Microsoft’s Attempt to Eliminate BYPASSNRO Raises Concerns
As March drew to a close, Microsoft clearly signaled its intention to phase out the BYPASSNRO workaround, which enables users to bypass the need for internet connectivity and Microsoft Account sign-ins during Windows installation. Fortunately, a new method for bypassing these requirements has since surfaced, including an official solution, and the trusty Rufus tool remains effective.
User Concerns Over Internet Connectivity
The move has ignited a debate among users, especially regarding scenarios where internet access is nonexistent. Reader tHE_uKER posed a thought-provoking question about the practicality of this approach for those whose PCs may never connect to the internet, prompting a lively discussion.
the_weeks
What about PCs that don’t have and will never have internet connectivity?
Is that not a legitimate use case now?
leonsk29
Good point. It seems that they now want you to pay for an Enterprise WeU license if that’s the case. And what about if the Internet is down or not available for some reason at the time of installing? Someone at Microsoft is being very stupid right now.
Ghost Phantom
You can log into your account with the internet down.
leonsk29
Into what account if Microsoft doesn’t let you use a local one? This is so confusing and stupid…
neufuse
But you can’t set up a computer that will never have the internet… and don’t give me that “everyone has the internet”excuse… sometimes you have situations where computers will never and I mean never be on the internet. I know we have a few use cases at work where we forbid specific systems from ever being network connected… and no we don’t use enterprise edition anywhere in our business, it’s a waste of money for all you get for our use cases.
Frustration with the Windows 11 Installation Process
Further amplifying the dissatisfaction, another user, C:Amie, shared their main reason for utilizing the BYPASSNRO command during the Windows 11 installation:
Well that sucks. It wouldn’t be so bad if tied to a Microsoft account if we didn’t have to sit there and wait for the system to install some stupid update for 20 mins before we can log into the profile. That’s one of the main reasons I skip it.
Having forked out for 11 Pro (£120), you then have to fork out more than double that to get to the Enterprise WeU. Volume Licensing only starts to become sensible at over 15 device licenses, something that a lot of small businesses don’t qualify for. Finally, if you want to use any of the functionality from Enterprise, you need to buy a Domain controller (which they seem to be moving towards deprecating) or pay £35/mo + VAT per device for InTune (which mandates an internet connection).
And oddly enough, the only way to activate Enterprise offline is with a KMS server (minimum £1500).
At the time of this writing, C:Amie’s remarks had garnered 112 upvotes, indicating a significant level of support for these concerns. The discussion on these issues opened last month and continues to evolve.
Calls for Optional Account Requirement
In a recent comment, user Nathan S suggested a more user-friendly alternative:
It should not be removed. What if people wish to not have a Microsoft account? Let it be optional, perhaps add a skip account button even when connected to the internet. It’s fine to persuade someone, but not to force them, as this feels anti-consumer and suggests a desire for control over users.
However, this entry might not be easily visible in search results, which could mean some users miss it.You can find the entry here if you wish to upvote or share your personal feedback.
What’s Next for BYPASSNRO?
The discontinuation of BYPASSNRO is currently undergoing testing, and Microsoft is expected to consider user feedback before finalizing their plans. This represents a crucial opportunity for users to communicate their concerns, as the feature edges closer to general availability. So far, however, there has been no official statement from Microsoft addressing these issues.
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