How to use Windows 11 without a Microsoft account

Microsoft insists that you use a Microsoft account when setting up a brand new Windows PC. But what if you don’t want this? Fortunately, Windows 11 (Home 24H2) works just like previous Windows 11 versions – without a Microsoft account or the need to go online. However, it is not easy and you need to use a few simple technical tricks when setting up your computer to achieve this.

The best way to do this is to use the official ISO file from Microsoft to install Windows 11 24H2 or create a USB stick for the installation. You can do this using official tools and sources from Microsoft. No additional tools are even required as everything can be done during installation.

Alternative option: This free tool “cleans” Windows 11 and skips Microsoft account logins

How to reinstall Windows 11 24H2 on your PC or notebook

Regardless of which Windows 11 24H2 installation files you use to install the operating system on your PC or notebook, select “Install Windows 11” under “Select setup option”.

Continue the installation until you reach the point where you need to enter a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 11 Home.

Now press the key combination Shift + F10. If you’re installing Windows 11 on a notebook, you may need to press Shift + Fn + F10. A command prompt will open where you need to create a local user in Windows. To do this, use the following command:

net use “thomas” /add

Instead of “thomas”, enter your username. The username must be different from the PC name you entered previously. Then add your user to the local administrator group:

net localgroup “administrators” “thomas” /add

Again, use the username you created previously. Then enter the following commands to prepare and restart the PC:

cd oobe

msoobe.exe && Shutdown -r

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Windows 11 will restart and display the following message: “The username or password is incorrect.” Confirm with OK. In the new window at the bottom, select the user account you created previously. You can now complete the installation wizard like a traditional installation.

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After a short time, the installation is complete and you can start working with Windows 11 Home.

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If you want to use a Microsoft account, click “All there with your Microsoft account” on the Home page in Windows 11 Settings.

You can still assign a password to your local user account. To do this, enter “cmd” in the search field in the Start menu using the context menu with administrator rights and enter the following command:

Net user Thomas Test

The command assigns the password “test” to the example user “thomas”. Here you will of course enter your user account and password that you would like to use.