Install Windows 11 without Microsoft Account – Local User Setup 2025

• Option 1: Create Microsoft Account First, Then Switch to Local
• Option 2: Use a Dummy Email Address
• Option 3: Disconnect from the Internet (Older Versions)
• Option 4: Create a Bootable USB with Rufus (Recommended)
• Option 5: OOBE\BYPASSNRO Command
• Local Account vs. Microsoft Account – Pros and Cons
• ✅ Advantages of Local Accounts
• ❌ Disadvantages
• Conclusion
• Windows Keys

Since Windows 11, Microsoft is pushing users more and more towards using an online Microsoft account during installation.
However, many people still prefer a local user account – for privacy, offline usage, test systems, or company PCs.
The good news: Even in 2025 there are still several ways to bypass the Microsoft account requirement and create a local account instead.

Option 1: Create Microsoft Account First, Then Switch to Local

The simplest method is to go through the installation using a Microsoft account.
Once the system is set up:

Delete the original Microsoft account afterwards

Open Windows Settings > Accounts > Family & other users

Create a new local user (with or without password)

Option 2: Use a Dummy Email Address

During setup, enter a fake email address like a@a.com.

• Type any password (it doesn’t matter what you enter)
• Windows (*) will return an error message
• You’ll then be asked for a username → at this point, you can create a local account

⚠️ Note: This trick still works on many setups, but Microsoft might change it in future updates.

Option 3: Disconnect from the Internet (Older Versions)

In older Windows 10(*) and early Windows 11(*) installation media, you could simply:

• Disconnect the LAN cable or skip Wi-Fi setup
• Windows would then allow you to create a local account

Today, the installer usually insists on a network connection and won’t continue without it.

Option 4: Create a Bootable USB with Rufus (Recommended)

The free tool Rufus allows you to create a bootable USB stick from a Windows ISO and remove the Microsoft account requirement.
Steps:

1. Download Rufus
2. Select your Windows ISO
3. Check the box: “Remove requirement for Microsoft account”
4. Start installation → local account option will be available

Option 5: OOBE\BYPASSNRO Command

Another workaround is hidden in Windows setup:

1. During installation, press Shift + F10 → Command Prompt opens
2. Enter the following command
3. The system restarts
4. Now you’ll see the option to set up Windows without an online account

REM first use
OOBE\BYPASSNRO

REM then after restart use:
ipconfig /release

Local Account vs. Microsoft Account – Pros and Cons

✅ Advantages of Local Accounts

• More privacy (no data sent to Microsoft)
• Works offline, no internet required
• Full control over your PC, no forced cloud integration

❌ Disadvantages

• No automatic OneDrive backup
• No Microsoft Store login (apps may be limited)
• No cross-device synchronization

Conclusion

Microsoft keeps making it harder to install Windows 10 and 11 without an online account – but it’s still possible.
By using tricks like dummy emails, the Rufus installer, or the hidden OOBE\BYPASSNRO command, you can continue to set up Windows with a local user account.

This is especially useful for:

• Privacy-focused users
• Test machines and offline PCs
• IT admins in company networks

With the right method, you stay in full control of your system – without being forced into the Microsoft ecosystem.

Windows Keys

Windows 10 Key on Amazon (*)
Windows 10 Key on eBay (*)
Windows 11 Key on Amazon (*)
Windows 11 Key on eBay (*)

(*) Affiliate Links