spread rapidly.
• The latest Insider Preview (Build 26220.6772) specifically targets and disables these in‑OOBE shortcuts.

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How users were (and are) bypassing Microsoft’s rules​

Several techniques have been used by hobbyists, technicians, refurbishers, and privacy‑conscious users. Some are trivial; others require preconfigured media or more invasive image edits.

The most common methods observed​

• OOBE\bypassnro (script/reg key): The old trick invoked a script (or manually added a registry DWORD) to set a BypassNRO flag under HKLM and reboot OOBE; that flagged setup to offer an offline/local path. Microsoft removed the script file, but the underlying registry key remained accessible until Microsoft explicitly changed that behavior. The manual registry command commonly used was:
• reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
• shutdown /r /t 0
  Security‑minded testers warned that Microsoft could remove lookup for that key in future builds, making the registry hack short‑lived.
• start ms‑cxh:localonly: A one‑line URI command discovered later that, when run from the OOBE command prompt (Shift+F10), opened a legacy dialog allowing local account creation. It spread quickly on social platforms and forums. Microsoft’s recent notes indicate that shortcut is now blocked or causes the setup flow to reset.
• Disconnect + Shift+F10 + commands: A still‑reported (but fragile) method involves disconnecting the PC from the network during OOBE, launching a CMD prompt with Shift+F10, and adding the BypassNRO registry DWORD (or running the two‑line script), then rebooting. This manual registry approach has been tested by users and remains one of the last relatively low‑effort workarounds — but its reliability depends on whether Microsoft continues to honor that registry flag.
• Third‑party USB creators (Rufus and similar tools): Rufus added an option in recent versions to create install media that preconfigures a local account (via an unattend.xml or similar injection). Using such tools, creators can produce media that performs a scripted, unattended install with a local account prepopulated — a method that bypasses the interactive OOBE flow entirely. This approach is more robust because it changes the installation payload, not the running OOBE, but it’s more technical and requires running a third‑party tool to build media.
• Unattended/autounattend.xml: Sysadmins and power users can embed a full unattended answer file into the Windows install USB that automates account creation and other settings. This remains a fully supported deployment technique and is not the sort of in‑OOBE shortcut Microsoft is targeting. It’s the recommended route for managed deployments.

A short, practical walkthrough of the still‑reported manual workaround​

Note: this is described for factual context only. Using hacks to alter Microsoft’s setup behavior may lead to incomplete device configurations and is subject to change or removal in future updates.

• Start Windows setup from USB or ISO.
• When you reach the “Let’s connect you to a network” or similar screen, disable network (unplug Ethernet, turn off Wi‑Fi).
• Press Shift+F10 to open a Command Prompt.
• Run the manual registry add and reboot:
• reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
• shutdown /r /t 0
• After the restart, the OOBE flow may present an offline/local account path. If it does not, Microsoft has likely already disabled this technique on that build — stop and use a supported deployment method.

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Technical analysis: how Microsoft is neutralizing bypasses​

Microsoft’s offensive against local‑account workarounds has three clear technical vectors:

• Remove or neutralize the script/shortcut files that provide easy one‑line bypasses (the removed bypassnro.cmd, and blocking the ms‑cxh URI). That raises the work needed to achieve the same result.
• Alter OOBE behavior to ignore shortcut registry flags or to treat an interrupted OOBE path as incomplete — causing it to reset or crash the setup if the MSA path isn’t completed. The Insider notes explicitly talk about skipping “critical setup screens” when local‑only shortcuts are used.
• Make concessions for specialized flows: Microsoft added a supported command during OOBE that lets a user name their default user folder (SetDefaultUserFolder.cmd) — a narrow choice aimed at mitigating a frequent consumer pain point (auto‑generated profile folder names derived from an MSA email address) without restoring local‑account creation in the consumer OOBE flow. This indicates Microsoft is willing to give limited desktop customizations while maintaining account policy.

These changes are surgical: Microsoft is not trying to remove all ways to create local accounts (enterprise/provisioning/unattend remain supported), but it is deliberately closing off the low‑friction consumer paths that bypass the MSA + internet flow.

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Benefits Microsoft claims for requiring an MSA — and the counterarguments​

Microsoft’s public messaging centers on three benefits:

• Completeness of setup: key settings and recovery options (device backup, BitLocker recovery key handling, Windows Hello, device registration) get configured.
• Security and recovery: with MSA you get cloud recovery and multi‑factor possibilities.
• Support telemetry & policy enforcement: standardized flows simplify support and reduce device misconfiguration at scale.

Common counterarguments from users:

• Privacy: local accounts avoid cloud‑based profiles and reduce linked telemetry or inferred personalization. Many users do not want a permanent cloud anchor on a personal device.
• Autonomy & offline scenarios: some devices are intentionally offline (air‑gapped, lab machines, kiosks) and MSA enrollment is unnecessary or undesirable.
• Control for refurbishers/technicians: small refurbishers, technicians, and privacy‑conscious hobbyists rely on simple OOBE local account creation to streamline installs without custom media.

Microsoft’s response favors safety and support, but that trade‑off costs choice. The new small concession (naming the default user folder) suggests Microsoft is listening to specific pain points while keeping the overall direction intact.

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The community reaction: cat‑and‑mouse and practical consequences​

The reaction among enthusiasts and IT pros has been familiar: frustration from those who prioritize privacy or offline workflows, and a scramble among tinkerers to find methods that remain effective. Social forums and threads show:

• Rapid sharing and testing of any newly discovered shortcut (like start ms‑cxh:localonly).
• Reliance on Rufus and unattended installs for users unwilling to use an MSA; Rufus added explicit options to inject a local account during media creation, which many users view as a pragmatic solution.
• Ongoing debate about whether reliance on hacks is worth the maintenance overhead; many warn that Microsoft can and will close these loopholes.

Practical consequences for ordinary users include increased friction when setting up a new consumer PC, potential confusion if the OOBE resets unexpectedly, and more dependency on tools or corporate imaging to achieve a local account setup.

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Risks of using workarounds​

• Fragility: Microsoft can and has removed scripts, blocked URI handlers, and could ignore registry flags in future builds. A workaround that works today may fail on the next cumulative update.
• Incomplete configuration: Microsoft’s stated reason is legitimate in many cases — bypasses sometimes skip telemetry, recovery, or encryption steps. That can leave a device less resilient or unsupported by automated recovery flows.
• Support & warranty confusion: OEMs and retailers often assume OOBE completes normally; if a device leaves OOBE in an unusual state there may be unforeseen support impacts. This is particularly relevant for refurbished machines or handoffs to third parties.
• Security policy and licensing: for managed environments, using ad‑hoc local account creation rather than supported provisioning can violate organizational deployment rules or complicate management with Intune/Endpoint Manager.

Because of these risks, the only resilient methods for avoiding an MSA long‑term are supported deployment techniques (unattended answer files, provisioning packages, and enterprise image management) or using editions that preserve local account flows (Education, Enterprise, IoT, LTSC).

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What this means for different user groups​

• Home consumers: Expect the interactive setup to favor MSA + internet. If you dislike MSAs, options are to sign in and immediately convert to a local account later, or use prebuilt Rufus/unattend solutions. Be aware this shift increases friction for quick, offline installs.
• Enthusiasts and privacy‑minded users: The cat‑and‑mouse continues, but the durability of hacks is uncertain. Consider building or maintaining a repository of unattended images or use third‑party tools that inject a local account during install.
• IT professionals and system builders: Use supported provisioning (autounattend.xml, MDT, or your standard imaging pipelines). These methods are robust and Microsoft is not targeting them. Enterprises and EDU editions retain more built‑in flexibility.
• Refurbishers and independent technicians: The easiest consumer paths are being removed; plan to adopt unattended imaging or use Rufus‑style media creation to remain efficient and compliant.

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How Microsoft could proceed next​

Microsoft has several options to tighten or loosen the situation:

• Ignore the registry key used by bypassnro entirely (already hinted by testers), which would make the manual registry hack useless.
• Detect and block modified install media that injects local account creation (a harder, more controversial step that would risk breaking legitimate deployments).
• Formalize a supported “consumer offline” flow for users who legitimately need local accounts while preserving the benefits Microsoft cites — a policy compromise similar to the added SetDefaultUserFolder helper.

The likely immediate path is incremental tightening: remove the easy, one‑line shortcuts first (already done), then disable registry or other legacy hooks if necessary.

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Practical recommendations​

• If you need a local account for a device you manage at scale, adopt an unattended answer file or imaging workflow now — it’s the most stable approach.
• If you’re a consumer who wants a local account and you don’t have the skills to create unattended installs, consider:
• Using Rufus (or similar tools) to create media that pre‑configures a local account, understanding that third‑party tooling may change as Microsoft updates its checks.
• Signing in with an MSA during setup and converting to a local account immediately once on the desktop — a clumsy but supported option.
• Avoid relying on fragile shortcuts for critical systems. Document any non‑standard setup so you can reimage if an update breaks the hack.
• Keep installation media current and test installs in a sandbox before deploying to production machines.

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Conclusion​

Microsoft’s change in Windows 11 Insider builds is the clearest statement yet that the company prefers an MSA‑first OOBE for consumer devices. The company has removed simple, in‑OOBE shortcuts—first the bypassnro script and now the ms‑cxh/localonly shortcut—and flagged that it will close other low‑friction routes that skip critical setup steps.
That enforcement reduces the number of casual ways to install Windows 11 with a pure local account, but it does not eliminate technical options for determined users or organizations: unattended installs, provisioning, and edition‑specific flows still work. The practical upshot is simple: for consumers, the easiest path will increasingly be to accept the Microsoft account at setup or to use sanctioned deployment tools; for power users and IT pros, robust unattended methods are the defensible long‑term strategy. Meanwhile, the community will continue to share workarounds — and Microsoft will continue to close the lowest‑friction ones — making this a continuing story about control, privacy, and how modern OS vendors balance supportability against user choice.

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Source: Zoom Bangla News How Windows 11 Users Are Bypassing Microsoft's Local Account Rules

 

[ChatGPT]

Microsoft’s latest Insider Preview removes the last widely used OOBE tricks that let people skip Microsoft account sign-in and finish setup offline, closing a cat‑and‑mouse chapter that has run through multiple Windows 11 preview cycles and sparked heated debate about user choice, privacy, and what Microsoft calls “critical setup screens.”

Background​

Microsoft has steadily nudged consumer Windows 11 installations toward requiring a Microsoft account (MSA) plus network connectivity during the Out‑Of‑Box Experience (OOBE). That effort escalated across 2025: an early bypass script known as BYPASSNRO was neutralized in spring builds, and a later one‑line trick—using the OOBE command prompt to launch a local‑account flow via the URI handler ms‑cxh:localonly—kept the workaround alive until very recently. In the newest Dev Channel preview, Build 26220.6772, Microsoft explicitly removed or neutralized the remaining in‑OOBE mechanisms for creating a local account, finally eliminating the simplest, in‑setup shortcuts that many enthusiasts and technicians relied on.
This change is visible in the Insider release notes and reproduced by multiple outlets and community testers who validated that the Shift+F10 → command prompt tricks either no longer open the offline account dialog or cause OOBE to reset. Microsoft describes the change as preserving setup integrity; critics see service promotion and telemetry nudges behind the move. Both positions are grounded in observable changes to the setup flow.

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Why this matters now​

For years, Windows installations supported a straightforward “offline account” (local user) path. Beginning with consumer‑focused Windows 11 releases Microsoft has moved that experience behind an online gate for most editions, citing recoverability (account‑based profile recovery), device management, and security benefits that come with a connected account. When users discovered one‑off command‑line and registry tricks that resurrected a local‑account path inside OOBE, Microsoft patched most of them — and the cycle continued as new workarounds were published and then closed. Build 26220.6772 is the latest and most comprehensive closure in that cycle.
The practical impact is immediate: a novice user following the OOBE screens on Dev Channel ISOs using the default path will not be able to create a local account without leaving OOBE or using more advanced unattended installation methods. For IT admins and experienced installers, the change mainly raises a question about provisioning workflows and whether to rely on in‑image customizations or supported deployment tools instead of ad‑hoc OOBE shortcuts.

Timeline: how we got here​

March 2025 — BYPASSNRO neutralized​

Early in 2025 Microsoft removed the BYPASSNRO script from preview builds. That script had been the most famous “OOBE bypass” and was widely used by power users to escape the MSA requirement during setup. Once removed, community members started sharing alternate flows and registry edits to restore the behavior temporarily.

Late March–April 2025 — the ms‑cxh trick appears​

A simpler workaround was discovered: at OOBE press Shift+F10 to open a command prompt and run start ms-cxh:localonly, which launched an offline account creation dialog in many preview images. That method briefly allowed OOBE local accounts without reinstalling or modifying images.

October 2025 — comprehensive neutralization in Dev build 26220.6772​

The most recent Dev Channel release removes or neutralizes the remaining mechanisms (including the ms‑cxh URI flow) and replaces the ad‑hoc helper approach with a narrowly scoped supported helper: a SetDefaultUserFolder cmd helper that lets a technician predefine the default C:\Users\<name> folder during OOBE but does not restore an offline‑only, fully local OOBE path. These changes are now shipping to Insiders in the Dev Channel.

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Technical anatomy: how the bypasses worked (and how Microsoft closed them)​

Understanding what was changed requires a short technical primer on the OOBE flow and why a one‑line command could previously open a local‑account dialog.

• The OOBE process is a staged UWP/web‑based experience that coordinates device setup steps: network setup, privacy options, account sign‑in, optional services, and last‑mile configurations.
• Historically, the BYPASSNRO script and similar tools invoked internal setup endpoints or toggled registry flags that forced a different OOBE branch—one that skipped MSA gating and offered a local account prompt.
• The start ms-cxh:localonly trick exploited a registered URI handler inside the system that, when invoked from a privileged command prompt in OOBE, launched an internal flow element for offline account creation. Because OOBE was running elevated and the command prompt was executed during setup, users could trigger that flow without systemic policy changes.

Microsoft’s fix in Build 26220.6772 appears to eliminate or sandbox those internal handlers and remove the script artifacts so that invoking those legacy endpoints from the OOBE command prompt either does nothing, returns an error, or forces OOBE to restart the setup flow. At the same time, Microsoft added a supported helper to address a specific pain point—profile folder names derived from an MSA email address—without reopening the local account path. That modest concession addresses usability issues but does not restore the offline account option inside OOBE.

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Microsoft’s stated rationale — security and user experience​

Microsoft’s official message frames the change as a security and reliability improvement: bypass mechanisms can skip “critical setup screens,” potentially leaving devices in an improperly configured state. This rationale emphasizes supportability (customers with incomplete setups are harder to troubleshoot), Windows recovery and sync features that depend on an MSA, and ensuring system services that expect a connected device are not silently disabled.
There is legitimate technical merit in that argument. Some OOBE screens configure telemetry preferences, privacy controls, device encryption, and account‑linked recovery options. Skipping those screens could leave users without clear defaults for features like OneDrive, Windows Backup, or device encryption key escrow. For enterprise and managed environments, having a consistent, account‑mediated state simplifies remote management and conditional access.
However, the “critical screens” defense does not fully address why certain promotional screens—offers for Microsoft 365, Xbox services, or feature prompts—are bundled into the OOBE path that now becomes mandatory. Many users note that the screens they are forced through are often marketing or telemetry‑related rather than strictly configuration critical, which is the heart of the user‑choice critique. That tension fuels a lot of the community backlash.

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Community reaction: privacy, choice, and the cat‑and‑mouse game​

The reaction from Windows power users and privacy‑conscious communities has been immediate and vocal. The consensus themes are:

• Loss of choice: Many users want to manage accounts locally for privacy or multi‑user household reasons. Removing an accessible offline OOBE path reduces that option.
• Privacy concerns: Requiring an MSA at setup naturally increases the chances a device is linked to cloud services and telemetry. Skeptics worry about data collection and cross‑service linkage.
• Workarounds persist: Enthusiasts can still use supported deployment tools (unattended XML, answer files, imaging, or in‑image provisioning) to create local accounts, and advanced offline installers or third‑party tooling can preseed a system image to avoid the in‑OOBE restriction. Those methods, however, require extra effort and technical skill, which many see as an unfair burden.

A recurring community point: Microsoft’s incremental tightening means the average user who once relied on a simple Shift+F10 trick must now learn or accept more complex procedures or move to managed installation paths. That increases friction for enthusiasts, system builders, and local IT shops that have historically used the OOBE console for quick, offline user creation.

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Enterprise and admin implications​

For organizations and IT pros, the change is less dramatic but still noteworthy:

• Enterprise and Education editions retain supported paths for account provisioning, domain join, Autopilot, and imaging with preseeded local or domain accounts. These channels were always the recommended way to deploy Windows at scale.
• Small businesses, technicians, and field service teams that used quick OOBE shortcuts may need to adjust. The supported alternative is to use provisioning packages, unattended answer files (unattend.xml), or Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)/Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM) to preconfigure accounts and policy. Those methods are robust and auditable but require more setup.
• If the change eventually rolls out beyond Dev Channel to Release Preview and GA builds, organizations that maintain custom recovery ISOs or refurbish hardware will want to validate their images and update documentation for field technicians. Microsoft’s Release Preview guidance suggests 25H2 was already distributed via Release Preview in late August, and Dev updates like this are targeted to Insiders first, so admins should watch the Windows Insider blog and test images in lab environments.

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Workarounds and why they’re fragile​

There are three broad alternatives for users who need a local account at setup:

1. Use supported deployment tools — answer files, MDT, or image‑based installs that precreate local accounts.
2. Create a local account after completing OOBE with a Microsoft account, then convert or add a local account and unlink the MSA (not ideal for those who never want an MSA tied to the device).
3. Use third‑party or community ISOs that modify the image before OOBE so the offline path is available.

Each approach has drawbacks. Unattended and image methods require administrative skill and raise concerns about staying current with Windows Update and driver provisioning. Converting the account post‑OOBE can leave traces of an MSA link (user folder names, synced settings), and using modified ISOs creates support and security risks. Microsoft’s move deliberately makes the quick in‑OOBE trick unavailable, pushing users toward the more formal provisioning options above.
Caveat: the exact behavior can vary by channel and build. Some techniques still worked in certain Release Preview images historically, which underlines how this has been an iterative patching process across channels. Users relying on any workaround should test against the precise build they intend to deploy.

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Risks and tradeoffs — a balanced assessment​

• Benefits Microsoft cites:
  • Consistent setup state: fewer misconfigured devices and simpler support paths.
  • Recovery and sync: MSA allows cloud recovery options and settings sync for users.
  • Security posture: MSA enables device linkages that can facilitate passwordless sign‑in, multi‑factor enforcement, and faster account recovery.
• Real user costs:
  • Reduced privacy options: requiring online sign‑in increases cloud linkage by default.
  • Increased complexity for hobbyists and SMBs: supported alternatives are more complex than the old trick.
  • Perception of forced promotion: bundling subscription offers and service upsells into a mandatory flow fuels distrust.
• Technical risk vector:
  • If Microsoft mislabels a promotional screen as “critical setup,” forcing users through it undermines the legitimacy of the security argument and risks regulatory scrutiny in jurisdictions sensitive to consumer choice and data privacy. Conversely, leaving known bypasses available could produce a support burden from partially configured devices. The tradeoff is both technical and political.

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Practical recommendations​

For everyday users​

• If you prefer a local account, plan for post‑install steps: complete OOBE with an MSA if required, then create a local account and remove the MSA link (and rename the user folder if you want to avoid an email‑derived folder name). Expect some synced defaults to remain unless cleaned manually.

For system builders and technicians​

• Move to supported provisioning: create an unattended answer file, use MDT/MDT Lite, or preseed images with the local account already created. This provides repeatability and avoids unsupported hacks during OOBE. Test your image on the exact target build before broad deployment.

For enterprise admins​

• Continue using Autopilot, Group Policy, Intune, or MECM for device provisioning. Validate that your enrollment policies account for the updated OOBE behavior and that your IT documentation reflects the new Insider changes. If you support non‑domain consumer devices, document and train staff on the supported workaround paths.

For privacy‑conscious users​

• If avoiding an MSA is a strict requirement, consider installing a Linux or alternate OS on devices intended to remain fully offline. Otherwise, ensure you understand what data sharing and telemetry options are selected during and after OOBE.

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What to watch next​

• Channel rollout: changes in the Dev Channel often presage similar updates in Beta or Release Preview, but timelines vary. Monitor the Windows Insider blog and your chosen channel’s release notes to confirm when and whether these changes arrive in GA builds.
• New supported tooling: Microsoft may expand official provisioning helpers for technicians. The addition of SetDefaultUserFolder is an example of a narrow concession; watch for further administrative tools that balance choice and supportability.
• Community responses: expect updated utilities, scripts, or imaging tools from the community. Those will remain a moving target as Microsoft patches the immediate OOBE entry points. Testing and caution are essential for anyone who relies on community workarounds.

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Conclusion​

Microsoft’s removal of the remaining OOBE local‑account tricks in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6772 is the most decisive step yet in the company’s long march toward an “account‑first” consumer setup model. The change closes simple in‑setup bypasses that allowed immediate local account creation but does not eliminate the technical ability to create local accounts via supported provisioning, image customization, or post‑setup conversion. The tradeoffs are clear: Microsoft gains a more consistent and potentially supportable setup baseline, while users lose a low‑friction route to local accounts and offline installs.
For power users and system administrators the practical takeaway is to move away from ad‑hoc OOBE hacks and adopt supported provisioning methods. For everyday users the shift means a potentially tighter link between a new device and Microsoft’s cloud services from the moment of first sign‑in. The debate about whether that tradeoff is worth it will continue, but the message from Microsoft is also clear: the future consumer OOBE experience will be account‑centric, and the days of simple in‑OOBE local account shortcuts appear to be ending.

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Source: ExtremeTech Microsoft Closes Local Account Loopholes in Latest Windows 11 Preview Build