Windows Insiders will soon get their hands on Microsoft's attempt to ward off another CrowdStrike incident, and the company is also closing a loophole for users who don't want a Microsoft account.
Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) is rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Beta channel as part of build 26120.3653. It is aimed at saving administrators from the task of dealing with PCs left unbootable by, for example, a problematic update released by a security vendor.
The feature, which is enabled by default for home users, sends a device into the Windows Recovery Environment (RE) if a critical failure prevents normal booting. Windows RE then connects to the network to communicate with Microsoft's recovery services. Microsoft can then pinpoint the root cause and deploy targeted remediation.
IT administrators can choose to turn the feature on or off and configure the scanning interval to check for remediations (Microsoft recommends every 30 minutes) and can also decide when the device will restart (72 hours is the recommendation "to optimize the remediation process").
So, while is not a completely seamless recovery, this will be an improvement over the catastrophe that unfolded for some enterprises in 2024, when Windows devices worldwide were bricked. QMR currently only applies to Windows 11 24H2.
Loophole allowing users to skip the Microsoft account requirement on Windows 11 is closed
Also included in the release was the removal of the bypassnro.cmd script.
The script allowed users to get through the Windows 11 setup without needing an internet connection. Therefore, a user did not need to provide a Microsoft account. It was a popular and widely shared workaround for users not keen on the company's online services.
Microsoft said: "We're removing the bypassnro.cmd script from the build to enhance security and user experience of Windows 11. This change ensures that all users exit setup with internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account."
While other workarounds remain, Microsoft continues to push for users to have a Microsoft account. The change is unlikely to affect IT departments with managed devices but will mean users who would prefer to avoid the company's online services have a little more work to do. ®