Windows 11 without a Microsoft account

One of the problems that Windows 10 users face when switching to Windows 11 is the inability to create a local account and set up Windows 11 in offline mode.

In the era of Windows 10, the operating system allowed its configuration with a local account and without an internet connection.

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However, today, Windows 11 does not allow you to proceed unless you are signed in, and using a Microsoft account is mandatory. Additionally, Microsoft just made bypassing these requirements more difficult with an update.

Why you should have Windows 11 without a Microsoft account

• Without a Microsoft account, you avoid a ton of ads. Today, Windows 11 has a lot of full-screen ads for Game Pass, Microsoft 365, Phone Link, and more. Skipping these won't break your PC or affect its functionality in any way.
• Without a Microsoft account you can skip the mandatory OneDrive backup and forced BitLocker encryption, which users will have to decide for themselves whether or not they want it.
• Most importantly, installing Windows 11 in offline mode allows you to install the drivers you need and want without any intervention from Windows Update.

Below we will see how you can set up Windows 11 with a local account.

Option 1 – No third-party tools

The most important step is to not connect to the internet. If you are connected to an internet cable, disconnect it. Also, do not connect to a Wi-Fi network when prompted.

You should do the following:

When installing Windows 11, make sure your system is disconnected from the internet.

When prompted to log in, press Shift + F10 to launch the Command Prompt.

Type oobe\bypassnro and press Enter.

We heard that the Microsoft removed this command from Windows 11, but the truth is that the bypassnro command still works when you are disconnected from the internet. There are other commands that do the same thing, but bypassnro is the shortest and easiest.

Once your computer restarts, proceed with the installation. Remember not to connect to the internet until you reach the desktop. This will force Windows 11 to create a local account and skip all offers and ads during the OOBE (out of box experience).

This method works on Windows 11 version 24H2 and also version 25H2.

Option 2 – With a third-party application

If you want to do a clean install of Windows 11, let's say the latest version, version 25H2, you can use the Rufus application to create a bootable Windows 11 installation media that can automatically bypass Microsoft account requirements and the need for an internet connection.

From the official Windows 11 website, download a Windows 11 image (directly or via the Media Creation Tool).
Download and Rufus.
Open Rufus and connect a USB.
Select the USB from the list of available devices, select the ISO you downloaded, and leave the rest as is.

Click the Start button. Rufus will display a small window with a few additional options. Select the option to “Remove the requirement for an online Microsoft account.” Also select the option to “Create a local account with a username” and give it the name you want.

Choose whatever else you want.

Click OK.
Once everything is complete, perform a clean install of Windows 11 as usual. You should have been disconnected from the internet during the initial installation.

That's it. Now you can use Windows 11 without the mandatory Microsoft account.

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