How to Set Up Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account

Last updated on November 18th, 2025 at 12:39 pm

I am loading windows 11 into my old computer and, whop!, Microsoft asks me to sign in. No “skip” button. No local account option. Just… nope.

Look, I get it. Microsoft desires all the people on cloud. However, there are times when you simply wish to have a local account, may be due to privacy reasons, may be because you need an offline machine, or may be because you do not want your desktop to be linked to the internet. Good news? It’s still possible. Here’s what actually works in 2025.

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Why this is so tough at Microsoft.

With each update, Microsoft has been screwing it even tighter. They have been preventing workarounds on both sides particularly to users of windows 11 Home. The classical tricks such as switching off Wi-Fi connection or command prompt is being patched at a very quick pace.

The point is that there are ways out though. You simply have to be aware of the techniques that have not been eliminated yet.

Method 1: Check with Rufus ( The Easiest Way ).

This is definitely the most credible way I have discovered. Rufus is a free utility that makes bootable USB sticks and before you actually start the install, it allows you to bypass the MS account.

Here’s what you do:

Obtain Rufus and an ISO file of windows 11.
Click the Rufus window, choose your United Safety Disc.
The Windows 11 ISO checkbox is selected under Image option.
Check the box of “Disabling the need of having an online Microsoft account.
Make the USB and boot into it.

You will immediately have the local account option when you use this USB to install Windows. No tricks. No command lines. It just works.

The reason I like this is that it is clean, it is free and it does not make you have to adjust settings halfway through the installation. Also useable by Rufus is the ability to bypass hardware requirements should you use the older PC.

Method 2: Command Prompt Trick (Occasionally But Sometimes Works)

This one is a hit or a miss based on the windows build you are on, however, it is worth trying when you are already half-way through the windows installation.

In installation, press Shift+F10 to access Command Prompt. Then type:

OOBE\BYPASSNRO

The PC will restart and in some cases you will notice an option of i do not have internet which allows you to create a local account.

The catch? This is one which Microsoft has been patching out in recent releases. It has worked with me on an older version of ISO, but not a more recent one. Your mileage may vary.

Method 3 is to simply switch off the Internet.

When setting up windows 11, you may be presented with the option of a local account as long as you do not connect to the Wi-Fi (or unplug ethernet).

This was always effective. Now? It’s inconsistent. Certain constructions can still permit it but some of them compel you to connect anyway. At least it will be worth trying without the need to install any additional tools.

Method 4: The windows 11 Pro Differentiation of join domain.

Windows 11.0 though some Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise: In the setup screen, when selecting “Set up for work or school” then select Domain join instead.

This bypasses the Microsoft account and allows one to create a local account. This option is not provided to the home edition users.

Method 5: Establish with Microsoft, then Switch.

This is the only workaround when using a local account does not work, and that is to create an account using a Microsoft account during new user creation and then immediately change to a local account.

Click Settings Accounts Your info and then, Click Sign in with a local account instead. It is irritating, yet, it is effective all the time, and you will not lose the activation or updates.

Rapid Comparison: What Procedure does one choose?

Method	Difficulty	Success Rate	Best For
Rufus USB	Easy	High	Anyone who can make a bootable USB
Command Prompt	Medium	Medium	Mid-install fixes
Disconnect Internet	Easy	Low	Older builds or luck
Domain Join (Pro)	Easy	High	Pro/Enterprise users
Switch After Setup	Easy	Always works	When all else fails

Will This wreck Activation or Updates?

Nope. Someone activates Windows locally and does not prevent updates: however, when your version of Windows is legitimate, a local account does not cause any problems. You simply will suffer without cloud features such as OneDrive sync and cross-device settings.

My Take: Just Use Rufus

I have tried all these, and Rufus is the purest product. It adds five additional minutes to install, but spares you the pain of having to navigate set up screens or change accounts in the future.

In case you do not feel like playing with USB utilities, then just use the set up and switch procedure. It is not fancy but is bulletproof.

And if you’re on Windows 11 Pro? You are so lucky, simply go to the domain join option and quit.

Bottom line: Microsoft is complicating it, but it is not impossible. Choose the method you are comfortable with and your local account will be up and running in a sitting a short time.