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Windows 11 has been released and users have already started to upgrade their systems from Windows 10 to Windows 11. However, there is an issue that many users are facing during the installation process – the Microsoft Account setup. Whenever you install Windows 11 on your system, it prompts you to sign in with a Microsoft account or create a new one. Although Microsoft Account provides several benefits, some users prefer to skip this step and use their systems without linking their accounts. In this blog post, we will be discussing how to skip Windows 11 Microsoft account setup and use your system with a local account.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Skip Windows 11 Microsoft Account Setup
When you install Windows 11, it prompts you to sign in with your Microsoft account. Linking your Microsoft account provides several benefits such as syncing data across devices, access to OneDrive storage, and sign-in to Microsoft apps. But for some users, linking their Microsoft account with their system can lead to privacy and security concerns. Additionally, some users may prefer using their systems with a local account only. In such cases, skipping Windows 11 Microsoft Account setup is necessary.
Method 1: Via OOBE
Out-of-Box Experience or OOBE is a process that runs during the Windows 11 installation process. It is a series of screens that prompt the user to configure their system settings such as language, time zone, and privacy settings. By following the steps below, you can skip the Microsoft Account setup during OOBE.
Step 1: When you see the "Who owns this PC?" screen, select "Set up for personal use" option.
Step 2: On the next screen, enter your local account details such as username and password.
Step 3: Click on the "Next" button to proceed.
Step 4: On the next screen, you will see the "Make it yours" screen. Here, click on the "Skip for now" option.
Step 5: On the next screen, you will see the "Link your phone and PC" option. Click on the "Skip this step" option.
Step 6: On the next screen, you will see the "Get the most out of Windows" option. Here, click on the "Decline" option.
Step 7: On the next screen, select "No" when it asks you to install Microsoft Office.
Step 8: Click on the "Accept" button to confirm your settings.
Step 9: Finally, when you see the "See what’s new" screen, click on "Done" to complete the setup.
Pros:
– Simple and easy to follow.
– Can be done during installation.
Cons:
– Cannot be done after the installation process.
Method 2: Via Account Settings
If you have already installed Windows 11 and linked your Microsoft account, you can still unlink it by following these steps below:
Step 1: Click on the "Start" button and select the "Settings" icon.
Step 2: Click on the "Accounts" option to access your account settings.
Step 3: On the next screen, select the "Your Info" option.
Step 4: Click on the "Sign in with a local account instead" option.
Step 5: Enter your Microsoft account password to verify your identity.
Step 6: On the next screen, enter your local account details such as username and password.
Step 7: Finally, click on the "Next" button to complete the setup.
Pros:
– Can be done even after installation.
Cons:
– Requires access to account settings.
– Not recommended for users who have already installed and set up their system.
Method 3: Via Command Prompt
If you prefer using the Command Prompt, you can skip the Windows 11 Microsoft Account Setup by following these steps below:
Step 1: Press the "Windows" + "R" keys to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type "cmd" in the text field and press "Enter" to open the Command Prompt.
Step 3: Type the command "net user [username] *" and press "Enter". Replace [username] with your desired username.
Step 4: Enter a password and press "Enter". If you don’t want to set a password, press "Enter" twice.
Step 5: Confirm your password by entering it again and press "Enter".
Step 6: Press "Ctrl" + "Alt" + "Delete" keys to open the Security Options screen.
Step 7: Select the "Switch user" option.
Step 8: On the next screen, click on the "Other user" option.
Step 9: Enter your local account details and click on the "Sign in" button.
Pros:
– Can be done quickly.
Cons:
– Requires knowledge of Command Prompt.
– Not recommended for users who are not familiar with Command Prompt.
What to Do If You Can’t Skip Windows 11 Microsoft Account Setup
If you are unable to skip the Microsoft Account setup during OOBE or account settings, you can try the following fixes:
1. Disconnect your network during the setup process. This will force Windows 11 to skip the Microsoft Account setup and allow you to use a local account.
2. If you have already linked your Microsoft Account, you can unlink it by following the steps mentioned in Method 2 above.
3. Use a third-party software such as Windows 11 Account Login to bypass the Microsoft Account setup during installation.
Bonus Tip
To switch between your Microsoft account and local account, follow these steps:
Step 1: Click on the "Start" button and select the "Settings" icon.
Step 2: Click on the "Accounts" option to access your account settings.
Step 3: On the left sidebar, click on the "Sign-in options" option.
Step 4: Under the "Password" section, click on the "Change" button.
Step 5: Enter your current password and click on the "Sign in with a local account instead" option.
Step 6: Follow the on-screen prompts to sign in with your local account.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I switch between Microsoft account and local account after the initial setup?
A: Yes, you can switch between your Microsoft account and local account at any time by following the steps mentioned in the "Bonus Tip" section above.
Q2: Are there any drawbacks to using a local account instead of a Microsoft account?
A: While using a local account instead of a Microsoft account may reduce privacy and security concerns, it may limit access to certain features such as syncing data across devices, access to OneDrive storage, and sign-in to Microsoft apps.
Q3: Will I lose my data if I switch from a Microsoft account to a local account?
A: No, switching from a Microsoft account to a local account will not affect your data.
Q4: Can I link my Microsoft account after using a local account?
A: Yes, you can link your Microsoft account after using a local account. Follow the steps in Method 2 above to link your Microsoft account.
Q5: Can I use my Microsoft apps with a local account?
A: No, you cannot use Microsoft apps with a local account. You will need to sign in with a Microsoft account to use these apps.
Final Thoughts
Skipping the Windows 11 Microsoft Account setup can be useful for users who prefer using their system with a local account only. By following the methods mentioned in this blog post, you can easily skip the Microsoft Account setup during installation or after the installation process. Additionally, if you face any issues during the setup process, you can try the fixes mentioned in the "What to Do If You Can’t Skip Windows 11 Microsoft Account Setup" section.