In a previous post, we walked you through how to remove your Microsoft account from Windows 11. In it, we incorrectly stated that you need a Microsoft account to set up Windows 11. The fact is you don’t.
Install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account
A keen-eyed reader, Octavio contacted OnMSFT to point out our mistake in the How-to section. Octavio offered some ways to get around setting up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account.
There is also a post on Reddit giving users several similar workarounds that work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Octavio pointed out that “you don’t need to enter a Microsoft account at all, not even when setting up Windows 11 for the first time.” These methods work on all versions of Windows 11 and Windows 10 except for Windows 10 and Windows 11 in S mode.
In this guide, we will walk you through 5 ways to set up Windows 11 without using a Microsoft account. Disclaimer: Microsoft might close off these workarounds in the future.
Option 1: Out of Box Experience (OOBE) network disconnect
The first workaround is using Command Prompt when you are setting up your PC for the first time. Also referred to as the Out of Box Experience (OOBE), this interface greets you when you reset a Windows PC or set up a new device for the first time.
There is an instructional video on YouTube if you need extra help. Here’s what you need to do.
1. At the Microsoft account login screen (“Let’s set things up for work or school”) in the OOBE, use Shift + F10 to open a command prompt window.
2. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter to run the command.
3. Close the command prompt window when finished and click the back arrow to be taken to the previous screen in the OOBE.
4. Now you can create a local account and continue to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account.
It’s important to note that this option might not be possible if you are running a device in “S Mode.” However, you should still be able to create a local account using option 2 for devices that run in “S Mode.”
Option 2: Disconnect your physical connection to the internet
If you have an ethernet (wired) connection, you can unplug your ethernet cable to disconnect your network and set up a local account on Windows 11 instead. Here’s what you need to do.
1. Disconnect your network cable.
2. Click the back arrow.
3. Set up the name and password for the local account to proceed with the Windows 11 OOBE.
If you have a wireless connection, here are some recommendations:
1. Turn off the router in your home to disconnect the internet for a moment. Click the back arrow to set up a local account.
2. If you have a laptop, there may have a dedicated key to use on the keyboard to disconnect and reconnect to wireless networks.
3. If you use a USB dongle, disconnect it from your computer.
4. Turn on “Airplane Mode” if there is an option available on your device.
If you cannot disable your wireless connection, then use Option 1 in this …….
Source: https://www.onmsft.com/how-to/set-up-windows-11-without-a-microsoft-account