How to Log Into Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account

Quick Tips

• You can easily set up a local account even if Microsoft tries to steer you towards an online one.
• A local account doesn’t need internet access because it solely connects to your device.
• If you already have a Microsoft account, you can swap to a local account easily.

When setting up a new Windows 11 computer, you’ll be prompted to create a Microsoft account. Most users don’t realize this is actually an optional step, since Microsoft really pushes you to do it. However, you can use a local account instead that works just as well and doesn’t require a Microsoft login.

A local account doesn’t need an email or even internet access for you to use it. Instead, you just have a username and password. It’s like using an older version of Windows, on a modern computer.

During Setup on Windows 11 Home

When you set up a new computer or reinstall Windows 11 Home, it automatically tries to block the option to setup a local account. However, you can bypass this with the following steps.

Step 1: Start setting up your computer.

Step 2: When asked to connect to Wi-Fi, choose not to. If you’re already connected, disconnect from or forget the network.

Step 3: Go forward with setup and a popup should appear saying you need internet to continue.

Step 4: Press Shift and F10 on your keyboard.

Step 5: Type this in the command prompt window and then press Enter:

OOBE\BYPASSNRO

Step 6: Let your computer restart and then choose ‘Continue with limited setup.’

This should now let you sign in with a local account instead of a Microsoft account.

On Windows 11 Pro

If you have Windows 11 Pro, it’s easier to set up a local account.

Step 1: Go through setup until you get to the account screen.

Step 2: Click ‘Sign-in options’

Step 3: Choose ‘Offline account’ or ‘Local account’

Step 4: Click ‘Skip for now’ if asked to sign in.

Step 5: Create your account name and password.

After Windows Is Already Installed

If you’ve already setup a Microsoft account but decide you want to change to a local one, you don’t have to delete your entire account, just change it over.

Step 1: Go to Settings.

Step 2: Click ‘Accounts’ then ‘Your Info.’

Step 3: Find your Microsoft account. Click ‘Sign in with a local account instead.’

Step 4: Enter your current password to continue.

All you need after this is to create a username and password and your local account is all setup. Your original Microsoft account still exists and you can log back into it at any time in the settings. Keep in mind that local accounts don’t sync across devices, so you’ll need to switch back to your Microsoft account if you want to access your files elsewhere.