Guide to Installing Windows 11 in 2024 Without Using a Microsoft Account

Key Notes

  • Disabling the internet during installation allows for local account setup.
  • Using Rufus can simplify the installation process without a Microsoft account.
  • It is possible to convert a local account to a Microsoft account later in Settings.

Seamless Setup: Installing Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account

Installing Windows 11 can be daunting, especially if you’re looking to avoid the requirement of a Microsoft account. This guide presents simple and efficient methods for completing the installation as a local account user.

Step 1: Installing Windows 11 Home Without a Microsoft Account

To install Windows 11 Home without requiring a Microsoft account, follow these detailed steps:

  1. Start your PC using the Windows 11 USB flash drive.
  2. Press any key to proceed.
  3. Select your installation language.
  4. Click the Next button.
  5. Choose your keyboard layout.
  6. Again, click the Next button.
  7. Select the “Install Windows 11” option.
  8. Accept the terms to confirm that all existing data will be erased.
  9. Select “I don’t have a product key”.
  10. Choose the edition of “Windows 11” that matches your license.
  11. Proceed by clicking Next.
  12. Click Accept for the license agreement.
  13. Delete existing partitions on the hard drive where Windows 11 will be installed.
  14. Select Drive 0 Unallocated Space to install the operating system.
  15. Click Next.
  16. Click Install.
  17. Open Command Prompt by pressing Shift + F10 after the installation screen appears.
  18. Type the command OOBE\BYPASSNRO and hit Enter to disable the network requirement.
  19. After the restart, open Command Prompt again with Shift + F10.
  20. Type ipconfig /release and hit Enter to disconnect from the network.
  21. Select your regional settings when prompted.
  22. Confirm the keyboard layout.
  23. If prompted for an additional layout, click Skip.
  24. Opt for “I don’t have internet”.
  25. Choose “Continue with limited setup”.
  26. Follow the prompts to enter a name for your local account.
  27. Set and confirm a password for your local account.
  28. Answer three security questions to enable account recovery.
  29. Adjust your privacy settings to your preference and click Next.
  30. Finish the setup process by clicking Next and then Accept.

Once completed, you will have successfully installed Windows 11 Home without needing a Microsoft account.

Step 2: Installing Windows 11 Pro Without a Microsoft Account

For setting up Windows 11 Pro while avoiding a Microsoft account, perform the following:

  1. Boot the PC using the Windows 11 USB flash drive.
  2. Press any key to continue.
  3. Choose your installation language.
  4. Click Next.
  5. Choose your keyboard settings.
  6. Click Next.
  7. Select “Install Windows 11”.
  8. Acknowledge that this process will wipe your data.
  9. Choose “I don’t have a product key”.
  10. Select the Windows edition matching your license.
  11. Click Next.
  12. Click Accept.
  13. Delete the existing partitions needed for installation.
  14. Choose Drive 0 Unallocated Space for installation.
  15. Click Next.
  16. Click Install.
  17. Invoke Command Prompt using Shift + F10.
  18. Define your region settings on initial setup options.
  19. Confirm the keyboard layout.
  20. Skip any secondary layout if unnecessary.
  21. Automatic network connection will occur; choose to bypass it.
  22. Opt to “Set up for work or school” to avoid the Microsoft account.
  23. Proceed by selecting Next.
  24. Go to “Sign-in options”.
  25. Select “Domain join instead” to create a local account.
  26. Input your local account name.
  27. Create and confirm a secure password.
  28. Set up security questions for account recovery.
  29. Review and adjust your privacy settings based on your preferences.
  30. Click Accept.

After completing these steps, you will have installed Windows 11 Pro without needing a Microsoft account.

Step 3: Installing Windows 11 with a Local Account Using Rufus

To install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account using Rufus, perform the following steps:

  1. Download Rufus from the official site.
  2. Run the downloaded rufus.4.xx.exe file.
  3. Select your USB flash drive from the “Device” dropdown.
  4. Click on Select to choose the Windows 11 ISO file.
  5. In “Image option”, select “Standard Windows Partition”.
  6. Choose the GPT partition scheme.
  7. Select UEFI (non CSM) in the Target system option.
  8. (Optional) Change the volume label to something recognizable.
  9. Keep the default file system and cluster size.
  10. Activate Quick format.
  11. Check the option for “Create extended label and icon files”.
  12. Hit Start.
  13. Optional: Remove requirements for 4GB RAM and Secure Boot if necessary.
  14. Important: Check the option “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account” to allow local account setup.
  15. (Recommended) Enable “Create a local account with username” if desired.
  16. Click OK to commence the creation process.
  17. Boot the system using the newly created Windows 11 USB flash drive.
  18. Proceed with language and keyboard selections.
  19. Click Next.
  20. Select “Install Windows 11”.
  21. Accept the data deletion conditions.
  22. Choose “I don’t have a product key”.
  23. Select the Windows 11 edition corresponding with your license key.
  24. Press Next.
  25. Click Accept.
  26. Delete existing hard drive partitions for installation.
  27. Choose Drive 0 Unallocated Space for installation.
  28. Press Next.
  29. Click Install.
  30. Open Command Prompt with the Shift + F10 combination.
  31. Select the region settings during the setup.
  32. Confirm the keyboard layout you prefer.
  33. Skip any unnecessary layout selections.
  34. Finalize your privacy settings according to your needs.
  35. Click Next.
  36. Conclude the process by clicking Accept.

Initially, your local account won’t have a password. To secure it, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

Step 4: Setting Up a New PC Without a Microsoft Account

For new systems pre-installed with Windows 11, follow these straightforward steps:

  1. Power on the device during Out-of-box Experience (OOBE).
  2. Accessible Command Prompt by pressing “Shift + F10”.
  3. Type OOBE\BYPASSNRO and press Enter to bypass the network.
  4. After the restart, invoke Command Prompt again with Shift + F10.
  5. Release network by typing ipconfig /release.
  6. Proceed with region settings from the OOBE page.
  7. Confirm the keyboard layout of your choice.
  8. Skip any unnecessary layout setup.
  9. Select “I don’t have internet”.
  10. Tap “Continue with limited setup”.
  11. If prompted, hit Accept.
  12. Create your preferred local account name and confirm it.
  13. Set a password and reconfirm it.
  14. Answer security questions for recovery purposes.
  15. Adjust privacy settings to your liking.
  16. Complete the setup by clicking Next and then Accept.

Once finalized, you will access your Windows 11 desktop using a local account.

Summary

These methodologies guide you in successfully installing Windows 11 without linking to a Microsoft account, providing both privacy and simplicity in the setup process.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a local, hassle-free Windows 11 installation. This process allows you the freedom to manage your system without the constraints of a Microsoft account.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I still use Microsoft services with a local account?

Yes, you can access Microsoft services by linking your local account to a Microsoft account later.

What are the downsides of using a local account?

Using a local account limits some features available to Microsoft account users, such as automatic syncing of files and settings across devices.

Can I switch from a Microsoft account to a local account?

Yes, you can switch from a Microsoft account to a local account through the Settings app at any time.