When setting up a fresh installation of Windows 11, Microsoft now strongly encourages users to sign in with a Microsoft account. However, not everyone wants or needs to connect their personal or professional identity to the operating system. Thankfully, there’s still a way to create a local offline account during the setup process—even in 2025.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to bypass the Microsoft account requirement and install Windows 11 using only a local account, without needing to stay connected to the internet during setup.
Why You Might Want a Local Account
Local accounts offer more privacy and control, and they’re especially useful in situations where:
- You’re setting up a system for someone else
- You want to avoid syncing with Microsoft services
- You’re on a device without internet access
- You simply prefer local logins
Step-by-Step Guide to Bypass Microsoft Account Setup in Windows 11
✅ Step 1: Begin Windows 11 Setup
Start your Windows 11 installation or setup on a clean system or after a reset.
- Choose your region (e.g., United States), then click Yes.
- Select your keyboard layout and click Yes again.
- When prompted for a second keyboard layout, click Skip.
✅ Step 2: Stay Connected Temporarily
When Windows begins checking for updates, remain connected to the internet temporarily (via Wi-Fi or Ethernet). This is crucial for the trick to work.
You’ll soon reach a screen asking you to sign in with a Microsoft account. Do not proceed here.
✅ Step 3: Open Command Prompt Using Shift + F10
At the Microsoft sign-in screen:
- Press Shift + F10 on your keyboard. On a laptop, you may need to press Fn + Shift + F10 to trigger the function key correctly.
This will open Command Prompt.
✅ Step 4: Disable Internet Connection
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:
ncpa.cpl
This opens the Network Connections panel.
- Right-click your active internet connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
- Click Disable to disconnect from the internet.
✅ Step 5: Trigger Limited Setup Mode
Close all open windows and return to the Windows setup screen. You should now see a new option:
“I don’t have internet”
Click this option, then select:
“Continue with limited setup”
You’ll now be allowed to create a local user account without a Microsoft login.
✅ Step 6: Finish Setup Without a Microsoft Account
- Name your PC when prompted.
- Click Next.
- When asked for a password, you can leave it blank if you prefer.
- Disable optional features like location tracking, advertising ID, and diagnostics as per your privacy preference.
- Complete the rest of the setup.
Congratulations—you’re now logged into Windows 11 using an offline account, with no Microsoft login required.
Bonus: How to Re-enable Internet After Setup
After you’ve completed the setup and reached the desktop:
- Press
Win + Rto open the Run dialog. - Type
ncpa.cpland press Enter. - In the Network Connections panel, right-click your disabled network adapter.
- Select Enable to restore your internet connection.
You’re now back online, using Windows 11 exactly the way you want it—with full control over your account settings.
Final Thoughts
This method has continued to work well even into 2024, despite Microsoft’s attempts to push users toward cloud-based accounts. If you prefer using Windows without a Microsoft account, following this guide allows you to keep that choice.
For more useful Windows tips, tricks, and troubleshooting tutorials, explore other articles here on Tips to Fix.
Tags:
windows 11, microsoft account, bypass login, offline account, windows setup, windows installation, local user account, windows privacy, setup tips, registry tweaks, windows guide, 2024 tricks
Hashtags:
#Windows11 #BypassMicrosoftAccount #OfflineAccount #WindowsSetup #TechTips #WindowsPrivacy #WindowsGuide #LocalAccount #Windows11Setup #PCSetup2024
