Are you looking for a way to bypass the Microsoft account’s sign-in screen during the Windows 11 setup process? In this guide, I will show you simple steps to install Windows 11 without the hassle of a Microsoft account.
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Things to Consider
Have you considered what you might miss if you choose not to sign in with your Microsoft account on Windows 11? Here’s a quick rundown:
- Your settings, like themes, network details, language preferences, and other system configurations, won’t sync across your devices.
- You won’t be able to download or update apps from the Microsoft Store.
- The Copilot AI assistant won’t be available.
- You won’t have access to Passkey.
- Access to other Microsoft services like OneDrive, Office 365, and Xbox will be limited.
1. Using Command Prompt
This method is the most effective way to bypass the Microsoft sign-in on Windows 11, and it has worked every time I’ve tested it. Here’s the complete guide:
1. Follow the Windows 11 installation process until you’re at the choose the country or region screen.
2. Press Shift + F10 or Fn + Shift + F10 keyboard shortcut open the Command Prompt, type the following command and hit Enter.
oobe\bypassnroWarning: Use the command prompt only on the Choose the country screen. Otherwise, the method won’t work, and you’ll be forced to sign in to your Microsoft account to continue with the installation.
After that, your computer will restart.
3. When the desktop loads, open the Command Prompt, type the following command, and hit Enter.
ipconfig /release 
After the process is completed, close the Command Prompt and continue the setup process.
4. Here’s a quick walkthrough: Select your country and click Yes. Then, choose the keyboard layout and click Yes again. You may skip the second keyboard layout option.
5. When you reach the Let’s Connect to your network screen, click the I don’t have internet option beside the Next button.
6. Next, click the Continue with limited setup option.
7. Enter your name, set a password, accept the privacy settings, and continue the rest of the process by following the on-screen instructions.
That’s all. This will help you bypass the Microsoft sign-in screen during the Windows 11 installation process.
Also Read: How to Restart Windows 11 in Different Situations
2. Using Rufus
With the Rufus method, you can bypass the Microsoft account requirement and directly create a local account during the Windows setup process. Just make sure to use an 8 GB or bigger USB flash drive. Here’s a step-by-step process:
1. Download the portable version of Rufus from its official site and the latest Windows 11 ISO from the Microsoft site.
2. Connect a USB drive to your system.
3. Open the Rufus app and select the USB flash drive from the Device menu. After that, click the Select option and choose the Windows 11 ISO file.
4. Leave the remaining settings as they are and click Start.
5. When a new window pops up, select the Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account option and click OK. You may also consider choosing other options like the “Remove requirements for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0” and the “Create a local account with username” option.
6. Click OK again and wait for Rufus to create the bootable USB drive.
7. Connect the USB drive to a PC, press the Power button, and then use the F-key (Function key) to open the boot menu (the F-key varies by manufacturer).
8. Use the arrow keys to select the bootable USB drive and press Enter.
That’s it. Now proceed with the Windows installation. After selecting the country and keyboard layout, you’ll see the Create Local Account page without needing to log in with or create a Microsoft account.
Is There Any Other Method to Bypass a Microsoft Account
There used to be a workaround that many users relied on, but it has recently stopped working. Previously, you could enter the blocked Microsoft account email on the sign-in page and then enter an incorrect password. This would trigger an error that would take you directly to creating a local account screen. However, while writing this article, I tested this method and found it no longer works. Seems like Microsoft has fixed this sneaky workaround.
Install Windows 11 Without the Internet
That’s how you can set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account which you can enjoy till it lasts. That’s Microsoft blocks the local account workaround while setting up Windows 11, at the time of writing in June 2024. Nevertheless, the above guide will help you bypass the sign-in screen during the Windows 11 installation.
After that, if your Windows 11 is booting up slowly or not functioning properly, check our guide on reinstalling Windows without losing files.
