How to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account

Microsoft has made many changes to Windows 11, but many of the core features remain the same. This includes the requirement to have a Microsoft account to set up any home edition device, although this will soon apply to Windows 11 Pro as well.

For many people, signing in or creating a Microsoft account will make a lot of sense. It acts as the hub for all of Microsoft’s popular software for Windows, from Microsoft 365 and Office apps to OneDrive and Outlook.

But what if you don’t use any of them? Getting a Microsoft account for Windows 11 only seems unnecessary, but there is a workaround. Whether you’re doing a clean install or setting up a new device for the first time, there are two ways to use a local account.

How to clean install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account

If something went wrong with Windows 11 or you need a fresh start, reinstalling might be your only option. This is also the method if your device is eligible for a free upgrade from Windows 10 but it hasn’t been delivered yet.

However, it is important to note that this will delete everything on your computer. Make sure you back up everything you need before proceeding.

1. Go to the official Windows 11 download page and click “Download Now” under the “Create Windows 11 Installation Media” section.

2. After a few seconds, the Media Creation Tool should be loaded. Click to open, then “Yes” to confirm.

3. Accept the terms and wait for the process to begin.

4. Once downloaded, insert the USB stick and move the file to it.

5. Download Rufus – any version 3.19 or later will do.

Eniron Koopman / Foundry

6. Open the app and you should see a screen like below.

Rufus

7. Select USB from the Device dropdown, then click Select and select the Windows 11 file.

8. Click “Start” at the bottom of the window.

9. You should see four customization options. Uncheck “Remove the requirement for a Microsoft online account”, then click “OK”.

10. Make sure the USB drive is still connected, then reboot your device.

11. Before the Windows logo appears, hold F8 to enter Safe Mode (this may differ depending on the manufacturer)

12. Use the arrow keys and enter to select “Use device”, then select the USB drive.

13. After a few seconds, select your language and region and click Next.

14. Click “Install Now” then “I don’t have a product key” on the next screen (you can always add this later if you have one)

15. Click “Next”, then select the desired version and again “Next”.

16. Accept the license terms, then select “Custom: Install Windows Only (Advanced)”.

17. Select Disk 0, which should contain the current installation, and click Remove.

18. Click Yes, then Next.

Now, following the normal process, you can set up Windows 11 using a local account. Learn more in our separate guide on how to install Windows 11 from a USB drive.

How to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account

If you’ve just completed the steps above, but you’re still prompted to use a Microsoft account, here’s what you can try. These methods also apply if you just bought a new Windows 11 device.

1. Select your region and keyboard layout as usual

2. Skip adding a second keyboard layout, after which you will be prompted to sign in to your Microsoft account.

Microsoft

3. Instead, enter a random username and click Next.

4. Enter a random password (you don’t have to remember it either) and hit “Login” a few times.

5. Eventually, you should see the message “Sorry, something went wrong.” Click ‘Next’

6. Enter the name you will use for the local account, then click Next.

Microsoft

7. Enter the password you want to use (you will need to remember this one) and click Next.

Microsoft

8. Add answers to the three security questions as needed, then click Next again.

Microsoft

9. Select your privacy settings, then click Next twice more.

10. Finally, click “Accept” to complete the setup.

Windows 11 will now be set up with a local account instead of a Microsoft account. If you just want to try Windows 11 using a local account, just go to Settings > Accounts > Other Users and click “Add another user” followed by “I don’t have this person’s login details.” This method is officially supported by Microsoft, so no workarounds are required.

Related articles you might like