How to install Windows 10 without Microsoft account?

If all else fails, there's still another way to do this.

1. Install Windows with your Microsoft account 
2. Create a new admin user of type local. 
3. Log out of the default Microsoft account and log into the new local admin 
4. Delete the Microsoft account 

That's If. For security, I recommend you create a local non-admin account for day-to-day usage.

Hey Wyatt,

Totally get your frustration—Microsoft’s been pushing hard for online accounts with recent Windows 10 builds, especially 21H2 and 22H2. But yes, it is still possible to install Windows 10 using a local account with a few key steps. Here’s a method I’ve successfully used on several setups, even with the latest ISOs:

Method: Bypass Microsoft Account via "No Internet" + Command Prompt

• Start with a clean boot using your Windows 10 USB install media.
• When you reach the network setup screen, disconnect from all internet:
• If you’re using Ethernet, unplug the cable.
• If you’re on Wi-Fi, don’t connect at all—or if already connected, choose “I don’t have internet” (if that option is available).
• If Windows still forces you to sign in to a Microsoft account, press Shift + F10 to launch Command Prompt.
• In the prompt, type taskmgr to open Task Manager.
• Find a process named “Network Connection Flow” or “OOBE”, right-click it and choose End Task.
• This will force the setup to reload and should then offer the “Offline account” or “Limited experience” option.
• From there, follow the steps to create a local account. 

If you want to install Windows 10 without Microsoft account, don’t forget to download necessary drivers and software after setup. Without a Microsoft account, you won’t have those automatic updates to help you out. Keep a USB handy with drivers or plan to grab them from the manufacturer’s site.

Are you sure you want to install Windows 10 without Microsoft account? Windows 10 has some nifty security features, but they might require a Microsoft account (like BitLocker encryption). So say you’re into keeping your stuff safe (which you should be!), make sure you check out your local options for security instead. Some features work better with a Microsoft account - like OneDrive for file backup and synchronization. If you go local, you'll miss out on that but hey, you probably wanted to keep things simple anyway. Just know that if you need those fancy cloud features later, you might have to create an account down the line. 

So, here’s the thing: when you’re installing Windows 10 without Microsoft account, you might not get prompted to update as often. Make sure to check for updates regularly after setup. Ain't nobody got time for a vulnerable system! When you’re in the setup process, Windows tries to nudge you into using a Microsoft account. You’ll see that “Sign in with Microsoft” option and it’s super easy to just go with the flow. Make sure to look for the option that says “Offline account” or “Local account”. It can be a bit buried, so keep your eyes peeled!

Installing Windows 10 without a Microsoft account can be challenging due to the progression of Windows 10 installation methods emphasizing online accounts. However, there are ways to bypass the need for a Microsoft account and set up a local account instead.

Method 1: Disabling the Internet Connection

1. Make sure to physically unplug your Ethernet cable if you're on wired, or make sure your Wi-Fi is turned off during the installation.
2. Boot from your Windows 10 installation media (USB or DVD) and start the Windows installation process.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts until you reach the "Sign in with Microsoft" screen.
4. If you are disconnected from the internet, try pressing Shift + F10 to bring up the Command Prompt.
5. In the Command Prompt, type taskmgr and press Enter. This opens the Task Manager.
6. In Task Manager, find the Windows Setup process. Right-click it and select "End Task." This will close the setup process.
7. Restart your computer, and it should take you back to the installation process. Since you ended the setup, it should allow you again to choose an account type.
8. On the account creation screen, you should see an option for "Offline Account" or "Limited Experience." Select this option.
9. Follow the prompts to create a local account without needing a Microsoft account. New you are able to install Windows 10 without Microsoft account.

Method 2: Modify the Account Setup
In some versions, Microsoft allows you to create a local account by changing certain settings during installation. If your version supports this, here's how to proceed:

1. If you see an option that says, “I don’t have internet” or similar on the account setup screen (depending on your version), select it.
2. After selecting the "I don’t have internet" option, you should be presented with an option to create a local account afterwards.

Method 3: Bypass with a Fake Account
If the above methods do not work, consider this alternative:

1. When prompted for a Microsoft account, enter any random email address that is not associated with an actual account.
2. When the system prompts you to enter the password, type any random password (this will fail).
3. After a few failed attempts, you may see an option to create a local account.

First, make a bootable USB from Windows 10 ISO. Boot the computer from USB. When you reach to the Sign in to Microsoft Account page, there are two ways to help you install Windows 10 without microsoft account. It will let you install Windows 10 with local account instead.

Method 1: Disconnect from the network, you can unplug the network cable, if you are using a Wi-Fi connection, click the Wi-Fi icon in the lower right corner of your computer and select Turn off Wi-Fi. after disconnecting from the network, click the Back button, or wait for a while, you will be prompted to create a local account.

Method 2: Press the Shift + F10 key combination on your keyboard to open a Command Prompt window, type the command 'oobe\bypassnro' in the window, and then press Enter. After the input is complete, restart the computer, keep the network disconnected after the restart, at this time the system will prompt you to install Windows 10 with a local account instead of Microsoft account.

Etccher has a modern and minimalist interface, the three steps of selecting ISO, selecting USB, and writing are easy to understand at a glance, which perfectly matches your preference for point-and-click operation, and its automation of the writing and verification process reduces mishandling, which is great for newbies, and its portable version requires no installation and is highly stable to let you install Windows 10 without Microsoft account, so I think it will fit the post query.

In the main interface of Etccher, select the ISO file, USB drive and click Flash Write, wait for 10 - 20 minutes, after completion, open the USB drive to confirm the existence of the installation file or restart the computer to test the startup, and then restart the computer to enter the BIOS to set USB.

 Then restart the computer and enter BIOS to set USB as the preferred boot device and select UEFI or Legacy / CSM mode, save and restart the computer to boot from USB to enter the Windows 10 installation wizard, follow the prompts, and when the installation is complete and you get to the page of signing in to your Microsoft account, you can bypass Microsoft account by disconnecting from the network and clicking Back or pressing Shift + F10 and typing in oobe\bypassnro to complete the setup.

If you wanna install Windows 10 without Microsoft account, it's totally doable, and I can walk you through it in a chill way. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

Step 1: Get the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool
Before installing Windows 10, go to the official Microsoft website and grab the Media Creation Tool. It’s pretty straightforward. You’ll find a button that says something like “Download tool now.” Just click it and save it.

Step 2: Create the Installation USB

• Once the tool is downloaded, run it.
• Accept the terms and all that jazz.
• Choose “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)” and hit Next.
• Pick your preferred language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit). For most folks, the 64-bit is the way to go.
• Choose “USB flash drive” when it asks how you want to install it.
• Select your USB drive from the list and let it do its thing. This may take a little while, so go grab a snack!

Step 3: Start the Installation on Your Target PC

• Plug the USB drive into the computer where you want to install Windows 10.
• Restart the computer and boot from the USB drive. You might need to press a specific key (like F2, F12, or Esc) during startup to get to the boot menu. It kinda depends on the computer manufacturer.

Step 4: Install Windows 10 without Microsoft Account

• Once you boot from the USB, you’ll see the Windows setup screen. Choose your language and keyboard settings, then hit Next.
• Click on “Install now.”
• If it asks for a product key, you can skip this step. There’s usually a “I don’t have a product key” option. Click that and carry on.