This article shows how you can bypass the Microsoft account requirement and install Windows 11 with a Microsoft account.
As most of you know, Microsoft started requiring a Microsoft Account to install Windows 11. First, the requirement is for Home editions only. However, Microsoft is now requiring the same for the Pro edition. If you don’t have a Microsoft account, you cannot proceed with the installation until you create a new one.
If you don’t have or want to use a Microsoft account, you can use a simple trick to bypass the Microsoft account requirement and install Windows 11 as a local user. i.e., install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account.
Let me show you how.
Table of contents:
- Why do you need a Microsoft account in Windows 11?
- Drawbacks of requiring a Microsoft account in Windows 11
- How to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account
Why use a Microsoft account in Windows 11?
If you are wondering, there are a few benefits of using a Microsoft account to log into Windows 11.
A Microsoft account can provide access to additional features and services, such as the ability to download, sync, and backup apps from the Microsoft Store, access to OneDrive cloud storage, and synchronize settings and preferences across multiple devices.
These features can make it easy to manage the Windows experience and access files and settings across multiple devices.
Drawbacks of requiring a Microsoft account in Windows 11
For the most part, it is seen as a limitation for users who prefer not to use a Microsoft account or who do not have one. This requirement could also potentially create security concerns for users concerned about the privacy and security of their personal information.
Additionally, requiring a Microsoft account to install Windows could prevent users from accessing certain features and services if they do not have or do not want to use a Microsoft account.
In general, requiring a Microsoft account to install an operating system could be seen as an inconvenience and could potentially limit their ability to use the operating system to its full extent.
How to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account
To bypass the Microsoft account requirement and install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, you must execute the built-in “oobe” command on the install screen.
Let me show you how.
- Disconnect from the internet.
- Plug in the USB drive.
- Go through the Windows 11 installation wizard.
- When prompted for an internet connection, press “Shift + F10.”
- Run the below command.
oobe\bypassnro - Windows 11 reboots instantly.
- After rebooting, go through the installation wizard.
- With that, you should be able to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account.
Steps with more details:
First, disconnect from the internet, plug in the Windows 11 installation device and follow the installation wizard.
Eventually, you will see the installation wizard asking you to connect to the internet. On that screen, press the “Shift + F10” keyboard shortcut.
A Command Prompt window will open as soon as you press the keyboard shortcut. In the Command Prompt window, run the following command.
oobe\bypassnroIf you are wondering, it is a built-in functionality indented for specific organizations and institutions to bypass the internet and Microsoft account requirements. However, any user can execute the command while installing Windows 11.
As soon as you execute the command, Windows reboots. After rebooting, follow the installation wizard again. When prompted for an internet connection, press the “I don’t have internet” link.
Next, press the “Continue with limited setup” link at the bottom.
Now, you can create a local user account and bypass the Microsoft account requirement to install Windows 11.
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That is all. It is that simple to bypass the Microsoft account requirement in Windows 11 and install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account.
I hope this simple and easy Windows 11 how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.
