How to Set Up Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account (24H2, 25H2, and Later Builds)

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How to Set Up Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account

Microsoft encourages users to sign in with a Microsoft account during the setup of Windows 11, especially in the Home and Pro editions. However, you can still create a local user account instead. The exact steps depend on your Windows 11 version and build number.

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Method 1: For Windows 11 24H2 (Current Public Release)

This version still allows bypassing the Microsoft account requirement through a hidden setup command.

1. Begin the Windows 11 installation as usual until you reach the “Choose your country or region” screen.
2. Press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt window.
3. Type the following command and press Enter: OOBE\BYPASSNRO (“OOBE” stands for Out-Of-Box Experience and “BYPASSNRO” disables the network requirement option.)
4. Your system will reboot and return to the setup process.
5. When you reach the network connection page, select “I don’t have Internet”.
6. Choose “Continue with limited setup.”
7. You’ll now see a screen asking for your local account details — enter your preferred username and password (optional).

This method removes the need to connect your PC to the internet or log in with a Microsoft account during installation.

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Method 2: For Windows 11 25H2 (Build 26100 / 26200 and Later)

Microsoft tightened the setup restrictions in version 25H2, but there’s still a working method to skip the Microsoft sign-in step.

1. Continue setup until you reach the Microsoft Account sign-in screen.
2. Press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type: start ms-cxh:localonly and press Enter.
4. This command triggers the “Create a user for this PC” dialog box.
5. Enter your preferred username and password (optional).
6. Click Next, and the setup will proceed without requiring an online account.

This newer method is currently the most reliable for Windows 11 25H2 builds, as the older OOBE\BYPASSNRO command may not work on all systems.

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Method 3: Using Rufus to Create a Bootable USB That Skips the Microsoft Account Requirement

If you’re planning to install Windows 11 from scratch, the easiest approach is to use Rufus, a popular USB creation tool that automates the bypass process.

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO file from the Microsoft Software Download page.
2. Insert a USB drive (8 GB or larger).
3. Open Rufus and select your ISO file.
4. Under Image Options, enable the following customization options:
   • Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account
   • Remove TPM and Secure Boot requirements (optional if you’re using older hardware)
   • Set a local user name automatically (optional — helps skip name entry later)
5. Click Start to create your customized bootable USB drive.
6. Once ready, boot your computer from this USB drive.
7. Proceed through installation, and when prompted, select “I don’t have Internet” or “Continue without a Microsoft account.”

This method ensures a completely offline setup without any need for manual commands.

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Method 4: Adding a Local Account After Windows Setup

If you already installed Windows 11 using a Microsoft account, you can still create a local account afterward.

1. Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
2. Navigate to Accounts → Family & other users.
3. Under Other users, click Add account.
4. When asked for an email or phone number, select “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.”
5. On the next screen, choose “Add a user without a Microsoft account.”
6. Enter your preferred username, password (optional), and security questions if required.
7. Once added, you can sign out of your Microsoft account and log in using your new local account.

If you prefer, you can even remove your Microsoft account afterward under Settings → Accounts → Your info → Sign in with a local account instead.

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Additional Tips and Notes

• If your PC insists on an internet connection before proceeding, disconnect Ethernet and turn off Wi-Fi. The setup will then prompt you with offline options.
• Local accounts won’t sync your settings, OneDrive files, or passwords automatically — but they offer more privacy and control.
• You can always switch between local and Microsoft accounts later in Settings → Accounts → Your info.
• Keep in mind that certain features like Microsoft Store purchases, OneDrive sync, and Find My Device require a Microsoft account.

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Summary

You can install and use Windows 11 entirely offline without linking a Microsoft account.

• Use OOBE\BYPASSNRO for older builds (24H2).
• Use start ms-cxh:localonly for newer builds (25H2 and later).
• Or use Rufus for an automated solution.
  Once installed, you can still add or switch to a local user account anytime.

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