Possible to install windows 11 with local account and skip microsoft account?

 +1 for using local account in Windows 11. I have done that on my laptop and here is the detailed guide:

https://www.uuwinfox.com/install-windows-11-without-using-microsoft-account

When installing Windows 11 with local account, there are several common errors to watch out for to ensure a smooth setup: During installation, Windows 11 may prompt you to connect to the internet. If you choose to skip or disconnect, it might limit some setup options. 

Connect to the internet when installing Windows 11 with local account to access all features or select the option for an offline/local account if available. Some versions may hide the offline option; look carefully for "I don't have internet" or similar. Windows 11 setup often defaults to a Microsoft account. When prompted to sign in, look for "Offline account" or "Limited experience" options, usually available via small links or prompts, to create a local account instead. Setting a weak password for your local account can be a security risk. You have to Choose a strong, unique password during setup.

A local account means:

• No syncing of settings across devices.
• You can still use the Microsoft Store and other Microsoft services by signing into individual apps (like Mail or Office).
• Some features, like "Windows Hello" facial recognition PIN login, may require a Microsoft account to fully enable.

You are not missing out on critical OS functionality by using a local account. The core experience of Windows 11 is identical.

By following these steps, you can easily install windows 11 with local account. And not being forced to use a Microsoft account for your primary login.

Try to create a business account on the login screen.
This method takes advantage of the different setup paths provided for enterprise users.

1. When the installer prompts you to "Sign in or create a Microsoft account," do not enter any information.
2. Look in the lower-left or lower-right corner of the screen. There's usually an option for enterprise or organizational users, such as "Domain Join" or "Set Up for Organization."
3. Click this option (it might be called "Domain Join" or "This device belongs to my organization").
4. Next, you'll be asked how to register. Select "Register locally" or a similar option (note: never select "Register through Azure Active Directory").

After this, the installer will directly guide you through creating a local administrator account.

Of course you can! While Windows 11 strongly recommends, or even forces, you to use a Microsoft account during the initial installation, there's a way to skip this and create a local account.

Start the installation: Boot from your startup USB drive and install Windows 11 as normal until you reach the "Name Your Computer" screen.

1. Critical Step: Disconnect from the Network:
2. When the installation process asks you to "Sign in to a Microsoft Account," don't fill in the form yet.
3. Wired Network: Simply unplug the network cable.
4. Wireless Network: Click the network icon in the lower-right corner to disconnect from your current Wi-Fi connection.
5. Continue the installation: After disconnecting from the network, click "Next." The installer will be "forced" to offer you the option to create a local account because it can't connect to the network.
6. Create a local account: You'll see a message saying "Oops, it seems we can't connect to the Internet," followed by a "Limited Settings" button. Click it, and you'll be able to enter your local username and password.
7. Tip: When prompted for an internet connection, you can also press Shift+F10 to open a command prompt and enter:

OOBE\BYPASSNRO

Pressing Enter will automatically reboot the system and skip the internet connection request, directly presenting the option to create a local account. This command is designed for this purpose.

It offers a significant privacy advantage when installing windows 11 with local account in Windows 11. Your personal files, settings, and browsing data are stored solely on your device and are not automatically synced to Microsoft's cloud servers. This means you have greater control over your information and are not subject to the data collection practices associated with a Microsoft account, which are used for personalized advertising and service improvements.

A local account also provides a more straightforward and traditional login experience. You are not dependent on an internet connection to sign into your computer, which can be crucial if your network is down or if you are traveling. Furthermore, it simplifies the login process to a single password for just your device, rather than requiring your full Microsoft account credentials, which might be used across multiple services.

From a security perspective, a local account can reduce your attack surface. Your computer's login is not directly linked to an online identity, making it a less attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise a single Microsoft account to gain access to multiple services like email or OneDrive. This separation can be particularly beneficial for users who prefer to keep their operating system access isolated from their online accounts.

This is a common issue. The Windows 11 Pro edition has a slightly more obvious path, but being offline is still the easiest trick.

Follow steps 1-5 from Method 1 to install Windows 11 with a local account.

Step 1: When you reach the "Let's connect you to a network" screen, connect to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet. (Yes, this is different from Method 1).

Step 2: It will try to check for updates. On the next screen, it will ask you to sign in with a Microsoft Account.

Step 3:Look for the "Domain Join instead" option in the bottom-left corner and click it.

Step 4: This will take you to a screen where you can create a local account by entering a Username and Password.

This trick still works in 2025 as far as I know!

To install Windows 11 with local account during the process, follow these steps:

Steps:
1. Create Windows 11 Installation Media
Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website.
Run the tool and select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file).
Follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive.

2. Boot from the Installation Media
Insert the USB into your PC.
Restart and boot from the USB (you may need to change boot order in BIOS/UEFI).

3. Begin Windows 11 Installation
Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the "Let's connect you to a network" step.

4. Skip Network Connection
When prompted to connect to a network, click "I don't have internet" or "Skip".
If the option isn’t visible, disconnect your Ethernet cable or disable Wi-Fi temporarily.

5. Install Windows 10 with Local Account
After skipping network setup, Windows 11 will prompt you to sign in with a Microsoft account.
Select "Offline account" or "Limited experience".
Confirm your choice when prompted.
Create a username and password for your local account.

I don't like Microsoft account too. 

If you've already set up Windows 11 with a Microsoft account and want to switch to a local account, you can do so after the fact.

How to install Windows 11 with local account 2025

Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info.

Click on "Sign in with a local account instead".

You will be asked to verify your current Microsoft account password.

You can then set up a new username, password, and password hint for your local account.

Click Next and then Sign out and finish.

Your next login will be with the new local account. Your files and some settings will remain, but app settings synced through your Microsoft account will be removed from the device.