Overview

• Insider Preview Build 26220.6772 in the Dev and Beta channels removes “local-only” commands, disabling oobe\bypassnro and start ms-cxh:localonly during setup.
• Microsoft now requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account to complete the Windows 11 out-of-box experience in these test builds.
• Independent tests report prior workarounds either have no effect or reset OOBE to the network gate, preventing local-account setup during installation.
• Microsoft says the enforcement applies to direct, unmanaged installs, with managed enterprise deployments not affected.
• Workarounds still reported include signing in then switching to a local account, Rufus ISO modifications, unattended installs, or Pro’s domain-join path, though these are more technical and could be targeted in future releases.