Microsoft increasingly requires a Microsoft account on Windows 11 Home for new installs and some features (OneDrive, Store purchases, parental controls). A local account works but limits sync and account recovery options.
What you will achieve
Complete Windows 11 setup with a local username and password instead of signing in with a Microsoft account — using current OOBE workarounds on Home and Pro editions.
1) Disconnect from the internet during OOBE
This remains the most reliable Home-edition method as of recent Windows 11 builds:
- Boot the installer or reset PC to the Out of Box Experience (country, keyboard, licence screen).
- When you reach Connect to a network, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
- Run:
OOBE\BYPASSNROThe PC reboots. On the network screen, choose I don’t have internet, then Continue with limited setup. You can now create a local account.
2) Use the hidden local account path on Pro
On Windows 11 Pro during OOBE, when prompted for a Microsoft account:
- Click Sign-in options.
- Select Offline account (wording varies — look for “Domain join instead” or “Limited experience”).
- Enter a local username and password when prompted.
3) Convert after setup if OOBE already finished
If you signed in with Microsoft and want local instead:
- Open Settings → Accounts → Your info.
- Click Sign in with a local account instead and follow the wizard.
- Verify your Microsoft password, set a local password, sign out, and sign back in locally.
4) Create additional local users post-setup
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Other users.
- Click Add account → I don’t have this person’s sign-in information → Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Set username, password, and security questions.
5) When a Microsoft account is still required
Some scenarios force Microsoft sign-in: Windows 11 Home after certain cumulative updates, Copilot+ PC setup, and child accounts with Microsoft Family Safety. For those cases, create the Microsoft account, finish setup, then switch to local using step 3 if policy allows.