{
  "id": 13985471,
  "title": "Windows 11's easiest account bypass gets the Microsoft boot",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/windows-11s-easiest-account-bypass-gets-the-microsoft-boot-13985471",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-12T14:56:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Register",
    "slug": "the-register",
    "url": "https://www.theregister.com/os-platforms/2026/10/12/windows-11s-easiest-account-bypass-gets-the-microsoft-boot/5302643"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Microsoft has patched a loophole that allowed users to bypass the need for a Microsoft account during the setup of consumer versions of Windows 11. Bob Pony, a Microsoft prodder who discovered the loophole, reported its removal. The original workaround involved clicking the \"Learn More\" link during the setup process, which would skip directly to the point where users only had to enter their name and password. However, this method is no longer effective. While other potential hacks may still exist, they are likely beyond the capabilities of the average user. In order to set up Windows 11 Home and Pro for personal use, Microsoft requires a Microsoft account. For consumers, using Windows 11 without an account can be challenging as services like OneDrive require authentication. Microsoft's decision to patch this loophole appears to be a proactive measure, as it was likely to be discovered and exploited by users. Despite this round of account workaround being eliminated, Microsoft has not claimed victory over all account bypass attempts.",
  "summary": "'Learn More' shortcut to local setup reportedly patched server-side, leaving users with more involved workarounds",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Register Science",
        "title": "Windows 11's easiest account bypass gets the Microsoft boot",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/windows-11s-easiest-account-bypass-gets-the-microsoft-boot",
        "published": "2026-10-12T14:56:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}