It’s so backward for an OS to have an internet connection and a Microsoft account to simply startup your own computer. Everyone should know how to bypass it: Disconnect your net connection, Shift+F10, type "OOBE/BYPASSNRO, hit enter, restart. Write it into user’s manual/quick start guide so every user knows how to do it.
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The guide suggests the use of Rufus or other tools that have options which allow you to bypass network requirements when making your Windows install USB. They also mention to select those options while making your USB.
To be fair, OP is talking about the quick start guide, which does not have such information. Users that buy pre-installed Windows might not see other guides. I won’t comment on whether I agree about including this information in the quick-start guide, but it’s definitely not there right now.
Users that buy preinstalled Windows will also have the drivers preinstalled. The instructions on using Rufus exist to work around the official Windows media not having the right WiFi drivers and users therefore being unable to progress through OOBE.
I do not believe Framework is making a statement about requiring a Microsoft account during OOBE, so there would be no reason to help users of prebuilt machines shipped with Windows to avoid it.
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It could be added at the end of the Quick Start Guide, many users that buy Windows Pre installed want to use an offline account, they simply can’t/don’t know how due to how Microsoft enforces it on Windows 11.
Framework can’t ship laptops with “modified Windows” that would be the case if they shipped the same modification Rufus does, it would be against the TOS, but there would be no problem in noting in the guide even if it is on a PS. that the requirement of online connection and Microsoft account can be bypassed doing “X”
I wouldn’t say put it everywhere, even inside the box, that can probably annoy Microsoft and maybe remove the OOBE/bypassnro.
But a side note on the quick start guide, may be appreciated
As of December 2024 and using a Framework 13 with pre-installed Windows 11 Home, this work-around no longer works, even when going into command prompt (F10 on Framework 13 is “airplane mode”).
Is there a new or different work around to use Framework 13 with pre-installed Windows 11 offline?
Lack of offline computer use makes Framework a substandard laptop, and it prevents troubleshooting Wi-Fi connection problems. This morning, Framework would not connect to a good Wi-Fi that a Pixel 6 connected to easily.
Yes it does.
Hit fn+F10 or enable fn lock by hitting fn+esc before pressing F10.
Please open a new thread in the community support category for troubleshooting if you are experiencing WiFi issues.
I’ll try fn+F10. The original instructions say shift + F10. These should be two different actions. So, apparently the Fn key is not functioning as neither method of activating an Fn# works.
Specifically, it should be Shift+Fn+F10.
There are two modes for the Fn key. Either it is on by default (Fn lock) or off by default.
If Fn lock is on, you can press Shift+F10.
Otherwise–and this is the default state of the computer!–you need Shift+Fn+F10.
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