How to create a local account in Windows 11 offline

¿How to create a local account in Windows 11 offline? Setting up Windows 11 without relying on an internet connection and without linking your session to a cloud account is possible, although Microsoft has been tightening this requirement. with each update. If you're looking to create a local account from the first boot (OOBE), here's a complete walkthrough of methods that still work, those that no longer work, and serious alternatives used by professionals.

It's worth noting that Windows 11, especially the Home edition, encourages you to use a Microsoft account during initial setup. This is done to activate services such as OneDrive with artificial intelligenceGame Pass or Microsoft 365, and to download patches and drivers on the fly. Even so, There are documented ways to complete the offline installation. and to maintain a local account on the computer without going through online login.

Why Windows 11 asks for internet access (and what ignoring it means)

During the first boot (OOBE), Windows 11 attempts to connect to check the license status, download critical updates and drivers, and encourage the use of Windows services. If you skip this, the system will still install, but Some pieces may remain pending until you log on. for the first time (for example, icons and apps that are downloaded later).

In Home the requirement is more aggressive: The local account option does not appear without internet access. Unless you apply a bypass or use a custom medium. In Pro, it has traditionally been more flexible, although with recent builds Microsoft has also restricted several escape routes.

Current methods for installing without Internet and creating a local account

The following shortcuts work or have worked recently, but remember that Microsoft can close them in new buildsEven so, if you're in OOBE and don't want to log on, they're worth it.

BypassNRO (unlock the option to continue without internet)

The classic trick with the assistant is to open a console with Shift + F10 and execute a bypass that forces OOBE to display the offline option. The most direct way is to try with oobe\bypassnrowhich restarts the computer and, upon returning to the network point, should activate the "I have no internet" button and then "Continue with limited setup".

If the command doesn't exist or is locked, you can use the Registry from the same console: launch regedit, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/OOBE, creates the DWORD (32-bit) value BYPASSNRO and set it to 1. After restarting, the assistant It allows you to continue offline and with a local account.

Create the local account using the internal protocol (when it appears)

In some builds, from OOBE you can open CMD with Shift + F10 and run start ms-cxh:localonlyThis internal protocol invokes an interface for define a local user and their password Without going through your Microsoft account. It doesn't require a restart, but in recent builds Microsoft has partially blocked it, so you might not see it.

Disconnect at a key point

There are facilities where, if you log in just to progress and You unplug the cable or cut off the Wi-Fi just before accepting the contractOOBE falls into an alternative flow that lets you create a local user. It's not 100% reliable, but it can get you out of a bind without touching the Registry or using other tricks.

Use "Log in with a security key" and log out

In Home, when there is already an internet connection, the installer "hijacks" the connection and hides the local account. A workaround that often works is to click on "Log in with a security key"To go back, disconnect the internet (turn off Wi-Fi or remove Ethernet) and enter that option again: upon returning, the assistant usually allows Create an offline account.

Developer console for "breaking" OOBE JavaScript

The wizard uses web technologies. In some versions, you can open the tools with Ctrl + Shift + J and run: WinJS.Application.restart("ms-cxh://LOCALONLY")This restarts the flow toward local account creation. If the console opens, press Escape to close it. continues with the user without cloudAgain, in recent builds it may be covered up.

Methods that no longer work (or fail depending on the version)

With each update—especially from 24H2 onwards—Microsoft has been closing loopholes that allowed people to circumvent the requirementSome popular tricks were affected or blocked.

End "Network Connection Flow" from Task Manager

The classic way: open CMD with Shift + F10, run taskmgrShow more details and kill the "Network Connection Stream" process. In older versions, this would return you to the wizard, allowing you to continue offline. The problem is twofold: in modern builds That process no longer exists. And, in addition, after installation some icons or apps are not visible/open until you connect to download them.

Force close with Alt + F4 on the network screen

Another variation involved pressing Alt + F4 when OOBE prompted you to connect. This often took you out of that view and allowed to continue with a local accountToday it is common for it not to have any effect, depending on the build.

Trap credentials: [email protected] o [email protected]

For years, introducing [email protected] o [email protected] An incorrect password would cause a controlled error that would ultimately enable the local user. In current builds, the technique It no longer allows passage and the assistant insists on returning to the login screen.

Retired or changed commands in OOBE

In addition to the above, shortcuts such as oobe\bypassnro o start ms-cxh:localonly They have been disappearing or behaving differently depending on the build. On multiple systems, They operate seasonally or only if you use older ISOs (e.g., 21H2) versus newer media.

Install with Pro: Join a domain later

In Windows 11 Pro, the assistant includes the option "Join a domain later"It's designed for enterprise deployments, but it allows you to finish the installation and then use a local administrator account without having to tether yourself to the cloud during the OOBE.

Autounattend.xml: Automate OOBE with a local account

In IT environments, a response file is used to automate the installation. Create Autounattend.xml in the root directory of the Windows USB drive and includes instructions for define local user, time zone, language, product key and, if applicable, skip the OOBE and online login. You can also configure the name of the team from the response.

This method requires carefully preparing the XML file (there are online generators and tools like Windows System Image Manager). The advantage is that, since it's supported by the installer, You don't depend on ephemeral hacks nor of tricks that can be broken with updates.

Create a custom USB drive with Rufus

Rufus burns ISOs to USB drives and also offers a wizard to modify the Windows 11 installation experience. When you load the ISO, you can select options to eliminate controversial requirements (TPM 2.0, 4 GB of RAM minimum) and, crucially for our case, Remove the requirement to sign in with a Microsoft Account.

The advantage of this method is that the changes are injected into the installer configuration without altering critical system files, thus reducing errors. When you boot from that USB drive, the wizard prompts you to create directly a local user and you can even automate the username and password from within Rufus.

Note on ISOs and builds: why sometimes "it worked yesterday and it doesn't today"

If you use an older ISO (for example, 21H2), techniques like oobe\bypassnro o ms-cxh:localonly remain available. Starting with certain milestones—such as 24H2 and later builds—Microsoft closed different entries, so The result varies depending on the medium. and the date you downloaded it.

What if you already have Windows installed and want to stop using your Microsoft account?

Even if you set it up with your Microsoft email, you can switch to a local account from Settings Once you're on your desktop: go to Accounts > Your info and choose "Sign in with a local account instead." You'll still need your Microsoft account for the Microsoft Store or other apps, but the system login it will be local.

What happens when you connect to the internet after installing offline?

When you connect the computer for the first time, Windows will validate the license and activate Windows Update. This means that Patches and drivers will be downloaded (graphics, network, peripherals), and that pre-installed apps can be updated.

If you later add your Microsoft account, cloud synchronization will be enabled (passwords, Edge settings, OneDrive, etc.). Telemetry components will also be activated, so it's advisable to review and prevent Windows 11 from sharing your data with Microsoft and adjust what you don't want to share.

Advantages of offline installation

The main advantage is avoiding the forced link with the cloud: with a local account you have more control and less exposure to automatic synchronization. Additionally, it prevents Windows from downloading bloatware and activating unnecessary services on first startup.

In large-scale deployments (schools, offices), offline installation speeds up the process and keeps equipment running smoothly. more isolated until IT imposes its image, its policies, and its driver repository.

Risks of completing the offline installation

If your ISO is not up to date, you will not receive cumulative patches until your first connection. During that time, the system may be vulnerable to kernel, network service, or cryptographic validation failures: some vulnerabilities are of the zero-click type and do not require user interaction.

Connecting to public Wi-Fi first increases the risk: an attacker could probe ports, negotiate weak encryption, or attempt remote execution. It's also advisable to avoid old drivers or outdated restorations that reintroduce bugs that have already been patched.

Safety recommendations after the first start-up

Connect only to a trusted network, run Windows Update until all patches are installed, and restart as many times as necessary. Make sure that The Firewall is active in all profiles and that Microsoft Defender keeps real-time protection enabled.

If you notice unusual behavior, run an offline scan with Defender. Avoid P2P downloads and non-essential software until critical updates are complete. And, if your network hardware didn't work out of the box, have the following on hand: manufacturer drivers on a USB drive to install them without relying on Windows Update.

Microsoft's official route… and its limits

If you experience network problems during OOBE, the wizard suggests visiting aka.ms/networksetupwhere you'll find tips for restarting your router, checking Airplane Mode, signal strength, or trying a wired connection. Useful if your goal is to connect, but It's not useful for going without internet.: for that you need one of the methods above.

Special cases: Logging in without a network on a previously used computer

If you've previously signed in to your Microsoft account on a device, you can still access it offline and switch to a local account from Settings. In that situation, Some features will still require an internet connection (updates, synchronization, store), but the system login will remain local.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Windows 11 without Internet

Why does Windows 11 Home require an internet connection during installation?

He does it to download updates, drivers and apps of the ecosystem, and to encourage the use of cloud services linked to the Microsoft Account.

In Windows 11 Pro Is it possible to progress without connecting?

Pro makes it easier to «join a domain later"and create a local account. However, some recent builds have tightened the net and certain shortcuts no longer appear."

Is it reliable to use Rufus to remove the account requirement?

Yes. Rufus is a well-known tool that Adjust the installer settings without touching critical files, and offers the option to skip the Microsoft Account.

What changes when you connect to the internet after installing offline?

Windows tries activate the licenseDownload patches and drivers, update apps, and enable telemetry. Your local account won't become a Microsoft account unless you add it.

With all of the above in mind, the best strategy is to choose the most stable method for your build (Rufus or Autounattend if you're looking for reliability), try out OOBE shortcuts while they're still open, and then, once you've started, patch and protect the equipment before starting to work with him.