For years, savvy users found ways to install Windows without creating a Microsoft account. But that’s about to change.
In its latest update, Microsoft is officially shutting down one of the last workarounds that allowed users to bypass the online account requirement—especially for the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11.
So what’s changing, and what does it mean for Kenyan users setting up new laptops or PCs? Let’s break it down.
What’s the Loophole?
Until now, you could do this trick during Windows 11 setup:
Turn off your internet connection
Choose “I don’t have internet” or “Limited setup”
Boom—create a local account and skip the Microsoft sign-in
But in the latest Windows 11 builds (starting with Build 25905 and above), this option is disappearing. If you try to disconnect from the internet during setup, you’ll just get stuck.
Why Is Microsoft Doing This?
Microsoft says the shift is about:
✅ Enhancing cloud-based services
✅ Making it easier to sync devices
✅ Improving security through unified login
But let’s be real—it’s also about:
❌ Pushing people deeper into the Microsoft ecosystem
❌ Tracking usage across devices
❌ Selling subscriptions like Microsoft 365
What Are Your Options Now?
With the loophole gone, here’s what you can do:
1. Use a Microsoft Account
The official route. If you don’t have one, you’ll be forced to create one during setup.
2. Create a Temporary Account (Advanced users)
Some users still create throwaway accounts during setup and delete them later after switching to a local account—but this is becoming harder with every update.
3. Use Enterprise or Education Editions
These versions still allow local account setup—but they’re not available to regular users without volume licenses.
What This Means for Kenyan PC Users
This move might not seem like a big deal—until you realize:
- Students in remote areas with limited internet access may be blocked during setup
- Cybercafés and repair shops will need to adapt their installation processes
- Users with privacy concerns lose an easy way to stay off the grid
Is There a Workaround?
As of now, advanced users are testing scripts and third-party tools to force local account creation during setup. But Microsoft could patch these methods in future updates.
Our take? Microsoft is tightening control—and casual users will have fewer ways to avoid it.
Final Thoughts
The golden age of setting up Windows offline with a simple local account is officially over—at least for most users.
While Microsoft argues it’s for your benefit, it’s clear that this shift is more about data, control, and ecosystem lock-in.
If you’re buying a new Windows 11 device in 2025, be ready to create that Microsoft account.
