During the initial setup of a new Windows 11 PC, you can bypass the Microsoft account requirement by disconnecting from the internet and utilizing a specific command in the Command Prompt. This enables you to establish a local, offline account instead.
Method 1: Utilize the “start ms-cxh:localonly” Command
This method is the most straightforward for current versions of Windows 11 and does not necessitate a system restart.
Upon reaching the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen, press Shift + F10 on your keyboard. For certain laptops, you may need to press Shift + Fn + F10.
A Command Prompt window will be opened. Type the following command precisely as displayed: start ms-cxh:localonly.
Press Enter.
The Microsoft account sign-in window will be replaced with a screen that prompts, “Who’s going to use this device?”.
Enter a name for your local account, click Next, and complete the remaining installation process as you would normally.
Method 2: Bypass with “OOBE\BYPASSNRO”
If the first method does not function on your specific build, you can employ the “BYPASSNRO” command.
At the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen, press Shift + F10 (or Shift + Fn + F10) to initiate the Command Prompt.
Type “OOBE\BYPASSNRO” and press Enter.
The computer will automatically restart.
Following the reboot, you will be returned to the network screen, but a novel option for “I don’t have internet” will be presented.
Select “I don’t have internet,” then choose “Continue with limited setup” on the subsequent screen to establish a local account.
Method 3: Utilize a “Banned” Email Address
This workaround exploits Microsoft’s systems that restrict frequently used fake email addresses.
Upon reaching the Microsoft account sign-in page, enter “no@thankyou.com” as the email address.
Enter any text for the password and click “Sign In.”
An error message will appear, indicating that “Oops, something went wrong.”
Clicking “Next” will redirect you to the screen for creating a local account.
Method 4: Installation via Bootable USB Drive with Rufus
For a fresh Windows 11 installation, utilize the free third-party tool Rufus to create your installation media and automate the local account setup.
Download the Windows 11 ISO file and the latest version of Rufus.
Utilize Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.
During the Rufus setup, activate the option to “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account.”
Boot your new PC from the USB drive to install Windows 11 with the bypass already configured.
