Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Windows 10 Without a Microsoft Account

Key Notes

• Use the “Set up for an organization” option for Windows 10 Pro.
• Choose the “Offline account” for Windows 10 Home.
• Follow the provided steps to clean install without a Microsoft account.

Install Windows 10 Without a Microsoft Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s digital age, Microsoft nudges users toward creating online accounts during Windows 10 installation for easy access and syncing. However, many users prefer local accounts for various reasons, including privacy concerns and personal preferences. This guide will walk you through the straightforward steps to perform a clean installation of Windows 10 without needing a Microsoft account.

Installing Windows 10 Without a Microsoft Account

To set up Windows 10 without a Microsoft account, follow the instructions tailored for both the Pro and Home editions:

Windows 10 Pro Install Without a Microsoft Account

To set up Windows 10 Pro without a Microsoft account, follow these steps:

1. Step 1: Boot from the USB Flash Drive

   Start your PC with the Windows 10 USB flash drive inserted.

2. Step 2: Proceed with Setup

   Press any key to continue when prompted.

3. Step 3: Click Next

   Select the Next button to advance to the next screen.

4. Step 4: Install Now

   Click the Install now button.

5. Step 5: Skip Product Key

   Select I don’t have a product key if reinstalling (the system will reactivate automatically).

6. Step 6: Choose Windows 10 Pro

   Pick the Windows 10 Pro option from the list.

7. Step 7: Accept License Terms

   Check the box for I accept the license terms.

8. Step 8: Custom Install

   Select the Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) option.

9. Step 9: Delete Partitions

   Select all partitions and press the Delete button. Use caution, as this will erase data from the drive!

   Pro Tip: Ensure you have backups of important data before deleting partitions.

10. Step 10: Select Unallocated Space

    Choose the unallocated space on Drive 0 for installation.

11. Step 11: Next Step

    Click Next to proceed with the installation.

12. Step 12: Choose Region

    Select your region after installation in the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE).

13. Step 13: Confirm

    Click Yes to confirm your region.

14. Step 14: Keyboard Layout

    Choose your keyboard layout setting and confirm your choice.

15. Step 15: Skip Additional Layouts

    If not needed, click Skip to bypass configuring a second layout.

16. Step 16: Connect to Network

    The PC will automatically connect using Ethernet; set up Wi-Fi if necessary.

17. Step 17: Set Up for Organization

    Select Set up for an organization.

18. Step 18: Create Local Account

    Confirm a local account name without needing a Microsoft account.

19. Step 19: Account Password

    Create a password for your account.

20. Step 20: Confirm Password

    Re-enter the password for confirmation.

21. Step 21: Security Questions

    Set up three security questions for password recovery.

22. Step 22: Privacy Settings

    Review and confirm your preferred privacy settings.

23. Step 23: Customize Experience

    (Optional) Choose how you plan to use your device for setup suggestions.

24. Step 24: Skip Linking Phone

    Click No, thanks to skip linking your phone.

25. Step 25: Skip Microsoft 365 Setup

    Responder No, thanks to skip Microsoft 365 setup.

26. Step 26: Decline OneDrive Offer

    Use the Decline button to skip OneDrive.

27. Step 27: Disable Cortana

    Click on Not now when prompted to disable Cortana.

Once these steps are complete, your Windows 10 Pro installation is successfully set up without a Microsoft account.

Windows 10 Home Install Without a Microsoft Account

To install Windows 10 Home using a local account, follow these steps:

1. Step 1: Boot from the USB Flash Drive

   Begin by starting your PC with the Windows 10 USB flash drive ready.

2. Step 2: Begin Setup

   Press any key when prompted to move forward.

3. Step 3: Click Next

   Hit the Next button to continue.

4. Step 4: Install Now

   Proceed by clicking Install now.

5. Step 5: Skip Product Key

   If reinstalling, select I don’t have a product key.

6. Step 6: Choose Windows 10 Home

   Select Windows 10 Home from the options presented.

7. Step 7: Accept License Terms

   Check the I accept the license terms box.

8. Step 8: Custom Install

   Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

9. Step 9: Delete Existing Partitions

   Delete all existing partitions using the Delete button.

   Pro Tip: Review backups before performing partition deletion.

10. Step 10: Choose Unallocated Drive Space

    Select the unallocated drive space for installation.

11. Step 11: Click Next

    Proceed by clicking Next.

12. Step 12: Set Your Region

    After installation, choose your region on the OOBE screen.

13. Step 13: Confirm Your Selection

    Click Yes to confirm your selected region.

14. Step 14: Keyboard Layout

    Select your keyboard layout and click Yes to confirm.

15. Step 15: Skip Second Layouts

    If not required, click Skip to bypass any additional layouts.

16. Step 16: Automatic Network Connection

    Your PC will connect automatically; if using Wi-Fi, manually set it up as needed.

17. Step 17: Select Offline Account

    From the bottom-left corner, choose the Offline account option.

18. Step 18: Confirm Limited Experience

    Click on the Limited experience option to proceed.

19. Step 19: Set Local Account Name

    Enter the name for your local account.

20. Step 20: Set Password

    Create a password for your account for security.

21. Step 21: Confirm Password

    Re-enter the password to verify your choice.

22. Step 22: Set Security Questions

    Set up three security questions for account recovery.

23. Step 23: Privacy Settings

    Adjust your privacy settings according to your preferences.

24. Step 24: Customize Experience

    (Optional) Click Skip during the customization prompt.

25. Step 25: Disable Cortana

    Choose Not now to disable Cortana during setup.

Upon finishing these steps, you’ll have Windows 10 Home installed with a local account. This process is also applicable to the Pro edition of Windows 10.

Additional Tips

• Ensure all data is backed up before deleting partitions.
• Verify network connection settings during setup.
• Adjust privacy settings according to comfort and security preferences.

Summary

This guide provides clear instructions on installing Windows 10 without using a Microsoft account, focusing on the advantages of a local account. Whether for the Pro or Home editions, you can enjoy your installation while maintaining personal privacy and control over your device.

Conclusion

With the preferences set for local accounts, users can enjoy a more personalized installation of Windows 10, avoiding the constraints that come with using a Microsoft account. Follow these guidelines and take control of your setup today!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)