Microsoft has closed the simplest known loophole that let people set up Windows 11 without signing into a Microsoft account. The trick involved clicking a "Learn More" link during the out-of-box experience, which would jump directly to a local account creation screen. The Register confirmed the trick worked on real Intel hardware before, but it no longer does.
The removal was done server-side, according to Windows enthusiast Bob Pony, who first documented the bypass. That means the change applies without a system update. Microsoft requires a Microsoft account for Windows 11 Home and Pro during personal setup, and services like OneDrive depend on authentication.
Other methods to skip the account requirement still exist, but they rely on unofficial Windows setup routes and are beyond the skill set of the average user. The Register notes that many Linux distributions do not require an account, but Microsoft is far from alone among OS vendors in demanding one. For now, Microsoft has won this round of the account workaround game.