Installing Windows 11 without a Microsoft account

Disconnect from the internet

As you begin the setup process, Microsoft implies you need a Wi-Fi connection and a Microsoft account to proceed with the installation. This is new to Windows 11. In previous editions of the software, Microsoft strongly suggested creating an account, but you could work around the requirement by not connecting to the internet. This scenario isn’t much different for Windows 11. Nevertheless, Microsoft has made the process slightly more challenging. There are just a few extra steps for installing the software using an unconnected local account.

Creating a local account is more manageable with Windows 11 Pro than with the basic Home edition. Nonetheless, you can install the software without an internet connection, irrespective of which version of Windows 11 OS you use. If you proceed with the install while connected to a network, the program implies that you must create a Microsoft account. You can safely bypass this requirement by disconnecting from the internet or, if you can’t, entering a few basic commands in the Command Prompt.

Set up a local account

To establish a local account, verify your identity and confirm that you’re completely signed out of your Microsoft account if you have one. Ensure that you are disconnected from the internet, and do the following:

– Open the installation window.

– Type Shift+F10 on the installation wizard.

– Enter the command: OOBEBYPASSNRO

– After restart select I don’t have internet

• Click the Continue with limited setup option

After you press Shift+F10 to open the Command Prompt and enter OOBEBYPASSNRO, your computer will automatically begin restarting before brining you back to the installation wizard. Beside the Next button at the bottom left, choose I don’t have the internet. You can then safely proceed by choosing Continue with limited setup instead of Connect now. Enter your details to proceed.

Install Windows 11

Now you’re ready to install Windows 11 with a local account without linking to any Microsoft products. The prompts ask you to enter a password and user name for a new local account. Establishing a password is optional, but creating one is strongly recommended. You’ll always sign in to Windows from this account.

Once you’ve entered a new user name and password, click Sign out and finish. Now, log back into your new local account from the lock screen. Installing Windows 11 from a local account generally requires you to be disconnected from an online source, but it is possible to proceed while connected.

If you must link to a network, you have to close the Network Connection Flow Process running in the background. To do this, press Shift+F10. This opens the Command Prompt again where you enter the taskmgr command. After opening Task Manager, look for the Connection Flow process. Right click on Connection Flow and select End task. This lets you proceed with the install while connected.

Finally, to bypass Microsoft’s account requirements, type Shift+F10 and access Command Prompt once more. Enter: taskkill /F /IM oobenetworkconnectionflow.exe. This command also closes the Network Connection Flow Process if you haven’t already in the steps above. Finish the install by completing your local account information.