If you're like me, you value privacy, control, and simplicity, especially when setting up a new PC. However, with Windows 11, Microsoft has made it harder than ever to skip signing in with a Microsoft account during installation. That's not ideal for those of us who prefer a local setup. So, how do you set up Windows 11 without Microsoft account access? In this article, I'll walk you through three effective methods I've personally used to create a local account and bypass Microsoft's push. Let's get started.
Part 1: Why install Windows 11 using a local account only
Over the past year, I've reinstalled Windows 11 more times than I can count, whether for personal setups, client builds, or testing. And one thing has become clear: Microsoft really wants you to sign in with a Microsoft account. But that's not always the best choice.
Personally, I prefer to set up Windows 11 without Microsoft account access whenever possible. Why? Because using a local account gives you more privacy, fewer distractions, and better control over your system from day one. Here's what I've noticed over time:
Benefits of using a local account in Windows 11:
Increased privacy
Without tying your system to a cloud account, you avoid unnecessary tracking and telemetry. It's a small change that makes a big difference, especially if you're conscious of your digital footprint.
No internet required
I've set up systems in offline environments where Microsoft sign-in simply wasn't possible. A local account means you can install and use Windows anywhere, anytime.
No forced sync or OneDrive pop-ups
With a Microsoft account, Windows aggressively promotes OneDrive and sync features. Local accounts avoid all that noise.
Easier troubleshooting and recovery
If you forget your Microsoft account password, you're in for a tedious recovery process. With local accounts, password resets are much simpler, and no external email or phone verification is required.
Part 2: Use Command Prompt from Windows + X Menu
This is my go-to method when someone asks how to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account. It's simple, fast, and doesn't require any extra tools. All you need is access to the Command Prompt during setup.
I've personally used this method on several machines, both fresh installations and after resets, and it's been reliable every time. Here's how to do it:
Step-by-step guide to skip Microsoft account using Command Prompt:
Step 1: Start installing Windows 11 as usual until you reach the screen asking you to sign in with a Microsoft account.
Step 2: Press Shift + F10 on your keyboard. This shortcut opens the Command Prompt.
Step 3: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter:
OOBE\BYPASSNRO
Step 4: Your system will restart automatically and return to the setup process (also known as the OOBE – Out-of-Box Experience).
Step 5: When prompted to connect to the internet, click "I don't have internet."
Step 6: Then, choose "Continue with limited setup."
Now, you can create a local account; no Microsoft login is required.
Why this works
This command essentially tells Windows to bypass the requirement for online setup. It enables a hidden offline installation route that Microsoft normally tries to suppress. If you want to skip Microsoft account after an update or during a fresh install, this trick still works as of the latest 2025 build.
Part 3: Issue commands during the OOBE process
There was one time when the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command didn't work for me during setup. I was helping a friend reinstall Windows 11 on a newer laptop, and it seemed like the system had already downloaded an update that locked down some of the older tricks.
That's when I discovered another method that's just as effective, and honestly, it feels like a backdoor that Microsoft left open.
Here's how to skip the Microsoft account screen using another command during the OOBE process:
Step-by-step guide:
Step 1: When you reach the Microsoft sign-in prompt during Windows 11 setup, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt again.
Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command and hit Enter:
taskkill /F /IM oobenetworkconnectionflow.exe
Step 3: Windows will force-close the part of the setup that checks your network. After a moment, it will return you to the main setup screen.
Step 4: Now, you should see the "I don't have internet" option.
Step 5: Click it, then proceed by selecting "Continue with limited setup."
Just like that, you're back in control and can create a local account.
Why I recommend this method
This workaround is especially useful when you're installing Windows 11 after an update that blocks traditional options. It uses the "Windows 11 skip Microsoft account command" directly against the networking portion of the setup, stopping it in its tracks.
Part 4: Create a modified USB install disk using Rufus
When I know I'll be installing Windows 11 on several devices, or if I just want a clean, offline-first experience, I take the time to prepare a custom USB using Rufus. This tool has saved me countless hours by letting me bypass Microsoft account requirements automatically during setup.
Rufus has a unique feature that modifies the ISO before installation, removing all the fluff and letting you set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, with no commands or tricks, just plug and play.
Step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Head to https://rufus.ie/ and download the latest version of Rufus.
Step 2: Insert a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage. Make sure to back up any important data; it'll be wiped.
Step 3: Open Rufus and select your downloaded Windows 11 ISO file.
Step 4: Under the "Image Option" section, select "Extended Windows 11 installation (no TPM / no Secure Boot / no Microsoft Account)."
Step 5: Rufus will ask if you want to remove Microsoft account requirements. Select "Yes" to remove the need for internet, online login, and other setup restrictions.
Step 6: Click Start to create the bootable USB drive.
Once done, boot your target PC from the USB and begin installation. You'll be able to go through the entire setup without ever seeing the Microsoft account screen.
Why I recommend Rufus for multiple setups
If you're trying to skip a Microsoft account after an update, this is the most future-proof method I've found. No need to remember command-line tricks, and you don't risk them being blocked by Microsoft in future builds.
Part 5: WPS Office – A Terrific Substitute for Microsoft
If you've gone through the effort to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, chances are you're also looking to avoid Microsoft services for your everyday work, especially in Office. That's where WPS Office fits in perfectly. I've used it extensively over the past few years, and it's honestly become my go-to for writing spreadsheets, presentations, and even PDFs.
One thing I love is that WPS Office doesn't require any Microsoft login or cloud account to use. It installs quickly, works offline, and looks familiar if you've ever used Microsoft Office.
What WPS Office offers:
Writer – Clean and responsive word processor for everything from daily notes to professional reports.
Spreadsheet – Easily handles formulas, tables, and data visualization.
Presentation – Great for creating slideshows with built-in design templates.
PDF Tools – View, annotate, merge, or even edit PDFs without needing an internet connection.
For someone like me who prefers local-first setups, WPS feels liberating. I can draft documents, analyze spreadsheets, and create presentations without signing into anything. The software is surprisingly lightweight, and it runs smoothly even on budget laptops.
WPS AI: A power tool for productivity
WPS also includes built-in AI tools that enhance the offline experience even further. Some of my personal favorites:
AI Resume Assistant: Helped me generate a clean, well-formatted resume in under 10 minutes.
AI Spell & Grammar Check: Like Grammarly, but right inside your document, no need to copy-paste into other tools.
Academic Writing Support: As someone who occasionally reviews research papers, this feature has saved me time on structuring and polishing.
AI Slides Creator: I used it to build a client pitch deck based on a few bullet points. It handled the layout, design, and structure better than I expected.
Smart PDF Tools: Summarizing long reports and extracting data has become a breeze with the AI PDF Reader.
These features feel tailor-made for users who want full control over their system and productivity suite.
I've used WPS Office on multiple clean installs where I've skipped the Microsoft account, and I never felt like I was missing anything. In fact, the lack of forced sign-ins and the AI integrations made me feel like I was finally using software that respected my time and privacy.
FAQs
1. Why doesn't Microsoft let me skip account sign-in?
Microsoft is increasingly focused on pushing its cloud services, and tying users to a Microsoft account helps promote OneDrive, app syncing, and security features like device tracking. Unfortunately, this shift makes it harder for users who prefer local setups.
2. Is using a local account safe?
Absolutely. A local account is not only safe but often preferred by privacy-conscious users. You don't have to worry about online breaches or syncing data you didn't intend to. I've used local accounts on all my personal and testing machines without any issues.
3. What if the bypass command doesn't work?
If the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command fails, you can try the alternative "Windows 11 skip Microsoft account command":
taskkill /F /IM oobenetworkconnectionflow.exe
This method has helped me more than once when newer Windows builds tried to block older workarounds.
4. Will I lose features without a Microsoft account?
You might miss out on OneDrive syncing, Microsoft Store personalization, and some cross-device experiences. However, all core Windows 11 features work fine, including updates, settings, local apps, and third-party software. Personally, I haven't missed any essential functionality.
5. Can WPS Office work without internet or Microsoft login?
Yes! That's one of the reasons I recommend it. WPS Office is fully functional offline and doesn't require Microsoft credentials. It's ideal for users who skip Microsoft account sign-in and still want a powerful, Office-compatible productivity suite.
