Can You Still Setup Windows 11 25H2 Without a Microsoft Account in 2025?

Published: 2025 • Summary guide with two working methods to create a local account during Windows 11 25H2 OOBE.

Short answer: Yes — during the initial setup (OOBE) you can still create a local account on Windows 11 25H2 using either a registry-based bypass (temporary internet disconnect required) or a one-command method that creates a local user without restarting. Both methods were tested and found to work. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Key takeaways

• Both classic bypass methods (registry trick and ms-cxh command) still work on Windows 11 25H2 (Home & Pro). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Method 1 uses a registry value named BypassNRO and requires disconnecting from the internet and restarting. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Method 2 uses the command start ms-cxh:localonly — simpler and doesn't require disconnect/restart. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Before you start

These steps only work during the Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) — i.e., while Windows setup is running for the first time. If Windows is already installed, convert the account in Settings instead. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Method 1 — Registry edit + Internet disconnect (works reliably)

Useful when you can temporarily cut network access. Steps summarized below:

1. When you reach the Microsoft account sign-in screen, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt. (On some laptops try Shift + Fn + F10.)
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE

4. Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named BypassNRO and set its value to 1.
5. Disconnect from the internet (unplug Ethernet / disable Wi-Fi / airplane mode) and run:

   shutdown /r /t 1

6. After restart, choose “I don’t have internet” → “Continue with limited setup” and create your local account. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Exact registry name to create: BypassNRO. This is the same registry tweak used by tools like Rufus when removing Microsoft account requirements. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Method 2 — One-command local account creation (recommended)

This is the simpler method and typically the one I recommend:

1. At the Microsoft account sign-in screen press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
2. Type and press Enter:

   start ms-cxh:localonly

3. A window titled Create a user for this PC will open — create your local username and (optionally) password. The setup will skip most Microsoft-account screens. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Troubleshooting

• Shift+F10 not opening: Try Shift+Fn+F10, ensure keys are pressed together, or try multiple times. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Method 2 not working: Re-type the command exactly (start ms-cxh:localonly), watch for stray spaces or typos. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Registry method failing: Confirm the registry path is correct and the DWORD BypassNRO is set to 1. Also confirm the system was fully disconnected before reboot. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

FAQ (short)

Do these methods work on Windows 11 25H2 Pro?

Yes — if they work on Home, they will also work on Pro. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Can I use these after Windows is already installed?

No — these apply only during initial OOBE. After installation, convert your account in Settings → Accounts. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Footer / Attribution

Guide prepared for Your Blog. This summary is an original rewrite based on testing & reporting from Memory's Tech Tips (source). For the full original post, screenshots, and their deeper explanations, see: Windows 11 25H2 Microsoft Account Bypass: 2 Working Methods for Local Accounts. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

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