The party’s over: Installing Windows 11 will require an Internet connection

Well, it was fun while it lasted. After a few years of letting it slide, Microsoft is removing workarounds that let you install Windows 11 without an Internet connection or a Microsoft account.

The change is currently in beta, but you won’t be able to get Windows 11 without having a Microsoft account. Previously, you could avoid the setup screens you typically see in paid Windows installations.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased technical content and lab reviews. Add CNET As Google’s preferred source.

The Windows Insider Program is led by Amanda Langowski he said in a blog post on Monday that these setup screens — called the Windows Setup Experience (or “Out of the Box”) — are critical during installation.

“While these mechanisms are often used to bypass Microsoft account setup, they also inadvertently skip important setup screens, potentially causing users to exit OOBE with a device that is not fully configured for use,” Langowski said.

Several months ago, Microsoft disabled the “bypassnro command”, with which people could install Windows 11 without connecting to the Internet or having a Microsoft account. This week’s revisions also remove the “start ms-cxh:localonly” command, which helped people install the operating system locally. It’s pretty much the final step in eliminating the ability to install Windows 11 offline.

More from CNET: Windows 11 Home vs. Windows 11 Pro: Which version do you need? | How to install Windows 11

on subreddit r/Windows11/it was there Live discussion – With both pros and cons – about Microsoft’s changes. One Reddit user called the changes “very frustrating,” and another commented, “If Microsoft wants to collect our data, don’t let them.”

However, some Redditers defended Windows 11 updates. One of them pointed out that when there is a new version of Windows, people hate it until they love it. One commented: “Why is everyone so mad about this, but it’s perfectly fine to sign in to your Google or Apple account on your phone?”

A Microsoft representative did not immediately respond to a request for further comment.