How to Set Up Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account

Windows 11 setup usually encourages you to sign in with a Microsoft account, but most editions still let you finish setup with a local account instead. A local account stays on the device only, with no email address, no cloud sync, and no Microsoft services tied to it. This guide covers general ways to set that up, both on a brand new install and on a PC that’s already been through setup.

Quick steps

1. During Windows 11 setup, when you reach the network or sign-in screen, disconnect from Wi-Fi or unplug your network cable before continuing.
2. Look for an option on that screen to continue without an internet connection or without signing in, and select it.
3. Follow the prompts to create a local account by entering a username and password.
4. Complete the remaining setup screens as normal.

Before you start

A few things worth knowing before you try to skip the Microsoft account prompt:

• The exact wording and position of the local account option can vary between Windows 11 versions and updates, since Microsoft periodically changes the setup flow.
• If your PC is managed by a workplace or school, for example through Intune, you may be required to sign in with a work or school account instead, and a local-only setup might not be offered.
• You aren’t locked into your choice. You can switch between a Microsoft account and a local account later from within Windows itself.
• If you’re not sure whether your device is managed, check with whoever set it up before assuming a local account will be available.

Set up Windows 11 with a local account on a new PC or clean install

This is the approach most people use during the out-of-box setup screens on a brand new or freshly reinstalled PC.

1. Start Windows 11 setup as normal, choosing your region, keyboard layout, and language.
2. When you reach the network screen, turn off Wi-Fi, disconnect your Ethernet cable, or skip connecting to a network if that choice appears.
3. If Windows doesn’t detect a network connection, it should offer a way to continue without one. Select it.
4. On the following screen, look for an option described as setting up the device for personal use without an account, or something similarly worded for your build, and choose it.
5. Enter a username for your local account when prompted.
6. Create a password if you want one, then confirm it and follow any remaining prompts to finish creating the account.
7. Continue through the privacy and setup screens as usual. You’ll land on the desktop with a local account instead of a Microsoft account.

Reconnecting to the internet afterward won’t automatically turn your local account into a Microsoft account. You’ll stay on a local account unless you choose to sign in with a Microsoft account yourself later.

If Windows 11 setup won’t let you skip the Microsoft account screen

On some Windows 11 builds, the option to continue without a network connection doesn’t appear, or setup insists you connect before moving on. There isn’t a single workaround that’s guaranteed to work on every version, since Microsoft adjusts the setup experience over time. If you run into this:

1. Double-check that you’re fully disconnected from Wi-Fi and Ethernet before the network screen loads, rather than after.
2. If your device has received a recent feature update, be aware that it may have changed how this screen behaves.
3. If the device belongs to an organization, check with your IT department, since local account setup may be restricted by policy on managed hardware rather than missing by accident.
4. As a fallback, you can complete setup with a Microsoft account and then switch to a local account afterward using the method in the next section.

Create a local account on a PC that’s already set up

If you’ve already finished setup with a Microsoft account, or you inherited a PC that’s already signed in, you don’t need to reinstall Windows. You can switch to a local account from within Windows itself.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to the Accounts section.
3. Look for the area that shows your current account details and the option to sign in with a local account instead.
4. Confirm your current account’s password when asked.
5. Create a username and password for your new local account and follow the remaining prompts.
6. Sign out and sign back in using your new local account credentials.

This keeps your files, apps, and settings in place. It removes the Microsoft account connection from sign-in only. Some features that rely on a Microsoft account, such as syncing settings across devices or restoring certain apps, won’t work the same way once you’re on a local account.

Add a second local account for another user

If the PC already has a Microsoft account set up and you want to add a separate local account for someone else, you can do that without affecting the main account.

1. Open Settings and go to the Accounts section.
2. Find the area for managing other users on the device.
3. Choose the option to add an account, then look for the choice that lets you add someone without a Microsoft sign-in.
4. Enter a username and password for the new local account and follow the remaining prompts.

If it doesn’t work

There’s no option to continue without internet

Try disconnecting fully from any network before that screen loads, rather than after. If it’s still missing, it may be specific to your Windows build or to a policy applied to the device, so check with IT support if this is a managed PC.

Setup keeps asking you to connect to Wi-Fi

Some versions of Windows 11 require a network connection before setup will continue at all. In that case, connect briefly to get past that screen, then look for the option to continue without an account on the next screen rather than entering Microsoft account credentials.

You can’t find the local account option during setup

The exact wording differs between Windows 11 versions, so look for any phrase that mentions personal use without an account or continuing with limited setup, rather than searching for one specific label.

Your organization’s PC won’t allow a local account

If your device is enrolled in a work or school management system, local account creation may be blocked by policy. Check with your IT department, since this isn’t something you can override from the setup screens.

Frequently asked questions

Can you still use Windows 11 without a Microsoft account?

Yes. You can finish setup with a local account and use most core Windows 11 features without signing in with a Microsoft account. Some services, like OneDrive syncing or restoring purchased apps, won’t work without one.

Is it safe to use a local account instead of a Microsoft account?

A local account can be just as secure as a Microsoft account for everyday use, as long as you set a strong password. The main difference is that a local account doesn’t sync your settings, files, or credentials across other devices.

Will Windows updates still work on a local account?

Yes. Windows Update runs independently of whether you’re signed in with a local or Microsoft account, so your device will still receive available updates.

Can I switch back to a Microsoft account later?

Yes. From Settings, go to the Accounts section and look for the option to sign in with a Microsoft account instead. You can switch between account types as needed.

Does skipping a Microsoft account disable OneDrive?

OneDrive still comes installed on Windows 11, but it won’t sync anything until you sign in with a Microsoft account. If you’d rather turn it off completely, you can disable or remove OneDrive from your PC.

Related guides

• How to Disable OneDrive on Windows 10 and 11
• How to Remove OneDrive from Your PC
• How to Activate OneDrive AutoSave
• How To Stop Teams Loading Up After Logging In

Sources

• Windows client documentation, Microsoft Learn
• Windows Documentation, Microsoft Learn