How to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account?

Microsoft recommends using a Microsoft account to set up Windows 11. A Microsoft account simplifies access to various Microsoft services and features like OneDrive cloud storage, syncing settings across devices, and even downloading apps from the Microsoft Store. However, you can still install Windows 11 and use it entirely offline with a local account. Here’s a detailed guide to walk you through the process:

Preparation: Creating Installation Media

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO File: Head to the Microsoft website to download the Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) file. You can choose between creating installation media for another PC or downloading the ISO file itself. Downloading the ISO file gives you more flexibility, as you can use a third-party tool like Rufus to create bootable media on a USB drive.
2. Create a Bootable USB Drive (Using Rufus):

• Download and install Rufus https://rufus.ie/.
• Plug in a USB drive with at least 8GB of free space.
• Open Rufus and select the USB drive from the device list.
• Click “Select” and choose the downloaded Windows 11 ISO file.
• Ensure the “File system” option is set to NTFS by default and the “Cluster size” is set to its default value.
• Under the “New partition scheme and system type” section, choose “GPT partition scheme for UEFI.”

There are additional options available in Rufus that can be helpful during the installation process:

• Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account: This option bypasses the internet connection requirement during setup, allowing you to create a local account.
• Remove TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirement: These are security features required for standard Windows 11 installations. Disabling them is not recommended for security reasons, but it can be helpful for older machines that don’t meet these requirements.

Important Note: Disabling TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot might make your system more vulnerable, so proceed with caution and only if absolutely necessary.

• Once you’ve selected the desired options, click “Start” to begin creating the bootable USB drive.

Installing Windows 11

1. Boot from the USB Drive:

• Restart your computer and press the key to enter the BIOS setup menu (usually F2, Delete, or another key depending on your manufacturer).
• In the BIOS menu, navigate to the boot options section and change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive you created.
• Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup menu. Your computer should boot from the USB drive.

2. Begin the Windows 11 Setup Process:

• The Windows 11 setup wizard will start. Choose your language, time zone, and keyboard layout, and then click “Next.”
• You’ll be prompted to enter a product key. If you don’t have a product key, click “I don’t have a product key” at the bottom of the window. This will allow you to install Windows 11 and set up a local account, but some personalization features might be limited without activating Windows.
• Review the license terms and click “I accept the license terms” to proceed.
• On the “Choose an installation type” screen, select “Custom install.”

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Bypassing the Microsoft Account Requirement

1. Disconnecting from the Internet (Optional):

While not strictly necessary, disconnecting your computer from the internet during setup can prevent accidental creation of a Microsoft account. If you’ve already cr​eated a bootable USB drive with the “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account” option selected in Rufus (as mentioned in Part 1), you can skip this step.

To disconnect from the internet, simply unplug your ethernet cable or disable Wi-Fi before proceeding.

2. Reaching the Network Connection Prompt:

The setup process will continue, prompting you to “Connect to a network.” This is where you’ll bypass the Microsoft account requirement.

3. Opening Command Prompt (Shift + F10):

Press Shift + F10 on your keyboard simultaneously. This will open a command prompt window.

4. Executing the Bypass Command:

In the command prompt window, type the following command exactly as shown:

OOBE\BYPASSNRO

Press Enter to execute the command. Your computer will restart after a brief moment.

Creating a Local Account

5. Post-Restart Setup:

After the restart, you’ll return to the initial setup screen. This time, when prompted to “Connect to a network,” you’ll have the option to choose “I don’t have internet.” Click on this option.

6. Limited Setup:

On the next screen, you’ll be presented with two choices: “Set up for personal use” and “Set up for organization.” Choose “Set up for personal use.”

7. Local Account Creation:

You’ll be prompted to create a user account. Enter your desired username and password for the local account. Here, you can also set up security questions for password recovery.

8. Privacy Settings:

Windows 11 will ask you to choose your privacy settings. You can choose between “Basic” or “Enhanced” depending on your preference.

9. Account Setup Completion:

Click “Next” to proceed. Windows 11 will finalize the setup process and prepare your desktop.

Additional Considerations

• Microsoft Account Benefits: While installing Windows 11 with a local account allows you to use the operating system offline, you’ll miss out on some features that require a Microsoft account. These include access to the Microsoft Store, OneDrive cloud storage, syncing settings across devices, and using certain apps that require Microsoft account integration.
• Driver Installation: After setting up Windows 11 with a local account, you might need to download and install device drivers manually from the manufacturer’s website. These drivers are crucial for ensuring proper functionality of your hardware components.
• Windows Updates: With a local account, you’ll still receive security updates from Microsoft, but you might need to check for updates manually and initiate the installation process yourself.

Conclusion

Following these steps will allow you to install Windows 11 and create a local account, giving you full control over your offline experience. Remember, using a Microsoft account offers additional features and convenience, so weigh the pros and cons before choosing the installation method that best suits your needs.