How to bypass the Microsoft Account requirement during Windows setup

Martin Brinkmann
Jan 26, 2023
Updated • Apr 4, 2023
Added a third bypass option to the guide and additional Microsoft Account information.
Windows 11 Help
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86

Every few years, Microsoft is making it more difficult to create a local account during setup of the Windows operating system.

The company announced in February 2022 that new setups and first runs of Pro versions of Windows 11 would require a Microsoft account. Previously, only Home editions of Windows 11 required that customers signed-in to or created a Microsoft account on first run of the system.

It did not take long for workarounds to become available, but many users may be unaware of these bypass options. It is important to realize that both account type offers certain benefits.

This guide offers working options to create a local account during setup of Windows 11 on any edition of the operating system, including Windows 11 Home and Pro.

Advantages and disadvantages of a Microsoft account

microsoft account sign in

Some users may prefer to use a Microsoft account, as it offers some advantages. Here is the top list of Windows features that require a Microsoft account or benefit from it:

  • Windows Settings sync across all Windows devices, provided that syncing is enabled. This is a powerful feature, as it keeps all Windows machines in sync and extends to Microsoft's Edge web browser as well.
  • Microsoft Store requires a Microsoft account to download and install games, apps and media.
  • OneDrive cloud storage becomes available only if a Microsoft Account is used.
  • Other Microsoft products, such as Microsoft To-Do, require an account for usage.
  • Remote password recovery support.
  • Additional security options, such as 2-factor authentication or passwordless sign-ins.

You may check out Shaun's article on the Windows features that require a Microsoft account.

Others may prefer local accounts as they reveal less to Microsoft and are not attackable if the device is not turned on. Computer techs may also need to setup accounts for customers, who may not be available or able to provide a Microsoft account at the time.

Here are the main benefits of using a local account:

  • Improved privacy, as less data is given to Microsoft or submitted automatically while the operating system is used.
  • Microsoft accounts may be hacked remotely, while local accounts only when the Windows device is turned on and connected to the Internet.

How to avoid using Microsoft accounts in Windows 11

unlock microsoft experience

There are several methods to bypass the Microsoft account requirement during setup on Windows devices.

I described one option in How to use local accounts on Windows 11 version 22H2 devices. While written for that specific version, the described method works in other versions of Windows 11 as well.

To describe it in a sentence: create a Microsoft account during setup and create a local account after setup ended. It is not elegant and requires that an email address is used initially for the Microsoft account creation.

The following three methods do not require a Microsoft account at all and work during setup. They allow users to bypass the Microsoft account creation entirely to create a local user account on the Windows PC right away.

Bypass 1: OOBE\BYPASSNRO

This bypass is the easiest option right now, as it requires just a few steps during setup to skip the Microsoft account creation.

Here is how it works:

  1. Disable the Internet connection before starting setup, e.g., by disconnecting the LAN cable or disabling Wi-Fi.
  2. Windows will display a "Let's connect you to a network" or similar screen. The upcoming Windows 11 version 22H2 does not allow you to skip this anymore to create a local account.
  3. On the screen, use Shift-F10 to open a command prompt window.
  4. Type OOBE\BYPASSNRO and hit the Enter-key.
  5. Windows will reboot automatically and return to the "Let's connect you to a network" screen. Only this time, you may select "I don't have Internet" to skip this.
  6. Then you select "Continue with limited setup" to then create a local account during setup.

Bypass 2: Use a banned email address

email bypass

Microsoft has banned email addresses that were used too often in the account creation process. You may use this to your advantage, as it allows you to skip the Microsoft account creation or sign-in phase during setup. The advantage of this option is that it does not require a restart or running a command from the command line.

Here is how this method works (thanks Neowin):

  1. Select Sign-In when asked to create or sign-in to a Microsoft account during setup.
  2. Use the email address [email protected].
  3. Type any password on the next screen.
  4. Windows will display "Oops, something went wrong" on the next screen.
  5. Clicking Next opens a screen that allows you to create a local account.
  6. You can assign a password to the account, or leave it empty.

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

rufus bypass microsoft account

Rufus is a free program that anyone may download. It allows users to create Windows installation media. Recent versions of the application include options to remove certain requirements, including the requirement to create a Microsoft account during setup.

rufus remove microsoft account requirement

You may check out our full guide on using Rufus to bypass the Microsoft account requirement during Windows setup, but here is a quick step-by-step guide on preparing the installation media:

  1. Insert a USB Flash drive into the device. Make sure that it has a size of at least 8 gigabytes.
  2. Go to the Rufus website and download the latest non-portable version (at the time of writing, Rufus 3.22)
  3. Run the application after the download completes.
  4. Confirm the UAC security prompt that is displayed to continue. Select Yes when prompted.
  5. Allow Rufus to check for updates when asked.
  6. Activate the small down arrow icon next to "Select" near the top of the interface and switch it to Download. This allows you to download a Windows ISO image from Microsoft.
  7. Select the right version, release, edition, language and architecture in the Download ISO image dialog. The defaults should work for many users, but you may change them. Select Continue each time, and download in the end to download the image to the local system.
  8. Make sure Rufus has selected the inserted USB drive.
  9. The ISO image should be the downloaded image, but you may switch back to Select to pick another one.
  10. Keep all the defaults and activate the Start button.
  11. Rufus displays several Windows 11 specific options, including "Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account". Make sure this one is checked. You may also keep others checked, e.g., to bypass the windows 11 system requirements.
  12. Click ok.
  13. Rufus displays a warning that all data on the USB Flash drive will be deleted.
  14. Select OK to continue.

Once done, either run setup from the USB device directly, or boot the system from it to install Windows 11 on the device.

Closing Words

There is a chance that Microsoft is removing the bypass options in future versions of Windows. New bypasses may be found, which we will add to this guide.

For now, users have several options to skip using a Microsoft account during setup.

Now You: local or Microsoft account, what is your preference?

Summary
How to bypass the Microsoft Account requirement during Windows setup
Article Name
How to bypass the Microsoft Account requirement during Windows setup
Description
Find out how to skip a Microsoft account during setup or first run on Windows 11 devices, to use local accounts instead.
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Ghacks Technology News
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Comments

  1. John G. said on August 21, 2023 at 2:38 pm
    Reply

    There is not still W11 23H2 and these instructions are nonsense by now. :[

    1. James said on August 21, 2023 at 8:48 pm
      Reply

      It worked for me just fine. You’re probably not following the instructions clearly.

      1. Katrina Thompson said on August 30, 2023 at 3:25 am
        Reply

        Just tried the password option and the OOBE option and didnt work.

    2. Anonymous said on September 7, 2023 at 10:33 am
      Reply

      Worked perfectly. Thank OP.

    3. Anonymous said on September 15, 2023 at 11:26 am
      Reply

      Worked perfectly for me just now. Specifically, the regedit option.

  2. 45 RPM said on August 22, 2023 at 9:02 am
    Reply

    Is this cut and paste from a Microsoft PR paper, because it 1000% BS:

    “By listening to user insights, Microsoft has demonstrated its commitment to refining the Windows experience based on real-world needs.”

    Windows 11 is proof they don’t give a s*it.

    1. elong45 said on August 23, 2023 at 12:25 am
      Reply

      Worked for me just now

    2. Robert N said on August 28, 2023 at 10:55 pm
      Reply

      I agree! Windows 11 was a downgrade to me and I kept all 8 computers in our family on Windows 10 as a result. They didn’t listen to any customers. The taskbar was THE main reason I stayed away from Windows 11. With 6 monitors, it is impossible to navigate so many browser tabs, without the feature. I will try the new version in the virtual box to see if it is worth it yet.

  3. Anonymous said on August 23, 2023 at 11:33 pm
    Reply

    Microsoft did a terrible job with this implementation.

    They simply need to employ the creator of StartAllBack to fix Windows. He is smarter and more talented than the entire campus of Microsoft employees.

    1. Anonymous said on September 4, 2023 at 11:36 pm
      Reply

      lol

  4. Joe Mama said on August 24, 2023 at 12:10 am
    Reply

    Thank you so much! I work in IT and this is extremely useful information!

  5. Anonymous said on August 27, 2023 at 9:34 pm
    Reply

    Thanks man. The second method worked great!

  6. Anonymous said on August 28, 2023 at 1:16 pm
    Reply

    I used the second method, and i got exactly what i expected.

  7. adrian said on September 1, 2023 at 12:52 am
    Reply

    Using the Bypass 2: Use a banned email address email worked fantastically as I had gone to far to use the bypass 1.
    I will be back when I next have a problem.
    Keep you the great work

  8. John G. said on September 4, 2023 at 6:15 pm
    Reply

    W11 File Explorer is the worst crap ever done. W11 is the biggest shame ever.

  9. MarineRecon said on September 4, 2023 at 9:14 pm
    Reply

    Just one more reason for me to go to Linux when Windows 10 ages out.

    1. TelV said on September 19, 2023 at 11:46 am
      Reply

      @ MarineRecon,

      Be careful which Linux distro you choose. Some of them don’t include the Wayland protocol which is a security issue i.e. apps can copy, paste and inject data without user interaction.

      It’s included in Fedora: https://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/fedora/latest/system-administrators-guide/Wayland/

  10. Dustyn said on September 4, 2023 at 9:28 pm
    Reply

    How about a DARK MODE for your website? That would be oh so nice.

    1. Tom Hawack said on September 5, 2023 at 12:55 am
      Reply

      Something like this : [https://img.justpaste.me/image/8617] maybe?
      Done with ‘Dark Reader Extension for ? Firefox’ [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/darkreader/]

      This comment was written on [https://www.ghacks.net/windows-11-installation-has-failed-how-to-fix-this-upgrade-error/#comment-4573155}

    2. TelV said on September 19, 2023 at 11:49 am
      Reply

      Definitely NOT! Once you get older and your eyesight starts to fail you’ll positively loathe dark mode.

      1. Mycroft1325 said on September 25, 2023 at 11:48 pm
        Reply

        Not sure what eye problems *you’re* having, but for me the exact opposite is true. Dark Mode is MUCH easier on my Eyes.

        BTW- I’m 52, and have worked in IT all my life. Been staring at monitors for hours each day, most days of the week since the late 1980’s.

  11. Anonymous said on September 5, 2023 at 2:05 am
    Reply

    Microsoft completely ruined File Explorer by converting to XAML/WinUI/whatever new bloated modern garbage. Its worse than it ever was.

  12. Invoker said on September 5, 2023 at 3:32 pm
    Reply

    i tested it on win10 current edition. speeds up explorer like a charm

  13. LOEL LARZELERE said on September 13, 2023 at 8:07 am
    Reply

    SO what is the priority numbers to give preference to ethernet over wireless?

  14. christop_bader said on September 14, 2023 at 1:50 am
    Reply

    Worked very well happy to have Windows Photo Viewer back in action in Windows-11

  15. Anonymous said on September 16, 2023 at 4:29 am
    Reply

    Worked for me (registry option) thank god, I can use the search option to find things on my computer again. Thank you so much!

    1. TelV said on September 19, 2023 at 11:54 am
      Reply

      Install Everything Search and dispense with Microsoft’s crappy search tool. https://www.voidtools.com/

      Martin wrote an article on it: https://www.ghacks.net/2020/10/09/add-everything-search-to-the-windows-taskbar-for-even-faster-searches/

  16. said on September 17, 2023 at 6:39 pm
    Reply

    I presume the text “WindowsCopilot,,” is a typographical error (2023/09/17/how-to-disable-windows-copilot-in-windows/). The broken comment system unfortunately looks like it is populating itself via AI autopilot.

  17. Anonymous said on September 17, 2023 at 10:37 pm
    Reply

    Hopefully, this Windows Copilot nonsense fails even more spectacularly than Cortana. Who requested this? We want all of the UX features removed back in 11, not this copilot nonsense.

  18. Anonymous said on September 17, 2023 at 10:51 pm
    Reply

    I really don’t mind all of these Windows enhancement but Microsoft get one thing very wrong. ‘Opt in’, is far better than seek information and work to disable.

  19. ilev said on September 18, 2023 at 7:13 am
    Reply

    Turn off Windows Copilot entirely is not good enough.

    How to uninstall Copilot entirely ?

    1. TelV said on September 19, 2023 at 11:57 am
      Reply

      @ ilev,

      Use Gpedit or the registry. Explained in this article: https://www.ghacks.net/2023/09/17/how-to-disable-windows-copilot-in-windows/

  20. WilliamGatesTheight said on September 21, 2023 at 2:13 pm
    Reply

    With that snake oil salesman Panos gone, hopefully Windows can return to a normal desktop operating system without all the insanity it has right now in Windows 11.

  21. Tachy said on September 21, 2023 at 3:19 pm
    Reply

    Can we please stop being ‘politically correct’ (lying) and call them ads again instead of ‘suggestions’?

  22. TelV said on September 25, 2023 at 4:05 pm
    Reply

    @ Martin,

    Does your gpedit hack also turn off all the other “subscribed content” shown in the registry screenshot? Do you happen to know what all those are?

  23. Christopher Reisinger said on September 30, 2023 at 12:45 pm
    Reply

    Thank you, I used the fake email option, it worked great.

  24. Tom Gray said on September 30, 2023 at 8:26 pm
    Reply

    I wish I had read this article a few months ago, as I purchased two refurbished Windows 10 Pro PCs to replace two older ones. The 1st one I entered an existing Microsoft account I had and it imediately setup OneDrive, adding it to the path names for the common folders such as Documents, Music, video, etc. I tried to just disable OneDrive but then had odd problems finding my data copied from another older PC. long story short I was able to remove all the entries from the registry after un-installing OneDrive.
    The second refurbished PC I didn’t connect the WiFi adapter so during installation I was able to click on the no Internet option. Basically I did as you suggested above; set up a local login, disabled OneDrive from running on bootup, and eventually unInstalled it. No problems with folder paths, etc.

  25. Flotsam Jones said on September 30, 2023 at 10:43 pm
    Reply

    The registry option worked for me, but only me, not any other users. How do I make this apply to all users? Yes, I have admin rights.

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