How to Install Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account: Step-by-Step Guide

This command will restart your computer and take you back to the initial setup screen, but with an option to skip the Microsoft account requirement.

Continue Installation Without Internet: After the restart, you’ll see an option to set up Windows 11 without a network connection. Proceed, and the setup will prompt you to create a local account instead.

Note: After setup is complete, you can connect to the internet without triggering the Microsoft account requirement again.

Method 2: Use a Dummy Email Address

If you’re unable to bypass the network requirement or want to stay connected during setup, using a fake email can sometimes help bypass the account requirement. Here’s how to do it:

1. Proceed to the Microsoft Account Sign-In Screen: Follow the setup steps until you reach the sign-in page.
   
   
2. Enter a Fake Email Address: Type in a fake email, such as no@thankyou.com, and press Enter.
   
   
3. Enter a Random Password: Use any password to complete the fields, as this will intentionally cause an error.
   
   
4. Receive an Error Message: Windows will attempt to authenticate the account, fail, and display an error.
   
   
5. Click “Skip” or “Create a Local Account Instead”: With the error triggered, you may now see an option to create a local account.
   
   

Method 3: Use Command Prompt to Create a Local User Account

If the previous methods don’t work, another way to bypass the Microsoft account requirement is by creating a local account through Command Prompt:

1. Open Command Prompt During Setup: Press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt at any point during setup.
   
   
2. Create a Local Admin Account:
   
   
   • Type net user LocalAdmin /add and press Enter to create a new local account named LocalAdmin.
     
     
   • Then, type net localgroup administrators LocalAdmin /add and press Enter to grant this account administrator privileges.
     
     
3. Close Command Prompt and continue the installation. Select the new LocalAdmin account to complete setup.
   
   

After installation, you can rename this account or create additional local accounts.

Method 4: Installing Windows 11 Home and Switching to a Local Account

Windows 11 Home requires a Microsoft account to complete the setup, but you can still switch to a local account afterward. Here’s how:

1. Complete Setup with a Microsoft Account: Enter your Microsoft account details when prompted to finish the setup.
   
   
2. Switch to a Local Account After Setup: Once in Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and select Sign in with a local account instead.
   
   
3. Follow the Prompts: Enter your password, create a local account, and follow the remaining prompts.
   
   

While this method requires signing in initially, it lets you easily switch to a local account afterward.

Pros and Cons of Avoiding a Microsoft Account

There are both advantages and potential drawbacks to installing Windows 11 without a Microsoft account.

Advantages:

• Increased Privacy: Your data is kept local and isn’t automatically synced to Microsoft’s cloud.
  
  
• Offline Functionality: No need to connect to the internet to access your account or settings.
  
  

Drawbacks:

• Limited App Access: Some Microsoft Store apps and cloud features require a Microsoft account.
  
  
• No Cross-Device Syncing: Without an account, settings and files won’t automatically sync across devices.
  
  

Conclusion

While Microsoft has added new restrictions, these methods allow you to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, giving you more control over your privacy and setup. Following the steps outlined above, you can enjoy Windows 11 with a local account, sidestepping the Microsoft ecosystem if that’s your preference.