How to Install Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account (Step-by-Step Guide for All Users)

You can install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, but Microsoft doesn’t make it easy. This guide will show you how to bypass Microsoft sign in with ease, so let’s get started.

How to Install Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account (Skip Sign-In)

🧩 Method 1: Use Command Prompt Trick During Setup (OOBE)

Works best for

• Stable builds like Windows 11 24H2
  
• Users with installation USB or ISO already created
  

1. Start the installation

Boot your PC using the USB or ISO.
Proceed until you reach the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen.

2. Open the Command Prompt

On your keyboard, press Shift + F10. This opens a terminal window.

3. Run the bypass command

If you’re on a stable build like 24H2, type:

OOBE\BYPASSNRO

Press Enter. Your system will restart.
After reboot, press Shift + F10 again when setup resumes.

4. Disable network connection

Type the following command:

ipconfig /release

Press Enter. This disconnects the network so Windows doesn’t require online sign-in.

For more details, you can follow this separate guide on how to install Windows 11 without an internet connection.

5. Close the Command Prompt

Close the window or type exit.

6. Complete setup

Choose “I don’t have internet”
Then click “Continue with limited setup”
Set up your local username and password.

You’ve now installed Windows 11 with a local account, without needing to sign in to Microsoft. As you can see, it’s relatively simple to setup Windows 11 without Microsoft account with with these commands.

On shared PCs, learn how to sign out of Microsoft account on PC to keep data private after setup.

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🧰 Method 2: Use Rufus to Create a Preconfigured USB

Works best for

• All Windows 11 versions
  
• Users who want a simple solution with no commands
  

1. Download Rufus (version 4.4 or newer)

Go to the official Rufus website: rufus.ie

2. Prepare your USB installer

Plug in a USB drive (at least 8GB)
Open Rufus and do the following:

• Select your Windows 11 ISO
  
• Choose your USB drive
  

3. Enable bypass options

After selecting the ISO, Rufus will show customization settings
Check the box for “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account”
Optionally pre-fill a local username and password

If your system isn’t officially supported, follow this walkthrough to install Windows 11 24H2 on an unsupported PC using the same Rufus method.

4. Create the USB

Click Start and wait for it to finish

5. Install Windows 11

Boot from the USB
Setup will skip Microsoft sign-in automatically
Set up your local account and finish the installation

This is the easiest method if you’re doing multiple installs or preparing a device for someone else.

Did you know that you can install Windows 11 without the Assistant? That’s right, and we have a guide that can help you do that.

This method is even simpler as it requires no command line in order to setup Windows 11 without Microsoft account.

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🧑‍💼 Method 3: Domain Join Option (Windows 11 Pro Only)

Works best for

• Windows 11 Pro users
  
• Offline setups without internet access
  

1. Proceed through setup

Begin Windows 11 installation normally

2. Choose “Set up for work or school”

When prompted for account type, pick this option

3. Select “Domain join instead”

Click the “Domain join instead” link
You’ll be able to create a local user account

This works even when you’re offline but is only available on Windows 11 Pro editions.

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🧪 Method 4: Insider Build Shortcut for Local Account

Works best for

• Insider or Preview builds (version 26120 and newer)
  

1. Reach the Microsoft login screen

Start the install and continue until it asks you to sign in with a Microsoft account

2. Open Command Prompt

Press Shift + F10 to open terminal

3. Run the shortcut command

Type the following:

sql

start ms-cxh:localonly

Press Enter

A setup screen will appear allowing you to create a local user account
No restart is needed, and there’s no need to disable the network

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🎯 Final Tips

If you’re running a stable build such as 24H2, the Shift + F10 method with the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command is your best bet. Those using Insider or Preview builds will find the start ms-cxh:localonly shortcut faster and more reliable.

For the most hands-off experience, Rufus lets you build a USB installer that lets you setup Windows 11 without Microsoft account seamlessly. Meanwhile, anyone with a Windows 11 Pro license can simply use the Domain Join option during setup to create a local user.

For users on older PCs, you might also need to check compatibility settings before installation. In that case, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install Windows 11 on legacy BIOS, which can help you set up the OS even without modern hardware support.

If you’re still on an older version and waiting for the upgrade, you might consider using a manual method to force the Windows 11 update ahead of time. Also, don’t miss our guide on how to upgrade to Windows 11 without data loss .

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FAQs

🧾 Wrap-Up

Installing Windows 11 without a Microsoft account is still very much possible, and you don’t need to be tech-savvy to do it. Whether you’re working with a stable build or the latest Insider release, there’s a reliable method that fits your needs.