Bypassing the Microsoft Account Requirement During Windows 11 (24H2) Setup

Microsoft encourages, and often steers users, toward using a Microsoft account when setting up a new Windows PC. While the benefits of syncing settings and accessing Microsoft services are appealing to some, others prefer the privacy and control of a local account. Fortunately, even with the latest Windows 11 (24H2) release, it’s still possible to bypass the Microsoft account requirement during the initial setup process. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough of how to achieve this, ensuring you have the freedom to choose the account type that best suits your needs.

The method outlined here leverages built-in Windows tools and doesn’t require downloading any third-party utilities (though a free alternative is mentioned). This ensures a safe and reliable approach to setting up your system with a local account.

Preparing for the Installation

Before you begin, you’ll need a bootable Windows 11 (24H2) installation medium. The recommended approach is to download the official ISO file directly from Microsoft. You can then use the Media Creation Tool (also available from Microsoft) to create a bootable USB drive. Ensure you have a stable internet connection during this download process, as the ISO file is quite large.

Once you have your bootable USB drive ready, you can proceed with installing Windows 11. Boot your computer from the USB drive, typically by pressing a key like F2, F12, Delete, or Esc during startup. The specific key varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer, so consult your computer’s manual or look for a prompt on the boot screen.

The Installation Process and the Account Bypass

1. Initiate the Installation: After booting from the USB drive, the Windows 11 setup program will begin. Select your preferred language, time and currency format, and keyboard input method. Click "Next" and then "Install now." Accept the license terms and select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."

2. Partitioning (If Necessary): If you have a new hard drive or want to reinstall Windows on an existing one, you’ll need to select the partition where you want to install the operating system. If you have multiple partitions, choose the one where you want to install Windows. You may need to format the partition before proceeding. Be cautious when formatting, as this will erase all data on the selected partition.

3. The Crucial Moment: The Microsoft Account Prompt: Continue the installation process as usual until you reach the screen where Windows prompts you to sign in with a Microsoft account. This is where the bypass technique comes into play.

4. Accessing the Command Prompt: Press the key combination Shift + F10. On some laptops, you might need to press Shift + Fn + F10 instead. This will open a command prompt window.

5. Creating a Local User Account: In the command prompt, you’ll create a new local user account. Use the following command:

   net user "YourUsername" /add

   Replace "YourUsername" with the desired username for your local account. For example:

   net user "LocalUser" /add

6. Adding the User to the Administrators Group: Next, you need to add this newly created user to the local administrators group. Use the following command:

   net localgroup "Administrators" "YourUsername" /add

   Again, replace "YourUsername" with the same username you used in the previous step. For example:

   net localgroup "Administrators" "LocalUser" /add

7. Preparing for Restart: Now, prepare the system to restart and trigger the local account login screen. Enter the following commands, pressing Enter after each:

   cd oobe

   msoobe.exe && shutdown -r

8. Restart and Local Account Login: The system will restart. After the restart, you might see a message indicating an incorrect username or password. Simply click "OK." This should bring you to a screen where you can select the local user account you created earlier. Select your newly created account and proceed. Since you haven’t set a password yet, leave the password field blank and press Enter.

9. Completing the Setup: You can now complete the remaining steps of the Windows 11 setup wizard as you normally would. Choose your privacy settings, accept the user agreement, and wait for Windows to finish configuring your system.

Post-Installation Configuration

Once the installation is complete, you’ll be logged in to your new local account.

• Setting a Password: It’s highly recommended to set a password for your local account. To do this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator (search for "cmd" in the Start menu, right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator"). Then, use the following command:

  net user YourUsername YourPassword

  Replace "YourUsername" with your actual username and "YourPassword" with the desired password. For example:

  net user LocalUser MySecurePassword

• Connecting to a Microsoft Account (Optional): If you later decide that you want to use a Microsoft account, you can easily link it to your local account. Go to Settings -> Accounts -> Your info, and click "Sign in with a Microsoft account instead."

Alternative Method: Using a "Purified" Windows 11 Tool

The original article mentions a free tool that "purifies" Windows 11 and skips Microsoft account logins. While I won’t endorse any specific tool, as it’s important to research and trust the source before using such utilities, it’s worth noting that these tools exist. If you choose to explore this option, exercise extreme caution and only download from reputable sources. Always scan the downloaded files with a reputable antivirus program before running them. This approach can be risky because you are using a tool that you did not create and therefore do not know all the functions.

Conclusion

Bypassing the Microsoft account requirement during Windows 11 (24H2) setup is still possible, even though Microsoft encourages the use of their accounts. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully install Windows 11 with a local account, giving you more control over your privacy and system configuration. Remember to set a strong password for your local account after installation and consider the potential risks before using any third-party tools to modify the Windows installation process.