Windows 11 Home OOBE Error Lets Users Create Local Accounts Again

A new workaround reportedly allows users installing Windows 11 Home to create a local account despite the operating system’s current requirement for a Microsoft account during the out-of-box experience (OOBE). The method was identified by Windows enthusiast BobPony and involves selecting the “Learn More” hyperlink displayed beneath the Microsoft account sign-in text. According to the report, the link unexpectedly takes users directly to the local-account creation screen instead of displaying additional information.

The behaviour appears to result from an OOBE error. Normally, OOBE retrieves the linked content online and should provide an option to return to setup, but the hyperlink instead redirects to the local-account page. Earlier workarounds, including `OOBE\BYPASSNRO`, registry changes, `start ms-cxh:localonly` and the use of a bogus account such as `no@thankyou.com`, have reportedly been removed or made ineffective across Windows 11 updates.

The workaround is not described as a security vulnerability or evidence of unauthorised access; it affects the account requirement during a fresh Windows 11 Home installation. Microsoft could reportedly close it by changing the OOBE backend behaviour, meaning its availability may be temporary.