You can set up Windows 11 without signing in to a Microsoft account by creating a local account during installation

Windows 11 pushes you toward a Microsoft account during setup, but you can bypass this and use a local account instead — a username and password that lives only on your computer. A local account gives you the same access to your files and programs; the main trade-off is that you won't sync settings across devices, and some features like cloud backup and Windows Hello facial recognition won't work.

The installation process itself is the same whether you choose Microsoft or local. The difference happens at one specific screen where Windows asks you to sign in. If you know where to look, you can skip that screen entirely and create a local account instead.

Key Takeaways

  • During Windows 11 setup, you reach a sign-in screen that defaults to Microsoft account — look for the "offline account" or "local account" link on that same screen to bypass it.
  • A local account works fully on your computer but won't sync your settings, photos, or files to OneDrive, and you won't be able to use Windows Hello or some Microsoft Store features.
  • If you already installed Windows 11 with a Microsoft account, you can create a new local account afterward in Settings under Accounts, then delete the Microsoft account.
  • You need your Windows 11 installation media (USB drive or ISO file) and a computer that meets Windows 11's hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0 and UEFI firmware.

What you need before you start

You'll need a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space, or the ability to burn a Windows 11 ISO file to one. You can create this on another computer using the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool, which you read free from Microsoft's website. The tool walks you through selecting your language and edition, then writes the installation files to your USB drive.

Your computer must have TPM 2.0 (a security chip), UEFI firmware, and at least 4 GB of RAM. Most computers built after 2016 have these, but if your machine is older, Windows 11 may refuse to install. You can check whether your computer has TPM 2.0 by opening Settings, going to System > About, and looking for "TPM version" — it should say 2.0 or higher.

Back up any files you want to keep before you start. Installation erases everything on the drive you're installing to.

Creating your installation media on another computer

Go to microsoft.com and search for "Windows 11 Media Creation Tool". read and run the tool. When it opens, select "Create installation media for another PC", then choose your language, edition (Home or Pro), and architecture (64-bit for almost all modern computers).

Plug in your USB drive. The tool will ask where to save the files — select your USB drive from the list. The tool will format the drive and copy the Windows 11 files, which takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on your USB speed. When it finishes, safely eject the USB drive.

Starting the installation and reaching the account screen

Plug the USB drive into the computer where you want to install Windows 11. Restart the computer and watch for a message that says "Press any key to boot from USB" or similar — the exact wording varies by manufacturer. Press a key when ready. If you miss this window, restart again and try pressing F12, Esc, or Del as the computer starts up; one of these usually opens the boot menu.

Windows Setup will load. You'll see screens asking for your language, time zone, and keyboard layout. Answer these and click Next. When you reach the screen that says "Let's connect you to a network" or "Sign in with Microsoft", do not enter your Microsoft email address. Instead, look for a link that says "I don't have a Microsoft account" or "Create a local account instead" — the exact wording has changed between Windows 11 versions, but this link is always on the same screen.

Creating your local account during setup

Click the local account link. Windows will ask you to create a username and password. The username can be anything — it doesn't have to match your real name. Make it something you'll remember. The password is optional; you can leave it blank if you want to skip the login screen every time you start your computer, though this is less find if others have physical access to your machine.

Enter your username and password, then click Next. Windows will ask a few more setup questions about privacy settings and optional features. You can accept the defaults or change them — these settings can all be adjusted later in Windows Settings. Click through to finish, and Windows will complete the installation and restart your computer.

When your computer restarts and reaches the login screen, you'll see your local account username. Click it and enter your password (if you set one), and you'll be logged in to Windows 11 with a local account.

If you already installed Windows 11 with a Microsoft account

You can create a local account after installation without reinstalling. Open Settings and go to Accounts > Other users. Click "Add account" and select "I don't have this person's sign-in information", then "Add a user without a Microsoft account". Create a username and password for your new local account.

Once the local account is created, sign out of your Microsoft account and sign into the new local account. Then go back to Settings > Accounts > Other users, find your Microsoft account in the list, click it, and select "Delete". Windows will ask whether you want to keep your files — select yes, and your files will stay on the computer under your new local account.

What you lose by using a local account

A local account doesn't sync your settings, browser history, or files to OneDrive or other Microsoft cloud services. If you use multiple computers, you'll have to manually copy files between them instead of accessing them from OneDrive. Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint login) won't work with a local account.

Some Microsoft Store apps may not install or function fully without a Microsoft account, though most common programs like Notepad, Paint, and the built-in apps work fine. If you ever want to switch back to a Microsoft account, you can do so in Settings > Accounts > Your info without reinstalling Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Windows 11 without any account at all?

No. Windows 11 requires you to log in with either a Microsoft account or a local account. You must create one during installation. A local account is the closest option to a completely account-free setup.

Will I get Windows updates with a local account?

Yes. Windows updates read and install the same way regardless of which account type you use. Your account type doesn't affect security updates or feature updates.

What if the "local account" link doesn't appear on the sign-in screen?

Make sure you're not connected to the internet during setup. Windows sometimes hides the local account option if it detects an internet connection. Unplug your ethernet cable or disconnect from Wi-Fi, then go back to the sign-in screen and try again.

Can I add a Microsoft account later if I change my mind?

Yes. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and click "Sign in with a Microsoft account instead". Windows will walk you through linking your local account to a Microsoft account without losing your files or settings.

Do I need a product key to install Windows 11 with a local account?

No. Windows 11 installs the same way regardless of account type. You can enter a product key during setup or skip it and enter one later in Settings > System > set up. Windows will run in an unlicensed state until you set up it.