Windows 11 23H2 install with local account

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[Evit]

I’ve always used a local account for initial setup and install of Windows but it doesn’t seem to be an option in W11 windows 11 Pro 23H2 installer any longer. It doesn’t give me any option to say I have no Internet. Seems like all the options of the following no longer work in my testing:

Using a blocked email such as no@thankyou.com or a@a.com

Using SHIFT + F10 and then OOBE\BYPASSNRO

I’ve not tried the Rufus method with this version but I’m wondering what others have found works for setup w/ a local account.

Thanks!

 

• This topic was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by Evit.

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John

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I just did three fresh installs the last couple weeks using Using SHIFT + F10 and then OOBE\BYPASSNRO and it worked fine. Did one yesterday too.

Just remembered I also used the no@thankyou.com while playing around a couple weeks ago and it worked.

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With cable connected or disconnected?  I’ve tried both with the latest installer as of today and it is not working.

Still no, option for “have no internet”

Was that on Windows 11 23H2 PRO?

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Did it with LAN disconnected and clicked I don’t have internet when offered wireless connection. Created the installer with MCT. Think I created it around 12/29 and posted about it here https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/23h2-installing-on-i7-6700-with-no-bypass/

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Ugh, figured it out. Looks like WHEN you run the OOBE command matters. I was running it when it got to Network Settings and not in Country/Region selection.

Wouldn’t it be great if MSFT products just offered the options that users asked for? I don’t recall having asked for their cloud up in my business EVER.

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John

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Thank you so much Evit, you were right! Just run the OOBE\BYPASSNRO when you are in the Region screen! It worked for me! Thank you again!

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have encountered this issue with the most current version of Windows 11 Pro, created via USB from the Microsoft Creation Boot Tool. Although the release date is still 23H2, there was a release on February 3, 2024. Even if you have an older but newer version, this issue persists. It’s worth noting the date of your download to narrow down the version. As a tech enthusiast, I used the same USB boot on both Lenovo and HP laptops and encountered the same problem. Previously, Shift + F10 worked reliably, some said try Shift + Ctrl + F10 but now, Microsoft seems to be pushing everyone towards online accounts only.

After scouring several forums, I found others facing the same issue with no resolution. I reached out to Microsoft support, given our company’s support license. However, they seemed to be following a script, insisting it should work despite evidence to the contrary. On another call, a different representative mentioned an internal document (KB) indicating that this feature was disabled and only allowed on enterprise and education versions. However, the reason for its removal from other versions remained unclear.

To address this, we need to find an old version of the web somewhere and keep a local copy. The bypassnro process, which is post-install, is crucial. Once completed, the device still receives all necessary updates for the system that are already live.

After three failed attempts on brand-name computers, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, I tried twice on a custom rig and virtual, without success. The process to install Windows 11 editions involves installing Windows 10 as usual, followed by a Windows PC health install with the Windows 11 assistant. This method works flawlessly and does not require bypassnro since Windows 10 already has the user account and security questions in place. After logging in, I manually create another admin account, delete the original one along with its security questions, and reinstall Windows 11. This process ensures smooth functionality and updates.

This is the current workaround since bypassnro is not functional. If you have an older version that works, I recommend keeping it. Microsoft’s post notes on versions lack information on this removal, which can be frustrating. I hope this information proves helpful to everyone. If I find a proper version, I’ll report and share the link to my Dropbox so everyone can have it like I share all the MacOS Versions that Apple hides away.

Dan

Apple iOS MacOS Genius
SifuTechs

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PL1

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I will once again do the no@thank you and prove it still works.

 

in a business setting Microsoft wants you to get a entra account.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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John, PL1

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If it still works for you, please share which specific version it works on so i can look for that old image / iso to keep on hand

 

Thanks

Dan

Apple ios macos genius sifutechs

Thank you,

Dan
Apple iOS MacOS Genius, Sifu Techs

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I put in no@thankyou.com with any password.  It says the account was locked and for me to try again.  I get that screen.  I hit try again – again the try again button came up.  I did it three times and it went on with the install with a local account/no password.  It still works with the no@thankyou.com trick.  Windows 11 home .

Download Windows 11 (microsoft.com)  I went there and downloaded the “Windows 11 disk image iso for x64 multi edition (link at the bottom of the page)

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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BTW I stayed connected to the Internet the entire time.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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Local account

Local admin

No password

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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John, PL1

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Interesting solution I found…. as I just ran into this new change today as well.

Had never heard of the OOBE option, but have been using the no@thankyou.com since Win11 came out…

After trying everything above – to no avail – on a win11pro fresh install… I yanked the network cable, and it suddenly just took away the “login to your account online”, and asked me for a local login name.

I bet… microsoft got embarassed by the no@thankyou option, and just reverted to the Win10 way…

in any case – only had the cable unplugged long enough to type in “Default” as the username, and no password (I’ll use SysPrep later to reset for customer), and then plugged it back in.

And… all is well.

Andrew

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I find that it IS working but it’s important WHEN you run the command. Make sure you do it when you get to the Network Settings and it should work. As I said previously:

Looks like WHEN you run the OOBE command matters. I was running it when it got to Network Settings and not in Country/Region selection.

You can also use Rufus https://rufus.ie/en/ which will let you create a local user as detailed here ~> https://github.com/pbatard/rufus/wiki/FAQ#user-content-Help_I_dont_see_the_option_to_bypass_the_need_for_a_Microsoft_account_with_Windows_11

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John, mvpjjf

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Legend. TY for sharing. Very useful…

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How Setup New Laptop for ONLY Local Account ?
9/2023 new HP Laptop with WIN 11 Pro 22H2, did setup to Local Account only.
Used the steps : Turn On -> in OOBE … “Let’s connect you to a Network” ->
Connect to WiFi Network -> does UpDates … “How Set Up Device” -> Personal Use ->
“Unlock your Microsoft Experience” -> SHIFT+F10 -> WiFi Off -> BACK -> back in OOBE :
“Oops, you’ve lost Internet connection” -> RETRY -> “Let’s connect you to a Network” ->
SHIFT+F10 -> … oobe\bypassnro -> Restarts -> back at OOBE start -> …
“Let’s connect you to a Network” -> Click On, “I don’t have Internet” ->
“Connect now to Quickly get started on your device” -> Click On, “Continue with Limited Setup” ->
IS the Local Account setup … done = Success!

9/2024 2nd new HP Laptop with WIN 11 Pro 23H2 / 24H2.
Want to setup with same results = Local Account only.
Reading online articles and Forum posts; appears that first steps above will no longer work ?
Question are there any “bad effects” to using the “Work and School” steps :
Will not connect to any organization network; just use the Laptop as if was “Personal Use” setup.
NO MSA needed.

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The Rufus program recommended by Evit in https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/windows-11-23h2-install-with-local-account/#post-2640751 worked for me.

This was an uncommon situation. I rebuilt an old PC with new motherboard, CPU, etc. and a Win11Pro OEM license with DVD. Neither the motherboard nor the DVD contained any drivers for Ethernet or WiFi, but I had to download the drivers from the mb’s support site. Catch22: can’t load the drivers without installing Windows, but can’t install Windows without a working internet connection. None of the other workarounds mentioned in this thread worked. I finally stumbled on a mention of Rufus, which has a simple option to suppress the MS account requirement. My administrator account is still a local one, which hasn’t caused any problems.

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John, satrow

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I used the Rufus approach a few weeks ago and it was really simple. Checked every box except one I think. New build. Clean install. Local only. Yes, you need to have your mobo’s drivers at the ready – I have a separate partition that I use for things like that. Had it for decades. Makes upgrades and installs child’s play.

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PL1, TechTango

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