Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 5 hrs ago
Microsoft closes a Windows 11 setup shortcut for avoiding an account
Microsoft has closed a shortcut that let people avoid signing in to a Microsoft account while setting up Windows 11.
It affected the initial setup of Windows 11 Home and Pro for personal use.
Previously, clicking “Learn More” at the account prompt took users to a screen where they could enter a name and password instead.
The shortcut has reportedly been disabled through a server-side change.
Microsoft requires an account during setup, and some services, including OneDrive, require users to sign in.
Other unofficial workarounds still exist, but they are more difficult for average users, and another bypass could emerge.
Microsoft has closed a shortcut that let users avoid a Microsoft account during setup of consumer versions of Windows 11.
Clicking “Learn More” at the account prompt previously took users to a screen where they could enter a name and password.
The loophole was reportedly patched on Microsoft’s servers, and the shortcut no longer worked when The Register tested it on Intel hardware.
Other workarounds remain, but The Register says they are more involved and may be beyond the skills of average users.
Microsoft requires an account during initial setup of Windows 11 Home and Pro for personal use.
- Who
- Microsoft closed the shortcut; Windows users had used it to avoid an account during setup.
- What
- The “Learn More” link no longer bypasses the Microsoft account prompt.
- When
- The Register reported the change on 2026-10-12.
- Where
- During setup of consumer versions of Windows 11.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Clicking “Learn More” at the Microsoft account prompt let users proceed to enter a name and password.
The Register reported that the shortcut had been patched and no longer worked in its test.
- Affected setup
- Consumer versions of Windows 11
- Required account
- Windows 11 Home and Pro for personal use
- Former shortcut
- Clicking “Learn More” at the Microsoft account prompt
- Reported patch method
- Server-side
- Test hardware
- Intel hardware
What people are saying
quietly patched server side
Sources
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