Since its release in October 2021, Windows 11 has been a controversial entry in Microsoft's operating system lineup. Like its predecessors Windows 8 and Vista, the new version has faced criticism from users. However, as the end of support date for Windows 10, October 14, 2025, approaches, users are starting to turn to Windows 11, as Windows 10 is still in the pipeline.
In recent months, Windows 11 has gained significant traction in the desktop market. It has been challenging Windows 10's dominance and rapidly losing its market share. The success marks an important milestone for Microsoft, but the company is still keen to refine its strategies. In this case, Microsoft is now looking to further expand its user base by making Microsoft account sign-ups mandatory during installation.
A new twist on setup
The early stages of Windows 11 haven't always been smooth sailing. Its strict hardware requirements, integrated ads, and privacy concerns over the recall feature have sparked complaints from users. However, one particular requirement introduced with the 22H2 version—the provision that setup cannot be completed without an internet connection and a Microsoft account—has created even more controversy.
Previously, users were able to bypass this requirement via a script called "bypassnro.cmd", which allowed installation without an online connection. But in the latest preview build (26200.5516), Microsoft has taken steps to close this loophole. The company describes this as a move to "improve security and the user experience." As a result, new users will no longer be able to set up Windows 11 without an internet connection and a Microsoft account, which completely eliminates the offline installation option.
Setback for users
This change is currently in preview and will soon be rolled out through Windows Insider testing. It won’t affect users who have previously used bypass methods, but it will be a challenge for new installations. However, there are still some workarounds available—for example, the bypass option can be reactivated via a registry command. However, Microsoft may close this loophole in future updates.
Windows 11’s morning in the market
According to recent data, Windows 11 has seen significant growth in desktop market share, which is now over 42%, while Windows 10 still leads with 54%. With Windows 10 support still less than a year away, businesses and individual users are more likely to switch to Windows 11.
Microsoft is trying to capitalize on this opportunity and pull users into its online ecosystem. The goal seems to be to promote cloud services like OneDrive and Copilot through a Microsoft account. However, this forced approach may provoke mixed reactions from users—some may see it as a convenience, while others may see it as a hindrance. The future of Windows 11 will depend on this balance Explore
The evolution of Windows 11 from a controversial beginning to becoming a strong operating system has been an interesting journey. While Microsoft is succeeding in expanding its user base, its latest decisions carry the risk of restricting user freedom, which could spark more debate in the future.