How to Install Windows 11 Without Microsoft Account (2025 Guide)

Introduction

Windows 11 is the latest Windows operating system from Microsoft. It starts new style, perfect performance, and features like improved security and Cloud connection. But a number of users are upset due to Microsoft forces them to use a Microsoft account during the Windows 11 installation.

If you want privacy? Use offline or just give attention to a local account, you may ask: 

Can I install Windows 11 without Microsoft account?

The answer is yes. In this blog, we will discuss a step-by-step process to install or set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account in 2025. We will also describe old tricks, new updates, and the best long-term explanations.

Why Does Microsoft Ask for an Account

Before we start the process, we need to understand why Microsoft forces users to create accounts:

• Match settings on all devices.
• Simple access to OneDrive cloud storage.
• Auto sign-in to Microsoft Store and Office apps.
• Better Connection with Windows 11 update assistant.

Benefits are useful. But a number of people still prefer local accounts due to:

• Offer more privacy.
• Work offline without internet.
• Run faster on test PCs or unsupported hardware.

Difference in 2024 to 2025 – What Still Works?

In old versions of Windows 11, users could run the command OOBE\BYPASSNRO to skip account login. But in the recent Windows 11 update (24H2), Microsoft has declined this option.

Don’t worry, there are still working methods in 2025. Let’s discuss them.

Method 1: 

Use the New Command – start ms-cxh-localonly

This is the easy way right now.

Steps:

1. Start the Windows 11 installation normally.
2. When you see the Sign in with Microsoft screen, click on Shift + F10.
3. This opens Command Prompt.

Then write this:
( start ms-cxh:localonly)

1. Press Enter.
2. The setup will skip Microsoft login and move directly to making a local account.

Works with both Windows 11 Home and Pro.
Checked on the newest Windows 11 update.

Method 2: 

Don’t Use the Internet While Windows Setup:

Another simple method is to turn off the internet connection.

Steps:

1. Start the setup procedure.
2. When it requires the internet, don’t turn on this.
3. Also, unplug the Ethernet cable.

 Also you can press Shift + F10, then type:
ipconfig – release

1.  It will disconnect your internet.
2. Close the window and press the next button.
3. Now it allows you to create a local account.

Performs perfectly on a smooth installation.
Sometimes Microsoft disallow this, but it usually still works.

Method 3: 

Use Bootable USB With Rufus 

Rufus is a free tool to make bootable Windows 11 USB drives. It also has options to remove the Microsoft account needs.

Steps:

1. Download Rufus tool from its official website.
2. Make a bootable USB using your Windows 11 ISO file.
3. While processing, Rufus may require:
   • Remove the requirement for an online Microsoft account.
   • Remove the requirement for Secure Boot and TPM.
   • Create a local account with a username.
4. Choose your options and continue.

Better for beginners who want a single-click solution.
Also useful for installing Windows 11 on not supported devices.

Method 4: 

Use Domain Join.

If you are trying to install Windows 11 Pro, there is another simple option.

Steps:

1. When the setup requires how you want to use the computer, choose (Set up for work or school).
2. On the next screen, click (Domain join instead).
3. You’ll now be asked to create a local account.

Works only on Pro edition.
No need for internet tricks.

Which is the Best Method you should use?

• If you are on Home edition, Use Method 1 (start ms-cxh:localonly) or Rufus.
• If you are on the Pro edition, Domain Join is the best one.
• If you do not want to use tools, the Disconnect network method is perfect.

Local Account vs Microsoft Account: Which one is Suitable?

Local Account Benefits:

• Your data stays on your PC.
• Fast Process.
• Works without a network.

Microsoft Account Benefits:

• Automatic backup to OneDrive.
• Approach to Microsoft Store apps.
• Sync between devices.
• Simple password reset process.

Advice for you from TechEmplify:

If you need privacy and speed, go for a local account. If you want cloud features, then go with a Microsoft account.

Different Windows 11 Related Setup Tips

1. Update Windows 11 Home to Pro

If your question is the same, “Can I Upgrade my Windows 11 Home to Pro?”.

• Yes, you can do it on the Microsoft Store.
• However, if you don’t need a Microsoft account, install Pro directly using the clean ISO and local account methods we told you already.

2. Windows 11 Update Assistant:

The Windows 11 Update Assistant is the official tool of Microsoft to upgrade from Windows 10.

• Although it forces a Microsoft account login.
• If you need a local account, it’s better to use Rufus or an ISO Process.

3. Installing Windows 11 on Non-Supported Hardware

Many Computers and Laptops don’t meet TPM or Secure Boot requirements.

• Rufus helps bypass this very easily.
• You can click on the box: Remove requirement for 4GB RAM, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot.
• This will allow you to run Windows 11 on older systems.

Future of Windows 11 Setup

Microsoft is working to make account sign-in compulsory. But the genius users always find new solutions.

Also, Microsoft is also adding Advancements in Artificial Intelligence to Windows 11. Tools like Copilot, smart updates, and AI-powered search are part of the latest updates.

This means future updates may make setup more secure, but also clever. Users need to stay updated with instructions like this one to find working solutions.

Conclusion

This is still possible to install Windows 11 without Microsoft account in 2025, but you should follow the perfect process.

• Use start ms-cxh:localonly for a quick command-line bypass.
• Use Rufus if you want the simple option and support for non-supported PCs.
• Use Domain Join if you have Windows 11 Pro.
• Disconnect the network if you do not want to run commands.

Microsoft will update the Windows 11 operating system, but users will always find ways to stay in control. However, if you are upgrading Windows 11 Home to Pro, using the Windows 11 update assistant, or installing on non-supported hardware, after reading this step-by-step guide, you can do this easily.

FAQ

Q1: Can I install Windows 11 without Microsoft account in 2025?
Yes. The new working pattern is using the instructions start ms-cxh:localonly.

Q2: Does this work on Windows 11 Home?
Yes, both Home and Pro editions support these tricks.

Q3: What if Microsoft blocks all bypass methods?
You can always use Rufus to create modified installation media.

Q4: Is it safe to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware?
Yes, but Microsoft does not guarantee updates. Use at your own risk.

Q5: Should I upgrade Windows 11 Home to Pro?
If you need Pro features like Domain Join, yes. Otherwise, Home works fine.