How Can I Skip the Microsoft Account Setup in Windows 11?

Alright, let\’s dive into skipping that Microsoft account setup in Windows 11. Maybe you just want to keep things local—totally get it. Here’s how you can sidestep that pesky login screen:

Why does Windows 11 do this?

Well, Microsoft really wants you to be all in their ecosystem. There\’s syncing your settings, apps, and other stuff across your devices. Plus, they’re big on security with those passwords and PINs. But yeah, some features like the Microsoft Store and Copilot need an account.

Ways to get around the Microsoft Account Setup:

1. Fresh Install? Just Unplug Your Internet:

• Basically, when you hit that “Let’s connect you to a network” screen, yank out that Ethernet cable or unplug your Wi-Fi.
• Can\’t see the \”I don’t have internet\” option? Type Shift + F10 to pop up the Command Prompt. Then enter OOBE\\BYPASSNRO.
• Your system might reboot. You’ll circle back to network setup, and voila, the \”Continue with limited setup\” option should now be there.

2. Already Set Up? Go Local:

• Pop into Settings, then Accounts, and hit Your info.
• Find the \”Sign in with a local account instead\” option and click it.
• Punch in your Microsoft account password then set up your local login.

3. Feeling Adventurous with the Registry? Be Careful!

• Heads up, this one’s a bit risky—make sure to back up your registry first.
• Hit Win + R, type regedit, and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Winlogon.
• Here’s where you’ll create a string value named AutoAdminLogon and give it a 1 as its value. Toss in your username and password in the strings DefaultUsername and DefaultPassword.

4. Switching Account Types:

• If setting up, use a@a.com as your email and some random password. It’ll spit out an error, then you proceed with a local account.

5. Offline Installation with a Custom ISO:

• Use something like Rufus to make a bootable USB, making sure to pick \”No TPM/no Secure Boot\” options.
• Choose \”Custom Install\” and skip the network steps to force a local account setup.

Just something to remember:

• Some of these methods might not work on newer updates.
• If you\’re dodging the Microsoft account, things like OneDrive or some apps might act a bit weird.
• Back everything up before getting too deep in hacking around in settings.

Honestly, the first and second methods are probably the easiest for most folks. But for those who like tinkering, there are other options too. Just make sure you’re comfy with the risks, especially if you’re going into the registry.

Want to skip that Microsoft account setup on Windows 11? No problem, here’s how you can take the scenic route to a local account.

Method 1: Go Old School by Disabling the Internet

1. Keep cruising through Windows 11 setup until you hit the “Let’s add a Microsoft account” roadblock.
2. Unplug your Ethernet cable or flick the Wi-Fi switch off. Going offline is the name of the game here.
3. Backtrack a step in the setup, and voilà – you should now see the option to dive into creating a local account. Follow along and you’re set!

Method 2: OOBE Bypass Command Trick

1. While at the Microsoft account screen, press Shift + F10. This little shortcut opens the Command Prompt, like magic!
2. Type OOBE\BYPASSNRO and hit Enter. Your PC will take a quick breather and restart.
3. When it comes back up, you’ll find more sign-in options. Choose the one to create a local account – easy peasy!

Method 3: The Generic Account Gambit

1. Try to throw it a curveball by typing in any old email, like a@b.com, and a random password.
2. The setup won’t recognize it, and you should see the option to switch gears and set up an offline account.

And there you have it, a few ways to sidestep the Microsoft account hoopla in Windows 11.

Here\’s the scoop on skipping the Microsoft account setup in Windows 11. If you\’re like me and just want a straightforward, local account setup, you have some nifty tricks at your disposal. Let\’s dive in and see how it\’s done!

Method 1: Getting Around the Setup (OOBE-style)

1. Start by installing Windows 11 from a USB or other media. When you hit the country selection screen, make a move before you connect to the internet.
2. Hit Shift+F10 to launch the Command Prompt. If your keyboard’s being tricky, try Shift+Fn+F10.
3. Now, if you’re on a current release like Windows 11 24H2, type the command oobe\\bypassnro. Trust me, this one\’s magic—it\’ll stop Windows from demanding an internet connection during setup. Your device will restart and you\’ll be back at the network screen.
4. Once you\’re rebooted, hit Shift+F10 again and type ipconfig /release to cut off any network connection. Or just unplug the Ethernet and disable WiFi; you do you!
5. Keep going with the setup. When they ask about a network, go for \”I don’t have Internet\” or \”Continue with limited setup.\”
6. Now you get to make a local account. Pick a username and password if you want.
7. Finish up the rest of the setup—you’re almost there!

For those on newer preview builds (like builds 26100, 26200, or later) where the previous command might be a no-go, just hit Shift+F10 and type start ms-cxh:localonly during the sign-in screen to whip up a local account with zero hassle.

Method 2: Creating a Tweaked Installation Disk with Rufus

1. First, snag the official Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft\’s site.
2. Next, fire up Rufus (version 4.4 or newer should do the trick).
3. Pop in an 8GB or larger USB flash drive (heads up, it\’ll wipe everything on it).
4. In Rufus, pick your USB drive and \”Select\” the Windows 11 ISO.
5. Check out the option to “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account” and toggle it on. You can even set up a local username here if you’re feeling proactive.
6. Hit “Start” to make your custom bootable installation disk.
7. Boot your PC from this USB and yank the internet (Shift+F10 for ipconfig /release or just unplug that network cable).
8. Cruise through the setup steps. When it asks about connecting to the net, pick the option to skip it and make a local account instead.

This Rufus method rocks for fresh starts where you want all these tweaks baked into the install media.

Wrapping It Up

Navigating around a forced Microsoft account setup in Windows 11 isn\’t too tough when you\’ve got the right plan. This way, you keep things private and stick to a local account if that\’s your jam. So give these steps a shot and enjoy riding the wave of local-only freedom! Just keep an eye out for any updates from Microsoft that might shake things up. Good luck!