How to bypass Microsoft account requirements during Windows installation

Advantages and Disadvantages of Microsoft Accounts

Some users may prefer to use Microsoft accounts as they offer several advantages. Here's a top list of Windows features that require or benefit from a Microsoft account:

• Windows settings are synced across all Windows devices if sync is enabled. This is a powerful feature because it keeps all your Windows machines in sync, and it also extends to Microsoft's Edge web browser.
• Microsoft Store requires a Microsoft account to download and install games, apps, and media.
• OneDrive cloud storage is only available with a Microsoft account.
• Other Microsoft products, such as Microsoft To Do, require an account to use.
• Remote password recovery support.
• Additional security options such as 2-factor authentication or passwordless login.

Others may prefer local accounts because they reveal less information to their Microsoft account and are less vulnerable if the device is not turned on. Computer technicians may also be required to set up accounts for customers who may not be able or able to provide a Microsoft account.

Here are the key benefits of using a local account:

• Improved privacy because less data is provided or automatically submitted to Microsoft when using the operating system.
• Microsoft accounts can be compromised remotely, while local accounts can only be compromised while the Windows device is turned on and connected to the Internet.

How to avoid using a Microsoft account in Windows 11

There are several ways to bypass the Microsoft account requirement during setup on a Windows device.

I describe an option in How to use local accounts on Windows 11 version 22H2 devices. Although written for this specific version, the method described will work on other versions of Windows 11 as well.

To describe it in one sentence, create a Microsoft account during installation and create a local account after installation. It's not elegant and requires an email address to initially create the account.

The following two methods do not require a Microsoft account at all.

Bypass 1: OOBE\BYPASSNRO

This bypass is by far the easiest option as it only requires a few steps during the setup process to skip Microsoft account creation.

Here's how it works:

1. Disable the Internet connection before starting setup, for example, by disconnecting the LAN cable or disabling Wi-Fi.
2. Windows will display a "Let's connect you to the network" or similar screen. The upcoming Windows 11 version 22H2 will no longer allow you to skip this step to create a local account.
3. On the screen, use Shift-F10 to open a Command Prompt window.
4. Type OOBE\BYPASSNRO and press Enter.
5. Windows will restart and return to the Let's connect you to the network screen. Only this time, you can select "I don't have internet" to skip this step.
6. Then select "Continue with limited setup" and create a local account during the setup process.

Bypass 2: Use a banned email address

Microsoft has banned email addresses that are used too frequently during account creation. You can use this to your advantage as it allows you to skip the Microsoft account creation or sign-in stage during the installation process.

Here's how this method works:

1. Select Sign in when asked to create or sign in to a Microsoft account during installation.
2. Use the email address no@thankyou.com.
3. Enter any password on the next screen.
4. Windows will display "Oops, something went wrong" on the next screen.
5. Click Next to open a screen that allows you to create a local account.
6. You can specify a password for this account or leave it blank.

Bypass 3: Use the free tool Rufus when setting up Windows

Rufus is a tool that anyone can download Free program. It allows users to create Windows installation media. The latest version of the app includes the option to remove certain requirements, including the requirement to create a Microsoft account during installation.

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