Mandatory Microsoft Account may soon be gone as even Windows 11 makers hate it

You are not the only one who wishes Windows 11 had an easy way to set it up with a local account. People who make Windows 11 share your sentiment.

Earlier this week, Microsoft announced a set of big changes coming soon to Windows 11 in an effort to regain consumer trust. Some of those changes include the ability to move the taskbar, less annoying Windows Update, performance improvements, and plenty more. One thing remains unchanged, though, and it is the mandatory Microsoft Account during the setup.

While Microsoft has not shared anything about this matter, one of the company's engineers who helps in developing upcoming improvements shared his opinion on it, and it is a pretty strong one.

Scott Hanselmann, a Microsoft VP who is working on fixing Windows 11, replied to one of the users on X who asked about removing forced Microsoft Accounts during the initial Windows 11 setup. It is a common complaint among users, who often want to set up Windows 11 offline and with a local profile. In reply, Scott said that he "hate(s) that" and he is "working on it."

Does that mean that Windows 11 will soon get rid of all the roadblocks that prevent users from using local profiles? It could be possible, but you have to keep in mind that we won't see any change until Windows bosses decide to allow it. However, it is good to see engineers engaging with the community and even sharing their views on different things. Microsoft now wants everyone to know that it hears user feedback and many of those requests will soon materialize.

Until Microsoft decides to fix the mandatory Microsoft Account Requirements, users have to rely on various bypasses and tricks, such as the OOBE\bypassnro command or tools like Rufus.

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Posted Sunday 22 March 2026 at 5:48 am AEST (my time).

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