If the oobe \bypassnro command is working, here’s an alternative way to install Windows 11 with a local account bypassing the Microsoft account requirement.
When installing Windows 11, you are required to log into your Microsoft account to create the first user account. If you want to create a local user account, we used to use the oobe\bypassnro command while setting up Windows 11. However, Microsoft in a blog post announced that it is retiring this command and it no longer works in the future version of Windows 11. That being, an even simpler alternative has already been found thanks to the @witherornot1337 on X. The way it works is you execute a command and it opens the local account creation wizard. No need for a system reboot.
In this quick and straightforward tutorial, let me show you how to bypass the Microsoft account login and install Windows 11 with a local account. Let’s get started.
Install Windows 11 Without Microsoft Account
As an alternative method to the good old oobe\bypassnro command, we are going to use the much more simpler and straightforward start ms-cxh:localonly command. Here’s how.
- Disconnect the system from the Internet.
- Plug-in the Windows 11 USB drive.
- Start the Windows 11 installation process.
- When you see the Microsoft login screen, press “Shift + F10“.
- Type start ms-cxh:localonly in the cmd window and press Enter.
- Type the username, password, and security questions.
- Press the “Next” button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- That’s it. You’ve installed Windows 11 with a local account.
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
First, disconnect your system from the internet. Otherwise, the following method might not work as the installation might force you to sign-up or log into the MS account.
Next, plug in the Windows 11 USB drive, restart your system, and follow the Windows 11 installation wizard. When it asks you to log into your Microsoft account, press the “Shift + F10” keyboard shortcut. This action opens the Command Prompt window.
In the Command Prompt window, type start ms-cxh:localonly and press Enter.
The above action opens the Windows 10 style local account creation wizard. Here, type the username & password, answer the security questions, and click “Next“.
As soon as you do that, the installation creates the local user account and skips to the permissions screen directly. From here, follow the on-screen instructions and reboot your system.
That’s it. You’ve installed Windows 11 with a local user account bypassing the Microsoft account requirement.
Wrapping Up — New Way To Install Windows 11 With Local Account
As you can see, this new method is much cleaner and faster than the oobe method. Of course, there is no telling when Microsoft will remove this feature (loophole) but let’s use it when we have it. Even if Microsoft removes this feature, don’t worry, you can create a custom Windows 11 USB drive using Rufus to bypass the Microsoft account requirement and install it with a local user account.
If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
