How to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft Account in 2024?

Whenever you turn on a new PC or desktop and want to install Windows 11 in it, you will be asked to log in to your Microsoft Account. However, Microsoft accounts are completely free but still, if you are purchasing the laptop for selling purposes or you want to gift it to your friend, then you can set up Windows 11 first without a Microsoft account.

You must be wondering if it is possible to Windows 11 sign-in with a local account, so yes you can do that. If you don’t want to use Microsoft 365, Office apps, One Drive, Outlook, and more, then setting up a Microsoft account just to install Windows can feel irrelevant to you. So there are a few ways in which you can try to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account.

Here in this article, we will provide you with different ways that you can try to have a Windows 11 Microsoft account bypassed, You can use any of the methods at your convenience.

Also read – Microsoft Unveils Groundbreaking AI-Powered PCs

How to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account?

Method 1: Using Local Account/set up Windows 11 without Internet

Firstly you can try to set up a local account and disable your internet connection at the right time, during the setup of Windows 11.

1. Follow the Installation steps until you reach the “Choose a country” screen
2. While choosing your country, (This is time to cut off your internet connection, but not directly instead by using a prompt). Hit Shift + F10. A command prompt appears.
3. Then, type OOBE\BYPASSNRO to disable the Internet connection requirement.
4. Now you will be redirected to a new screen. (INSERT IMAGE 1 HERE)

1. Again, Hit Shift + F10, and this time Type ipconfig /release. Then hit Enter to disable the Internet.
2. Now you can close the command prompt.
3. Continue with the installation of Windows 11 choosing the region. Keyboard and second keyboard option.
4. Further, you will see a screen asking you to “Let’s connect you to a network”.
5. Then, you need to click on “I don’t have Internet” to continue.

1. Click Continue with limited setup.

1. Now, you will see a new login screen appear asking “Who’s going to use this device?”. Enter a username you want to use for your local account and click Next.
2. Enter a password you would like to use and click Next.
3. Complete the rest of the process by following the further steps.

Now, you have successfully set up Windows 11 without the internet, using a local account.

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Method 2: Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, using Rufus:

1. Firstly, download the Windows 11 file onto your desktop and then transfer the file to a USB stick.
2. Download Rufus –version 3.19 or newer will work.
3. Open the app and you will see a screen as shown in the image.

1. Now, Select the USB from the ‘Device’ drop-down, then click ‘Select’ and choose the Windows 11 file, which you have previously downloaded.
2. Click ‘Start’ from the bottom of the window and then uncheck the box next to ‘Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account’, then click ‘OK’.
3. Now, you will have to make sure the USB stick is still plugged in and restart your device.
4. Before the Windows logo appears, hold F8 to enter Safe Mode.
5. Using the arrow keys, enter to choose ‘Use a device’, then select the USB stick. Wait for a few seconds, select your language and region, and choose ‘Next’.
6. Click ‘Install now’, then ‘I don’t have a product key’ (If you have one, you can enter that later at any time).
7. Click ‘Next’, then choose the version and ‘Next’ again. Now you must accept the license terms, then choose ‘custom: Install Windows only (advanced)’.
8. Select ‘Drive 0’, which should be where the current installation is located, and click ‘Delete’. Then Click ‘Yes’, then ‘Next’.
9. Follow, the steps later, as your normal setup.

So these are some methods that you can try to set up Windows 11 first without a Microsoft account.