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

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by Diana Todea 

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You can install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, but Microsoft doesn’t make it easy. This guide walks you through the simplest methods first, then more advanced ones. It’s structured for beginners and tested as of June 2025.

Follow the method that best fits your version of Windows and comfort level.

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, which breaks down the offline process even further.

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.

🧰 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.

🧑‍💼 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.

🧪 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

🎯 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 skips the Microsoft account step automatically. Meanwhile, anyone with a Windows 11 Pro license can simply use the Domain Join option during setup to create a local user. 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.

FAQs

Can I switch to a Microsoft account later?

Yes. Go to Settings → Accounts → Your Info to add one later.

What happens if I use fake email or phone numbers during setup?

It won’t work. Microsoft now checks for valid sign-in credentials.

Does the Rufus method work on Windows 11 Home?

Yes. Rufus removes the requirement for both Home and Pro editions.

Is it legal to skip Microsoft sign-in?

Yes. You’re still installing a licensed copy of Windows. You’re just choosing a local setup.

🧾 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.

🔍 Meta Description:

Learn how to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account using 4 easy methods 💻✅ no advanced skills required!

Diana Todea

Diana Todea Shield

With a keen interest in online privacy, she is going all out in making sure we share practical and up-to-date methods to stay safe in the digital space. She’s got a cybersecurity certification from Infosec and a data privacy specialization from UCI.

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