Microsoft’s Windows 11 Account Requirement Can Be Bypassed With One Click

A new Windows 11 setup trick reportedly allows users to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft Account or an active internet connection. The workaround is surprisingly simple and works directly from the Windows 11 Out of Box Experience.

Windows enthusiast Bob Pony discovered that users can click the Learn more link under Sign-in options during setup. Doing so reportedly switches Windows Setup to the local account flow, letting users continue without connecting to the internet or signing in with a Microsoft Account.

For now, the trick appears to work only on Windows 11 Home editions.

The workaround may not last

The method bypasses Microsoft’s intended account setup flow, which means the company could remove it in a future Windows update.

Windows 11 Home users setting up a new PC may currently be able to use the Learn more link to create a local account instead, but there is no guarantee that the option will continue working.

The workaround also does not change Microsoft’s official Windows 11 account requirements.

Microsoft keeps tightening local account setup

Microsoft has steadily pushed Windows 11 users toward Microsoft Accounts during the initial setup process, while closing several workarounds that previously allowed users to create local accounts.

However, the company may be reconsidering its approach to mandatory Microsoft account sign-in.

Microsoft has not announced any official change to the requirement so far, so users should treat the new Learn more method as another temporary workaround rather than a permanent setup option.

In other news, Windows 11 KB5124008 and KB5126052 are causing crashes on AMD PCs, and Microsoft has updated Windows 11 25H2 Installation Media with KB5124008.

Via Neowin