Microsoft Windows 11 is currently the latest Windows version in town. It comes with better graphical display than previous versions, and is visibly beautiful to behold; this is aside the power packed behind its engine. However, setting up the Windows 11 is not as smooth as it is with previous versions, especially as it requires a Microsoft account before set-up can be completed – this is a problem for many, due to privacy concerns.

With the way the tech world is right now,, privacy and control over personal data have become paramount concerns. While Microsoft encourages users to create a Microsoft account during the setup process of Windows 11, some individuals prefer to maintain their privacy and avoid sharing unnecessary information. Fortunately, there are several methods available to bypass the Microsoft account requirement and set up Windows 11 with a local account instead.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through three effective techniques to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account:

Method 1: Using OOBE bypass to disable internet requirement

This method involves disabling the internet connection requirement during the initial setup process, prompting windows to continue set up manually. Here’s how you can proceed:

1. Begin the Windows 11 installation or setup process.
2. When prompted to connect to a network, use the “Shift + F10” keyboard shortcut to open the Command Prompt.
3. Type the following command and press Enter: oobe\bypassnro (Note: There should be no spaces in the command.)
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4. Your computer will restart automatically.
5. After the restart, use the “Shift + F10” keyboard shortcut again to open the Command Prompt.
6. Type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /release (This will drop the network connection.)
7. Type “exit” and press Enter to close the Command Prompt.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your region, keyboard layout, and other preferences.
9. When prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account, select the “I don’t have internet” option.
10. Choose “Continue with limited setup” to proceed with creating a local account.
11. Provide a username, password, and configure security questions as requested.
12. Customize your privacy settings and complete the setup process.

Method 2: OOBE Typing Local Account

This alternative method involves typing a local account and password during the account creation step. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Begin the Windows 11 installation or setup process.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your region, keyboard layout, and other preferences.
3. When prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account, enter a local account username (avoid using a Microsoft account).
4. Click “Next” and enter a random password for the local account.
5. Click “Sign in,” and you’ll encounter an “Oops, something went wrong” error.
6. Click “Next” on the error page.
7. Provide a name for the local account and set a new password.
8. Complete the security questions and customize your privacy settings.
9. Proceed with the remaining setup steps.

Method 3: Using Rufus tool

Rufus is a free tool that can create Windows installation media while removing certain requirements, including the Microsoft account requirement. Here’s how to use it:

1. Download and install the latest version of Rufus from https://rufus.ie/.
2. Insert a USB flash drive (at least 8GB) into your computer.
3. Open Rufus and select the USB drive.
4. Click the small down arrow next to “Select” and choose “Download” to download a Windows 11 ISO image from Microsoft.
5. Select the appropriate version, edition, language, and architecture for your needs.
6. Keep the default settings and activate the “Start” button.
7. In the Windows 11 specific options, ensure the “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account” option is checked.
8. Click “OK” and allow Rufus to create the bootable USB drive.
9. Once completed, either run the setup from the USB drive or boot your system from it to install Windows 11.
10. During the installation process, you’ll be able to create a local account without the need for a Microsoft account.

Read also: 10 things to look for when buying a laptop: A Detailed Guide

By following any of these methods, you can successfully set up Windows 11 with a local account, preserving your privacy and maintaining control over your personal data. Remember, while Microsoft accounts offer certain advantages, such as seamless synchronization across devices and access to Microsoft services, local accounts provide a more private and secure experience for those who prioritize data privacy.