🚫 Windows 11: Microsoft Removes OOBE\BYPASSNRO – Here's the New Local Account Workaround

Microsoft continues its push to force online accounts during the Windows 11 setup process by disabling the well-known OOBE\BYPASSNRO.cmd method. But don’t worry — a new workaround has surfaced, thanks to YouTuber NetworkTecho.

Here’s how you can still create a local account in Windows 11 setup without internet access or Microsoft login.

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🧭 Step-by-Step: New Local Account Bypass (2025)

🔹 1. Begin Windows 11 Setup

• Boot into the Windows 11 installer.

• Select your Region and Keyboard layout as prompted.

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🔹 2. Stop at the Secondary Keyboard Layout Screen

• When asked to “Add a second keyboard layout,” DO NOT click Skip.

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🔹 3. Open Developer Console

• Press Ctrl + Shift + J

• The screen will dim and show a black developer console at the top-left corner (> prompt).

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🔹 4. Enter Restart Command

Type this case-sensitive command:

WinJS.Application.restart("ms-cxh://LOCALONLY")

🔸 Pro Tips:

• After typing WinJS.A, press Tab to autocomplete to Application.

• After typing res, press Tab to autocomplete to restart.

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🔹 5. Exit Developer Console

• Press Enter to run the command.

• Then press Esc to close the console.
  (If Esc doesn't work, click on the screen to refocus, then try again.)

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🔹 6. Local Account Setup

• The setup will refresh.

• Now, you’ll see the Windows 10-style local account screen.

• Enter:

  • Username

  • Password (optional)

  • Security questions

• Click Next.

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🔹 7. Complete Windows 11 Setup

• Setup will resume.

• After a black screen, you’ll be logged into your new local account.

• Finalize privacy settings, and you’re good to go!

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✅ Summary

🧱 What Changed	❌ Microsoft removed OOBE\BYPASSNRO.cmd
🔓 New Bypass	WinJS.Application.restart("ms-cxh://LOCALONLY") via dev console
🧑 No MS Account	You can still set up a local account (as of May 2025)

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🧠 Why It Matters

• Great for privacy-conscious users

• Avoid telemetry and online login requirements

• Useful in offline setups and enterprise deployments

📌 Bookmark this guide — Microsoft may change this again in the future, but for now, it works!