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:
- Start your PC using the Windows 11 USB flash drive.
- Press any key to proceed.
- Select your installation language.
- Click the Next button.
- Choose your keyboard layout.
- Again, click the Next button.
- Select the “Install Windows 11” option.
- Accept the terms to confirm that all existing data will be erased.
- Select “I don’t have a product key”.
- Choose the edition of “Windows 11” that matches your license.
- Proceed by clicking Next.
- Click Accept for the license agreement.
- Delete existing partitions on the hard drive where Windows 11 will be installed.
- Select Drive 0 Unallocated Space to install the operating system.
- Click Next.
- Click Install.
- Open Command Prompt by pressing Shift + F10 after the installation screen appears.
- Type the command
OOBE\BYPASSNRO
and hit Enter to disable the network requirement. - After the restart, open Command Prompt again with Shift + F10.
- Type
ipconfig /release
and hit Enter to disconnect from the network. - Select your regional settings when prompted.
- Confirm the keyboard layout.
- If prompted for an additional layout, click Skip.
- Opt for “I don’t have internet”.
- Choose “Continue with limited setup”.
- Follow the prompts to enter a name for your local account.
- Set and confirm a password for your local account.
- Answer three security questions to enable account recovery.
- Adjust your privacy settings to your preference and click Next.
- 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:
- Boot the PC using the Windows 11 USB flash drive.
- Press any key to continue.
- Choose your installation language.
- Click Next.
- Choose your keyboard settings.
- Click Next.
- Select “Install Windows 11”.
- Acknowledge that this process will wipe your data.
- Choose “I don’t have a product key”.
- Select the Windows edition matching your license.
- Click Next.
- Click Accept.
- Delete the existing partitions needed for installation.
- Choose Drive 0 Unallocated Space for installation.
- Click Next.
- Click Install.
- Invoke Command Prompt using Shift + F10.
- Define your region settings on initial setup options.
- Confirm the keyboard layout.
- Skip any secondary layout if unnecessary.
- Automatic network connection will occur; choose to bypass it.
- Opt to “Set up for work or school” to avoid the Microsoft account.
- Proceed by selecting Next.
- Go to “Sign-in options”.
- Select “Domain join instead” to create a local account.
- Input your local account name.
- Create and confirm a secure password.
- Set up security questions for account recovery.
- Review and adjust your privacy settings based on your preferences.
- 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:
- Download Rufus from the official site.
- Run the downloaded rufus.4.xx.exe file.
- Select your USB flash drive from the “Device” dropdown.
- Click on Select to choose the Windows 11 ISO file.
- In “Image option”, select “Standard Windows Partition”.
- Choose the GPT partition scheme.
- Select UEFI (non CSM) in the Target system option.
- (Optional) Change the volume label to something recognizable.
- Keep the default file system and cluster size.
- Activate Quick format.
- Check the option for “Create extended label and icon files”.
- Hit Start.
- Optional: Remove requirements for 4GB RAM and Secure Boot if necessary.
- Important: Check the option “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account” to allow local account setup.
- (Recommended) Enable “Create a local account with username” if desired.
- Click OK to commence the creation process.
- Boot the system using the newly created Windows 11 USB flash drive.
- Proceed with language and keyboard selections.
- Click Next.
- Select “Install Windows 11”.
- Accept the data deletion conditions.
- Choose “I don’t have a product key”.
- Select the Windows 11 edition corresponding with your license key.
- Press Next.
- Click Accept.
- Delete existing hard drive partitions for installation.
- Choose Drive 0 Unallocated Space for installation.
- Press Next.
- Click Install.
- Open Command Prompt with the Shift + F10 combination.
- Select the region settings during the setup.
- Confirm the keyboard layout you prefer.
- Skip any unnecessary layout selections.
- Finalize your privacy settings according to your needs.
- Click Next.
- 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:
- Power on the device during Out-of-box Experience (OOBE).
- Accessible Command Prompt by pressing “Shift + F10”.
- Type
OOBE\BYPASSNRO
and press Enter to bypass the network. - After the restart, invoke Command Prompt again with Shift + F10.
- Release network by typing
ipconfig /release
. - Proceed with region settings from the OOBE page.
- Confirm the keyboard layout of your choice.
- Skip any unnecessary layout setup.
- Select “I don’t have internet”.
- Tap “Continue with limited setup”.
- If prompted, hit Accept.
- Create your preferred local account name and confirm it.
- Set a password and reconfirm it.
- Answer security questions for recovery purposes.
- Adjust privacy settings to your liking.
- 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.
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