How to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account

Is it possible to perform the installation of Windows 11 on a computer without having a Microsoft account? The answer is yes. The trick is to configure the system with a local account. That's not exactly what the tech giant wants, but it can be done. Here we explain How to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account.

What we are going to explain below will be very useful for many users who are reluctant to open a Microsoft account. Their reluctance is based on doubts about the convenience of using the company's cloud services. That's something that comes with the package, you can't choose. And for some, with privacy in mind, it's not exactly the most suitable option.

Until relatively recently, there was a little "trap" to install Windows without a Microsoft account. The trick, which worked for Windows 10, was to disconnect the network cable and cut off any internet connection in order to skip the step of entering an account. Unfortunately, That trick doesn't work anymoreIf we try this now, an error message will appear and we will not be able to continue.

Luckily, as the old saying goes: “where there is a will, there is always a way.” And we are going to explain that way to you here:

Install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, step by step

The first thing we must do to start the process of installing Windows 11 without a Microsoft account is Insert installation media for Windows 11, which can be either a USB or an installation DVD. The first step is to boot the computer from this device and follow the steps that the wizard itself indicates: language selection, keyboard layout…

Avoid using Microsoft account

During this process, at some point we will be shown on screen a message asking us to connect to the Internet. This is the key moment of the installation process: you must skip this step, because if you don't, Windows will force you to create a Microsoft account. But how can you avoid this? There are two options:

• 1 Option: Disconnect from the Internet manually, either by disabling WiFi or disconnecting the Ethernet cable. When Windows realizes that there is no connection, it will offer us the option of creating a local account to replace the Microsoft one.
• 2 Option: Using the OOBE/BYPASSNRO command. If the above option does not work (because Windows does not offer us the alternative option of using a local account), we can try it from the command line (CMD). We can access it with the key combination Shift + F10, type the command  OOBE \ BYPASSNRO and finally press the Enter key. With this we will get the computer to restart and then allow us to ccreate a local account.

Create a local account

Whatever option is chosen from the two previous ones, we come to the moment in which Windows will offer us the possibility of create a local account completely unlinked from Microsoft. To do this, we will have to enter a username and, optionally, also set a password.

Using this local account, we can continue with the process of installing Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, configuring the different options (privacy, language, etc.) according to our own tastes and preferences. And without having to use a Microsoft account.

Other alternative method To install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, you have to start the installation process normally (as if you were using a Microsoft account) and interrupt the Internet connection just when you enter the account.

Installing via a local account: pros and cons

Following the steps above we can install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, but rather through a local account. Everything will work more or less the same, but we must bear in mind that Let's notice some differencesFor example, we won't have access to some features like OneDrive and Microsoft Store syncing. However, that's offset by other advantages:

Pros

• More freedom, by not having to be necessarily linked to Microsoft.
• The local account is more secure, as it restricts its use to only one computer (ours).

Against

• Unable to access cloud storage service.
• Some of the applications of the Microsoft Store will not be available.
• The "Recover password" function is not available.

In summary, we can say that if we choose to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account we will be able to use the operating system completely normally, without any major problems. And without the obligation to have an "official" Microsoft account. Of course, there are some not so favorable aspects that we must consider, basically those we have mentioned above. In the end, it is up to each user to decide what is most preferable for their circumstances.