Set up windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account

Are you setting up Windows 11 and want to skip the Microsoft account sign-in? Whether you prefer a local account or just want to get started using your new operating system, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to set up Windows 11 without Microsoft account.

Here is a quick step-by-step guide to skip the Windows 11 Microsoft account:

• Start the PC with a Windows 11 USB flash drive.

• When prompted, press any key to boot from the device.

• Click Next on the Windows Setup screen.

• If this is a fresh installation, select the “I don’t have a product key” option.

• Proceed with the setup, and you’ll be able to create a local account instead of using a Microsoft account.

The installation process is straightforward and allows you to set up your system without requiring a Microsoft account.

If you’re a privacy enthusiast or just want a hassle-free setup, this guide will help you navigate Windows 11 without Microsoft account requirements.  

Why Skip the Microsoft Account Setup ?

Here are five reasons why you might want to skip Microsoft account setup in Windows 11:

Privacy Control: Firstly, by opting for a local account, you can keep your personal data more private. No need to sync with Microsoft servers.

Simplicity: Moreover, some users prefer the simple nature of a local account without the extra features tied to a Microsoft account.

Faster setup: Additionally, skipping Microsoft account setup streamlines the initial process, allowing you to get started quickly.

Offline access: Furthermore, with a local account, you can still use your PC even when you’re not connected to the Internet.

Avoid email integration: Lastly, if you’re not interested in using your email address as a login, a local account is the way to go.

Note: However, remember that you can always link your Microsoft account later if necessary.

How do you skip the Microsoft account setup in Windows 11 ?

Discover methods to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, giving you more control over your installation process. Whether for privacy concern/protection or simply want to avoid account requirements, explore the following methods to bypass the Microsoft account during setup.

First watch the video for your convenience then follow below mentioned methods to skip the Microsoft account setup in Windows 11

Using the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)

This method allows you to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account. To skip the Microsoft account requirement in Windows 11 during installation, follow the steps mentioned below:

Disabling Internet access Requirement (For Advanced User)

• Firstly, get to the “Choose your country or region” screen: Follow the usual Windows 11 setup until you see the screen asking you to choose your country or region.

• Secondly, open Command Prompt: Here comes the critical step. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard or keyboard layout and then press F10. This keyboard shortcut should open a command prompt window.

• Next, disable Internet connection Requirement: In the Command Prompt window, type exactly the following command and press Enter: oobe\bypassnro

• This command disables the internet requirement to set up Windows 11, allowing you to create a local account.

• Then, close Command Prompt: After running the command, close the Command Prompt window by pressing Shift and F10 again.

• After that, continue offline setup: Continue with the setup process. You should now see the option to connect to the Internet.

• Next, choose “No Internet Connection” (if available): If presented with the option, click “I don’t have an Internet connection.” In some versions, this option may be hidden.

• Continue with limited setup: If the option in step 6 is not available, click the small “No Internet Connection” text below the login field. This should display the “Continue with limited configuration” option. Click that to continue creating a local account.

• Finally, create local account: Enter a username and password for your new local account and follow the on-screen instructions to complete clean installation setup.

Using Offline Account Creation During Setup (Simpler Method)

• Firstly, start your PC with the Windows 11 USB flash drive.

• Secondly, when prompted, press any key to boot from the device.

• Next, on the Windows Setup screen, click the “Next” button.

• Furthermore, if your language, time, and currency settings are different from the default, select the correct settings across devices.

• Then, click the “Install now” button.

• In case this is a reinstallation, choose the “I don’t have a product key” option to continue.

• Next, when you reach the “Unlock your Microsoft experience” screen, press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt.

• After that, type the following command and press Enter: oobebypassnro.

• Finally, your system will restart automatically, and you can proceed with the setup.

Note: This process will delete everything on your computer, so make sure to back up your data.

Creating custom bootable media with Rufus

This method involves creating your own custom bootable USB drive using a tool called Rufus and an ISO file. To skip the Microsoft account requirement in Windows 11 during installation, follow the steps mentioned below:

• Download Rufus: Firstly, get the Rufus tool from a trusted source.

• Create a bootable USB drive: Secondly,use Rufus to create a bootable USB drive with Windows 11 installation files.

• Modify account requirements: Next, during the USB creation process, Rufus will give you the option to remove Microsoft account requirements. Choose this option.

• Boot from USB: then, boot your PC with Windows 11 USB flash drive.

• Proceed with the installation: Finally, follow the on-screen instructions to install of Windows 11 without being forced to use a Microsoft account.

Using a dummy email

• Initially, during setup, when prompted for an email address, input a dummy email like “[email protected]” and proceed to create a local account.

• However, please note that this limits access to certain features and syncing capabilities.

• Ultimately, remember that while bypassing the Microsoft account requirement offers privacy protection and autonomy over updates, using a Microsoft account provides additional benefits such as integration with cloud storage services and better security. Consequently, choose the method that best suits your preferences!

Disconnect from the Internet

• First, launch Windows 11 Setup and disconnect from the Internet when prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account.

• To do this, you can disconnect by unplugging the Ethernet cable or, if you’re on Wi-Fi, forgetting about the network.

• Subsequently, after disconnecting, you should be able to continue setup with a local account option during the clean installation process.

Also Check: What is the difference between Windows 11 Home and Pro ?

How do I stop Windows 11 from asking for a Microsoft account ?

Are you tired of Windows 11 persistently asking you to create a Microsoft account during setup? You’re not alone.

Many users prefer to keep their operating system separate from online accounts for privacy or simplicity reasons. Fortunately, there is an easy way to skip Microsoft account in windows 11.

Consequently, follow below mentioned steps to bypass Microsoft account in Windows 11:

Disable/Lock Microsoft Account Using Group Policy:

• Firstly, open the Group Policy Editor by typing gpedit.msc in the Run dialog box.

• Secondly, navigate to: Computer Settings menu ➡️ Windows Settings ➡️ Security Settings ➡️ Local Policies ➡️ Security Options.

• Next, double-click the “Accounts: Block Microsoft accounts” policy and choose one of the following options:

• Policy is disabled: default setting; Users can still use their existing Microsoft account.

• Users can’t add Microsoft accounts: Existing users can’t add new Microsoft accounts.

• Users can’t add or sign in with Microsoft accounts – it completely blocks access to the Microsoft account.

• Finally, run the command prompt as administrator and run: gpupdate /force.

Disable/lock Microsoft account using Windows Registry (for Home edition)

• First, open Registry Editor (type regedit in the Run dialog box).

• Next, navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System.

• Then, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named “NoConnectedUser” and set its value to 1.

• Finally, restart your PC.

Disable “Use my login information”:

• Firstly, go to Settings ➡️ Accounts ➡️ Sign-in options.

• Secondly, under Privacy, turn off “Use my login information.”

• Alternatively, enable automatic sign-in with your Microsoft account.

Also Check: Fix Windows 11 search bar not working

Why won’t Windows 11 allow you to have a local account ?

While Windows 11 pushes Microsoft accounts during setup, it still allows local accounts. However, There may be a misconception or the option may be hidden during initial setup.

Here’s why you might not see the local account option:

• Internet connection: Firstly, by default, Windows 11 setup requires an Internet connection. There are solutions that involve temporarily disconnecting from the Internet to access the local account option.

• Home Edition: Secondly, the Home edition of Windows 11 emphasizes Microsoft accounts more than the Pro. However, local accounts are still an option in both versions.

Methods to access local accounts during setup:

Switch During Setup

• To begin, disconnect from the internet when prompted to add a Microsoft account.

• Then, create a local username and password instead.

• After that, complete the setup as normal.

Use a Dummy Email

• Initially, input an email address like “[email protected]” during account setup.

• Next, type a random password and proceed.

• Subsequently, Windows may allow you to create a local account.

Custom Bootable Media

• Firstly, create a custom bootable USB drive using Rufus.

• Secondly, during setup, choose to remove Microsoft account requirements.

• Finally, install Windows 11 without being forced to use a Microsoft account.

Also Check: How to record screen on Windows 11 ?

How do I sign out of a Microsoft account on Windows 11 ?

To sign out of your Microsoft account on Windows 11, follow these steps:

• First, click on the Start icon.

• Then, select your user account picture (or the Accounts icon) from the menu.

• Next, click “Sign out”.

• Finally, this will log you out of your Microsoft account. If you want to switch to a local account, here’s how you can do it:

Create a Local Account

You cannot remove a Microsoft account while being signed in. Therefore, first, create a Local Account and then you can skip the Microsoft account during the setup process for Windows 11:

• Initially, search for “Settings” in the Start Menu and open it.

• Next, go to the “Accounts” tab.

• Under “Other users”, click “Add account”.

• Then, choose “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information” and then “Add a user without a Microsoft account”.

• After that, enter the required details and create the Local Account.

• Optionally, you can leave the password section blank if you prefer a password-free account.

• Furthermore, change the account type to Administrator by clicking on the account name and selecting “Change account type”.

• Next, choose “Administrator” from the dropdown menu and save the changes.

• Finally, now you have a Local Account set up on Windows 11 with administrative privileges. Enjoy the flexibility of using a local account!

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you want to skip Windows 11 with a Microsoft account, setting up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account is a simple process that offers several benefits, including greater privacy, simplicity, and offline access.

By following the step-by-step guides outlined in this article, you can easily skip the Microsoft account requirement during installation and create a local user account instead.

Whether you prefer the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) method or the custom boot device method with Rufus, both options provide an easy way to tailor your Windows 11 experience to your preferences.

Remember, you can always link your Microsoft account later if necessary, but skipping it during the initial setup gives you more control over your personal data and speeds up the process.

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Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)