Still using Windows 10? Maybe it’s time to upgrade to Windows 11. Don’t worry, the latest Windows OS doesn’t only come with lots of new features that will make your life easier, but it’s so similar to Windows 10 that you’ll instantly get used to it. However, when you install the new operating system you’ll be welcomed by an unwanted requirement: You will need to log in with a Microsoft account.
While using a Microsoft account offers interesting benefits, such as data synchronization or easy access to your OneDrive cloud storage, you might prefer to use a local account during. This sends less data to Microsoft and is somewhat more secure against possible hacking attempts. However, Microsoft does not make it easy for you to use this option.
Luckily, and thanks to the guys at Ghacks, we can offer you several methods to bypass this annoying requirement. Here’s how to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account.
Use the OOBEBE\BYPASSNRO method
These words might sound like gibberish to you, but they will help you to install Windows 11 without relying on a Microsoft account. Do you want to know how? Just follow these steps:
- Disable the Internet connection before starting the installation. To do this, you can disconnect the LAN cable or disable Wi-Fi.
- Windows will show you the “Let’s connect to a network” or similar screen. The upcoming Windows 11 version 22H2 no longer allows you to skip this step to create a local account.
- On the screen that appears, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt window.
- Type “OOBE\BYPASSNRO” (without the quotation marks) and press the Enter key.
- Windows will automatically restart and return to the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen. Only this time you can select “I don’t have Internet” to skip this step.
- Then select “Continue with limited configuration” to create a local account during configuration.
Install Windows 11 using a banned e-mail address
Microsoft has banned a number of frequently used email addresses when creating a local account. But, despite what it may seem, this is good for you, as it will allow you to skip the Microsoft account creation or sign-in phase during installation.
To do so, you must follow these steps:
- Select the Sign in option when prompted to create or sign in to a Microsoft account during installation.
- Use the e-mail address “no@thankyou.com” (without the quotation marks).
- Type any password on the next screen.
- Windows will show you the message “Oops, something went wrong” on the next screen.
- Clicking Next will open a screen that allows you to create a local account.
- You can assign a password to the account or leave it empty (we recommend using a secure password).
Create a local account during the installation process
You can easily install Windows 11 without using a Microsoft Account by simply creating a local account during the installation process. To do so, boot Windows 11 from the installation CD or USB drive and, when prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account, select the option “Limited Experience”. Afterwards, enter your desired username and password and click on “Next”. This will let you use Windows 11 and all its features with the exception of not being able to synchronize your data across different devices.
Convert your Microsoft account into a local one
If none of the methods we’ve shared so far seem to be working for you, there’s still one more way to install and use Windows 11 without using a Microsoft account. To do so, simply install the operating system and afterwards, switch it to a local one. It’s very easy! Simply follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu clicking on the Windows icon
- Click on “Settings” (it’s the gear shaped icon)
- Select “Accounts” and click on “Your Info”
- Now simply press “Manage my Microsoft account” and click on “Sign in with a local account instead”
