Tutorial | How to Install Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account

Windows 11 is Microsoft's most recent operating system (OS), appealing to many users with its reliability, security, and enhanced user experience. However, some might wonder how to install Windows 11 without using a Microsoft account.

Don't worry. This article from tools will guide you through the process of setting up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account using various methods, and it will also introduce a user-friendly tool called tools OS2Go to assist you. So, let's get started.

Can Windows 11 be installed without a Microsoft Account?

Windows 10 currently holds the largest market share globally; however, it will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025. Consequently, many users opt to upgrade to Windows 11 to benefit from enhanced security features and improved technical support.

However, on Windows 11 Pro, when you want to install the Windows 11 22H2 version or any Windows 11 Pro builds 22H2 and later, you will be prompted to choose whether you intend to use the computer for work or personal use. Additionally, you must adhere to the Windows 11 system requirements. If you select personal use, you will need to sign in with a Microsoft account.

In this situation, you might be asking questions like, "Do I need a Microsoft account to install Windows 11?", "Can I run Windows 11 without a Microsoft account?", or "How do I bypass a Microsoft account during the Windows 11 installation?"

Windows 11 usually requires a Microsoft account during setup, but you can bypass this requirement to install it. Specifically, you can install Windows 11 Home without a Microsoft account. In fact, you can also install Windows 10 without a Microsoft account.

While a Microsoft account is offered for free, there could be various reasons why you'd prefer to install Windows 11 without it. In the upcoming section, you'll discover how to install Windows 11 by circumventing the need for a Microsoft account. Keep reading!

How to Install Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account

Previously, to avoid the requirement of a Microsoft account on your computer for home or personal use, you had to disconnect from the Internet before being prompted to set up a Microsoft account. However, now there are several methods available to help you bypass the Microsoft account setup during the Windows 11 installation process. Let's delve into the details.

1. Method 1: Using Windows Installation Program
2. Method 2: Using Task Manager
3. Method 3: Using Local Account
4. Method 4: Running OOBE\BYPASSNRO command

Method 1: Using the Windows Installation Program

When it comes to installing Windows, the most common approach is to utilize a bootable USB drive, which facilitates the installation of an operating system and deployment across multiple computers. To create a bootable USB, you can employ a specialized tool such as OS2Go.

OS2Go tools is a professional Windows To Go creator compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7, and it can assist you in creating a bootable USB to install Windows 11 without TPM and Secure Boot and without a Microsoft user account.

Additionally, you can use it to create a bootable USB flash drive with or without an ISO file. For instance, you can employ it to create a Windows 11 bootable USB from an ISO. This bootable USB creator also allows you to run Windows games on a Mac computer and install two operating systems on one computer. It is well-suited for creating a bootable USB for installing Windows 11 without the need to create a Microsoft account.

Upon downloading and installing the OS2Go tool on your computer, follow these specific steps to create a Windows 11 installation drive:

Step 1. Launch OS2Go after installation, and click Windows Install Drive Creator. Choose the version of Windows you want to install.

Step 2. Connect your USB flash drive/external drive to the computer. It will automatically detect the connected device, so just click the Next button.

Step 3. Under the Windows Installation Settings tab, choose Removed for the Microsoft account requirement for Windows installation. Then click Create.

Step 4. If your external device is a used one, the software will erase its data. Once the downloading process starts, wait until it's complete, or you can step away to attend to other tasks.

Step 5. Once the Windows ISO image file has been downloaded to the external drive, proceed to install Windows on your computer by following the installation wizard step by step using the bootable USB drive.

Once you've created the bootable drive, you can use it to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 without needing an account.

Method 2: Using Task Manager

The Windows Task Manager is an excellent Windows utility that can help address issues on your computer. You can utilize Task Manager to stop the Network collection flow process and bypass the requirement for a Microsoft account when installing the Windows 11 Home edition. Here's how to proceed.

Step 1. Proceed with the Windows 11 installation process as normal. When you see the "Let's connect you to a Network" screen, press the Shift + F10 keys to open the Command Prompt.

Step 2. Type taskmgr and press Enter to open the Task Manager.

Step 3. Under the Processes tab, locate Network Connection Flow and click on it, then tap End task.

Step 4. Close both Task Manager and Command Prompt. You can now proceed to the Windows 11 setup page. It will prompt you to enter a local account to sign in to the computer. Following that, you can continue with the setup wizard to install Windows 11 using a local account.

Method 3: Using a Local Account

When installing Windows 11 Pro or a later edition, you have the option to switch the sign-in method to an offline account. This allows you to install Windows 11 without connecting to a Microsoft account. To proceed with installing Windows 11 Pro without a Microsoft account, follow the instructions below.

Step 1. Continue with the Windows 11 installation process until it prompts you to add a Microsoft account. When you reach the window that says "Let's add your Microsoft account," click on the Sign-in option.

Click the Sign-in option

Step 2. Choose Offline account.

Step 3. Tap Skip for now.

Step 4. Next, proceed to install Windows 11 using a local account by following the on-screen instructions.

Method 4: Running the OOBE\BYPASSNRO Command

OOBE\BYPASSNRO is a registry key that allows the Out-of-box experience (OOBE, link to Wikipedia article) to proceed without requiring a network connection. By running this command, you can bypass the need for a Microsoft account during the Windows 11 setup process. You can now proceed with this method. The detailed steps are as follows:

Step 1. Proceed with the Windows 11 installation process until you reach the screen that says "Let's connect you to a Network." Simultaneously press the Shift + F10 keys to open the Command Prompt.

Open the Command Prompt.

Step 2. Type OOBE\BYPASSNRO and press Enter.

Step 3. You'll then be taken back to the same OOBE page after your computer restarts. Click on I don't have internet.

Step 4. Click on "Continue with limited setup," and you can proceed with installing Windows 11 using a local account, bypassing the network connection and without needing a Microsoft account.

Click "Continue with limited setup" for the translation.

To conclude or finalize matters

In this tutorial, you will learn how to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account using four different methods. It is highly recommended to backup your files or folders before proceeding with any of the approaches outlined in this guide.

The OS2Go tools can greatly assist you in bypassing the Microsoft account requirement during the Windows 11 setup. It enables you to create a Windows 11 bootable USB, which lets you install Windows 11 without needing an MS account and also enables you to carry out additional tasks. There are more valuable features waiting for you to discover.

Frequently Asked Questions on Installing Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account

**1. What happens if I remove my Microsoft account from my computer?**

If the MS account you want to delete is a local account, all information associated with it that is stored on your computer will be lost. Hence, make sure to back up your data as it will contain the account's contents.

< strong >2. Is it mandatory to use a Microsoft account with Windows 11?

Microsoft previously announced that installing Windows 11 Home would require a Microsoft Account. Now, the company has disclosed that upcoming versions of Windows 11 will mandate an internet connection and the creation of a Microsoft account, affecting both Pro and Home users.

3. Why do I need a Microsoft account?

You can manage everything from a central location using your Microsoft account. Monitor the health and security of your device, keep tabs on your device's subscriptions and purchase history, organize your family's digital life, adjust your privacy and security settings, and even earn rewards.