How Can I Set Up a Local Account During Windows 11 Installation?

So, you’re trying to set up a local account in Windows 11, huh? No sweat! Here’s how you can pull it off without getting roped into a Microsoft account.

First up, let’s talk about the OOBE Bypass method:

• Kick things off: Boot up your Windows 11 installation media—your USB or DVD.
• Command Prompt time: Once you hit the network connection screen, hit Shift + F10 and whip open that Command Prompt.
• The trick: Punch in OOBE\BYPASSNRO and hit Enter. Your system will do a quick restart and voila! You’ll have a new option to skip the network setup when you’re back.
• Smooth sailing: Skip network setup and you’ll get the chance to create your local account—just like the good old days.

Prefer to fly solo without any fancy commands? Try this:

• Start your setup: Start your Windows 11 setup like you normally would.
• Go ninja mode: When the setup asks for a network, disconnect from the internet. It’s as simple as pulling out that Ethernet cord or cutting off Wi-Fi.
• Boulder through: If you spot an ‘I don’t have Internet’ option, click it—or just bulldoze through without connecting. This should plop you down at the local account creation screen.
• Set it up: Throw in your username and password, and maybe some security questions for good measure.

Feeling a bit techy? Tweak the Registry:

• Kicking off: Kick off the setup as before, and Shift + F10 your way into the Command Prompt.
• Registry Editor: Type regedit to liaise with the Registry Editor.
• Navigate the keys: Head over to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup. Right-click Setup, craft a new key called LabConfig.
• Bypass value: In the LabConfig key, create a DWORD (32-bit) Value called BypassNRO and pop its value to 1.
• Close out: Close out of there, reboot, and you should see the option to set up a local account.

There you have it, three tricks to dodge the Microsoft sign-in and keep things local! Dive in and give it a whirl.