How to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account
If you don’t like having a Microsoft account on Windows 11, here’s how to get around the problem.
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Microsoft may want to make it difficult, but you can still set up aWindows 11installation without a Microsoft account using a local account, and in this guide, I’ll show you how. The company isn’t hiding that it wants you to use a Microsoft account when setting up your computer since it offers additional benefits, including better integration with cloud services (such asOneDriveand Microsoft 365 apps), content synchronization between computers, and better security.
However, many users still prefer the more traditional experience with a local account. In the past, you had the option to skip the online account, but it was later removed from the Home and Pro editions. Then, you were able to skip the requirement using a fake email address to fall back to the local account settings, but now, Microsoft has put a stop to that workaround.
Regardless of all the roadblocks, whether you’re installing the Home or Pro edition of Windows 11, you still have a few other workarounds to set up an installation with a local account.
In thishow-to guide, I’ll explain the different ways to set up a new installation of Windows 11 without a Microsoft account. (It’s important to note that I re-tested these instructions in July 2024 to ensure these methods are still working.)
Warning:This process will delete everything on the computer. As a result, it’s a good idea toback up your Windows 11 computer.
How to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account with Command Prompt
If you have to set up a Windows 11 device without a Microsoft account, you must proceed with the traditional setup and use one of the available solutions in the out-of-box experience (OOBE).
To start a fresh installation of Windows 11, use these steps:
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Quick tip:If you click the"Next"button without setting a password, the computer will sign in automatically, and you won’t have to complete the security questions. However, I do have to warn you that setting up a computer without a password is a security risk. If you do this, proceed at your own risk.
Once you complete the steps, you will be able to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account. Since you’re not using an online account, you won’t have to go through the annoying promotional offers to purchase the different services that Microsoft offers.
How to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account with Rufus
To modified the Windows 11 setup to skip the Microsoft account using Rufus, use these steps:
After completing the steps, you can use the computer with a local account.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
