Only if you store your key with Microsoft, which is not required or the default if you're using a local account which I assume most privacy sensitive people are.
Unfortunately Microsoft keeps working to destroy that option and force consumers to make a remote account. [0][1] Their consistent moves towards wanting to co-own my computer were one of the many last-straws that made me migrate everything to Linux this year.
> Local-only commands removal: We are removing known mechanisms for creating a local account in the Windows Setup experience (OOBE). While these mechanisms were often used to bypass Microsoft account setup, they also inadvertently skip critical setup screens, potentially causing users to exit OOBE with a device that is not fully configured for use. Users will need to complete OOBE with internet and a Microsoft account, to ensure device is setup correctly.
[0] https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2025/10/06/announc...
[1] https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/10/07/microsoft-confirms-...
Also this: https://www.techspot.com/news/112410-security-researcher-mic...
> are local accounts even a thing any more?
Rufus for install + Win11Debloat post-install is a nearly effortless way to get an ad-free, local only Win 11 install that persists through updates which removes pretty much all notorious Win 11 pain points (plus additional customization if desired).
I've been doing it for years and so reading Windows 11 complaints on HN always feels like they're coming from a strange parallel universe since I never have to deal with any of it.
and the actually supported workarounds have disappeared, last I saw - bypassnro and disabling internet both failed completely for me, the last time I tried. maybe they have come back (it has intermittently failed in the past and come back), but they're very clearly doing more to remove it than they did a year+ ago when bypassnro worked easily and consistently.