How to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account: Step-by-Step Guide

A Microsoft account is the best way to use Windows 11. You can sync different settings, get apps from the Microsoft Store, and use OneDrive backups to recover Windows. Since all of these things are true, Windows 11 will ask you to sign in with a Microsoft account when it is first installed.

We know it’s not for everyone, though. If you’re worried that your Microsoft account could be used to spy on you and would rather set up Windows the old-fashioned way with a local account, we have good news for you. There is a way to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, even though Microsoft doesn’t make it easy.

At the time this was written, it looked like had since fixed the Command Prompt trick where you’d turn off internet during setup to avoid seeing the Microsoft Account sign-in page. You can now log in with a fake or non-existent Microsoft account to set up Windows 11 with a local account instead.

 

Step 1: Setting up Windows 11 the way you normally would is the first step. You can sign in when you get to the screen that says “Unlock your Microsoft Experience.”

Step 2: Type in a fake email address. You’re able to type funny stuff like admin. You could also use sample emails like [email protected] and [email protected]. After that, click Next.

 

Step 3: Type in a fake password. Do something like test.

Step 4: You’ll be asked to type “Oops, something went wrong.” To move on, click Next.

Step 5: As you can see below, you’ll be asked to set up Windows using a local account.

Step 6: Type in your name and password. This will take you to the last parts of the OOBE.

There you have it. You now have Windows 11 set up without a Microsoft account. This method could also be fixed by Microsoft in the future. If that happens, you’ll probably have to use a Microsoft account to set up Windows anyway. Don’t worry, though; you can get rid of it once your PC is set up and your Microsoft account is changed to a local one. To do this, open the Settings app and tap on your name or the Profile button. After that, pick Your Info. Following the steps on the screen, you can then choose “Sign in with a local account.”