How to Set Up Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account

ByJim Miller

From version 22H2 of Windows 11, Microsoft added the requirement for a Microsoft account while setting up Windows. This can be frustrating for users who value privacy or prefer to set up their copy of Windows 11 without a Microsoft account. In this article, we will discuss two easy methods to bypass the Microsoft account requirement and set up Windows 11 using a local account.

Why Microsoft Account Is Required While Installing Windows 11

Using a Microsoft account when reinstalling Windows 11 on your PC allows you to bring back all the previous system settings without any extra effort. It also makes it easier to reinstall all the apps from the Microsoft Store with a single click. However, these benefits only apply if you want to install Windows 11 with the same Microsoft account and previous settings. If you want to set up a completely new PC, a workbench, or a test setup and prefer to use a local account instead, Microsoft does not provide a straightforward option. That's why you need a way to bypass the Microsoft account requirement.

How to Bypass Microsoft Account Requirement

Here are two easy ways to bypass the forced Microsoft account requirement while setting up Windows 11.

1. Using Bogus Email

To bypass the Microsoft account requirement, you can use a bogus email address during the setup process. You won't need to provide your actual Microsoft account credentials for this method. Here's how:

  1. Install Windows 11 and set up your region and keyboard preferences. After that, you will arrive at the Sign-in page.
  2. Click on the email address text box and type “a@a.com”. Then click on the Next button.
  3. Enter any bogus password and click on Sign in.
  4. You will see an “Oops, something went wrong” error message. Click on the Next button.
  5. The OOBE page will redirect you to the local account setup process. Enter your PC name and a strong password.
  6. Select three security questions from the list and answer them. Disable all tracking and personalization toggles and ignore any promotional offers.

2. Using Rufus

If you are planning to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 11, you can use Rufus to bypass the Microsoft account requirement and create a local account directly. This method allows you to skip the account sign-in page during the setup process. Here's how:

  1. Download the portable version of Rufus from its official site.
  2. Download the latest edition of the official Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft.
  3. Launch Rufus and select the Windows 11 ISO file.
  4. Leave the settings as they are and click on the Start button.
  5. In the new window, select the “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account” checkbox and click OK.
  6. Wait for Rufus to create a bootable Windows 11 USB drive.
  7. Connect the USB drive to a PC and power it on. Open the boot device options and select the USB drive.
  8. Continue with the Windows installation. You will see the option to create a local account without logging in or creating a new Microsoft account.

FAQs

  1. How to Bypass a Microsoft Account Without a Password?
    There are multiple methods to bypass the Microsoft account requirement. You can use a bogus email ID and password combination or create a bootable USB drive with Rufus that automatically bypasses the page. Alternatively, you can press Shift + F10 keys on the setup page to bring up Command Prompt and use the “oobebypassnro” command. Your PC will restart, and you will see an “I don't have internet” option, allowing you to continue with a limited setup by creating a local account.

  2. Can I Use Gmail for My Microsoft Account?
    You can use any active email address provider's account, such as Gmail, ProtonMail, or Yahoo, to sign up for a Microsoft account. However, you need to create a Microsoft account using any email address. You cannot use a Gmail account instead of a Microsoft account with Windows 11.

  3. How to bypass Windows 11 key activation?
    If you don't have a valid license for Windows 11, you can still install and use the operating system by selecting the “I don't have a product key” option during installation. However, without activation, you won't be able to customize the visual appearance of your PC.

Install Windows Without a Microsoft Account

Microsoft's decision to impose the usage of an official account while setting up Windows 11 may not be suitable for every user. However, now you know multiple methods to bypass the Microsoft account requirement and set up Windows 11 using a local account. Choose the method that suits your preferences and enjoy a hassle-free setup experience.