How to Install Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account (Local Account Setup)

Windows 11 strongly encourages Microsoft account sign-in during setup, but you can still create a local account for privacy or offline use. This guide shows you how to bypass the Microsoft account requirement during Windows 11 installation.

Why Use a Local Account?

Reasons to skip Microsoft account sign-in:

• Privacy: Keep your data local instead of synced to Microsoft's cloud
• Offline use: No internet required for your user account
• Simplicity: No password complexity requirements or expiration
• Control: Full control over your account without cloud dependencies
• Enterprise use: Some organizations require local accounts

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Method 1: Network Disconnection (Easiest)

This method works by disconnecting from the internet when Windows asks for a Microsoft account.

1. Start Windows 11 installation normally
2. Proceed through initial setup (region, keyboard, etc.)
3. When you reach "Let's connect you to a network":
   • If using Ethernet: Unplug the cable
   • If using Wi-Fi: Don't connect to any network
4. Press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt
5. Type this command and press Enter:

   OOBE\BYPASSNRO

   Copy
6. Computer will restart
7. Go through setup again until "Let's connect you to a network"
8. Click "I don't have internet" (this option now appears)
9. Click "Continue with limited setup"
10. Create your local account with username and password

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Method 2: Fake Email Trick

This method uses a blocked email address to trigger the local account option.

1. Proceed through setup normally
2. Connect to a network when prompted
3. When asked to sign in with Microsoft account:
   • Enter: [email protected]
   • Or try: [email protected]
4. Enter any password (it will fail)
5. Keep trying - after several failed attempts, Windows may offer local account option

Note: This method doesn't always work in newer Windows 11 versions.

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Method 3: Rufus USB Installation

Use Rufus to create a Windows 11 installation USB with the Microsoft account requirement removed.

1. Download Rufus from rufus.ie
2. Download Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft
3. Open Rufus and select your USB drive
4. Select the Windows 11 ISO
5. Click START - a dialog appears with options
6. Check these boxes:
   • ☑ Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account
   • ☑ Disable data collection
7. Create the USB and install Windows 11 from it
8. Local account option will be available during setup

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Creating Your Local Account

After bypassing the Microsoft account requirement:

1. Enter your preferred username
2. Create a password (or leave blank for no password)
3. Set up security questions for password recovery
4. Configure privacy settings as desired
5. Complete setup

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After Installation: Adding a Microsoft Account (Optional)

You can add a Microsoft account later if needed:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts
2. Click Email & accounts
3. Click Add a Microsoft account

This adds Microsoft account benefits without converting your local account.

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Converting Microsoft Account to Local Account

If you already set up with a Microsoft account:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info
2. Click Sign in with a local account instead
3. Enter your current Microsoft account password
4. Create your local account username and password
5. Click Sign out and finish

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Features Affected by Local Account

Feature	With Local Account
OneDrive sync	Manual sign-in required
Settings sync	Not available
Find My Device	Not available
Microsoft Store	Works (sign in for purchases)
Windows Update	Works normally
Microsoft 365 apps	Works (sign in separately)

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