How to Use a Local Account During Windows 11 Setup?

Learn how to create a windows 11 local account during setup with easy steps. Avoid Microsoft sign-in and stay in control of your PC.

Let me take you back to a Thursday afternoon when it was raining.

I was helping my cousin set up Windows 11 on her new laptop. I was just being a “tech-savvy family member” and doing tech assistance. Everything was going OK until we got to that awful wall: the screen where you had to login in to your Microsoft account. You know the one. It really wants you to sign up or log in. No “Skip.” No “Account Offline.” Nothing.

That’s when I understood that Microsoft isn’t simply encouraging us anymore; they’re almost pushing us toward cloud-connected accounts. And for many people, that’s enough to make them not want to do business with you.

This post is for you if you’re in the same scenario as me and merely want a Windows 11 local account during setup ,  especially if you’re helping someone with their work from home setup.

Why should you even bother with a local account?

Let’s talk about the big issue before we get started:  During Windows 11 setup, why would anyone want to make a local account?

A lot of individuals who are used to syncing their devices in the Microsoft environment ask me this.  And yes, Microsoft accounts do have benefits, such as access to the Microsoft Store, OneDrive integration, and seamless syncing across devices. 

But there are some very good reasons to stay local:

• Privacy: You don’t have to provide Microsoft your email address or other personal information.

• Control: You don’t have to use internet services or features that sync automatically.

• Speed: It’s faster to set up and log in.

• Security: If the account is only used offline, it is less likely to be attacked online.

I’ve always liked things that are simple.  I like that my info isn’t just out there on the cloud unless I say so.  Also, it’s easier to set up PCs for clients who can’t even remember their email passwords when they have a local account. 

That’s why I think it’s important to keep the option of using a Windows 11 local account during setup, especially when setting up systems for those who care about their privacy.  You’re in the right place if you’ve ever wondered how to set up Windows 11 using a local account.

The Catch: Microsoft Doesn’t Show the Local Option

Here’s the best part: If you don’t connect to the internet while setting up Windows 11 Home, the local account option is completely hidden.  That’s right: you can’t see the “Offline Account” or “Skip for now” options like you could in the past.

If you have Windows 11 Pro, you can still choose, although it’s not always clear.  Microsoft appears to make it harder to find the Windows 11 local account during setup with each subsequent release.  It shouldn’t be that hard to learn how to set up a local account on Windows 11.

TL;DR: Quick Steps to Set Up a Local Account in Windows 11

If you’re in a rush, here’s the cheat sheet:

Method	Works On	Internet Required	Steps
Disconnect from internet	Home + Pro	No	Unplug Ethernet, skip Wi-Fi during setup
Shift + F10 Bypass	Home + Pro	No	Use Command Prompt to force offline setup
After setup switch	All editions	Yes	Create MS account, then switch to local later (not ideal)

Now, let’s break down each method, step by step, with screenshots (or at least vivid descriptions) so you know exactly what to do.

Method 1: Unplug the Internet (an old-school trick)

Absolutely, this is by far the simplest and most straightforward method. It’s like turning the plug on Microsoft’s pressure methods, literally.

What you need: 

• A USB stick with Windows 11 on it that can be booted (using the Media Creation Tool)

• A computer that isn’t connected to the internet (Wi-Fi is off and Ethernet is unplugged)

Step-by-Step Guide: Use your USB stick to boot into the Windows 11 installer.

1. Boot into the Windows 11 installer using your USB stick.
   
2. Go through the region/language screens as usual.
   
3. When you get to the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen:
   
   • If you’re using Ethernet, unplug the cable.
     
   • If you’re using Wi-Fi, click “I don’t have internet” (if the button shows) or just don’t connect at all.
     
4. Once the installer realizes you’re offline, it’ll give you the “Continue with limited setup” option.
   
5. Click that, and voila! You’ll be prompted to create a local account name and password.
   

This method makes it easy to make a Windows 11 local account during setup. This is especially useful if you’re putting up more than one system or trying to limit tracking.  It’s the easiest way to answer someone who asks how to set up Windows 11 with a local account or how to make a local account on Windows 11 during setup.

Method 2: Use OOBE\BYPASSNRO to Make the Local Account Option

Let’s say you are already connected to Wi-Fi and now you’re stuck on the Microsoft sign-in screen. Don’t worry, you still have options.

Here’s the nerdy, backdoor way in:

1. On the Microsoft account screen, press Shift + F10.
   
   • This opens up Command Prompt.
     
2. In the Command Prompt window, type:
   

OOBE\BYPASSNRO

3. Hit Enter. Your system will reboot and restart the setup process.
   
4. After reboot, you’ll now have the “I don’t have internet” option available.
   
5. Select it, continue with limited setup, and then create your local account.
   

This trick is one of the best-kept secrets for performing Windows 11 local account setup, especially useful when helping a less tech-savvy friend or family member avoid unnecessary cloud integrations. It’s also the fastest method if you want to sign in with a Windows 11 local account during setup without creating an online profile first.

Method 3: Create a Microsoft Account and Switch Later (Last Resort)

Okay, confession time: There are some machines (especially new OEM laptops) that are super locked down. Even the bypass tricks fail occasionally, though it’s rare.

In these cases, you may have to play along:

1. Create a throwaway Microsoft account (or use a real one).
   
2. Finish setup.
   
3. Once you’re on the desktop:
   
   • Open Settings > Accounts > Your Info
     
   • Click Sign in with a local account instead
     
4. Follow the prompts and create a local account.
   

Not ideal, but it gets the job done. It may not let you create a local account Windows 11 setup style during install, but at least you can switch soon after.

My Personal Experience: Why I Always Go Local (When I Can)

I still remember the first time I tried setting up Windows 11 on my own laptop. I was half-asleep, sipping coffee, and wasn’t paying much attention. Before I knew it, I had accidentally signed in with my Microsoft account. Ugh.

The syncing started. My wallpaper from my desktop showed up. My OneDrive files began downloading. It was like digital déjà vu, but I didn’t want that level of integration on my personal laptop. I wanted a clean slate.

That’s when I swore by the Windows 11 local account during the setup method. It’s quieter. Simpler. And I feel more in control of my system. If you’re ever wondering how to setup Windows 11 with a local account for a clutter-free experience, just remember this story.

Pros and Cons of Using a Local Account

Let’s weigh the good and the bad. Just so we’re honest here.

Pros:

• Total privacy (no data sync with Microsoft)
• Faster login
• No annoying password reset dependencies
• Less background bloat

Cons:

• No access to Microsoft Store apps unless you sign in later
• No built-in OneDrive backup
• Limited syncing between devices

But honestly? If you’re a power user, or just value simplicity, the pros far outweigh the cons.

What If Microsoft Removes These Workarounds?

Ah, the million-dollar question.

It’s true, Microsoft is gradually tightening the screws. Each major update nudges us closer to a world where online accounts are the default, and maybe one day, the only option.

But for now, these tricks still work. And the Windows community is nothing if not resourceful. Even if Microsoft shuts one door, someone always finds a window (pun totally intended). Even if they remove the “Offline Account” option, knowing how to setup local account on Windows 11 puts you one step ahead of the game.

Bonus: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this method work on Windows 11 23H2 or later?

Yes. As of June 2025, both the disconnect and BYPASSNRO methods still work.

Q: Can I upgrade from Windows 10 with a local account?

Absolutely. Your local account will carry over just fine, no need to create a Microsoft account.

Q: Is this legal?

Yes, 100%. Microsoft may not advertise it, but using a local account is still officially supported.

Key Takings: 

• If you’ve made it this far, congratulations, you’re officially part of the “I want control over my PC” club. Trust me, there are millions of us.
• Microsoft might be moving toward a connected ecosystem, but you still have the choice to keep things local. Whether it’s for privacy, performance, or plain old stubbornness, there’s nothing wrong with wanting your PC to work the way you want it to.
• And hey, next time you’re helping a friend or relative set up their new laptop, you’ll know exactly what to do. You might even impress them with that Shift + F10 magic.
• So go ahead. Set it up your way. Whether you’re trying to create a Windows 11 local account on setup, bypass Microsoft sign-ins, or simply enjoy a distraction-free environment, just know, you’ve got this.

Additional Resources: 

1. How to Install and Log In to Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account ,  Tom’s Hardware: Step-by-step guide that shows multiple ways to bypass the Microsoft account screen using Command Prompt tricks or Rufus for pre-configured installation media.
2. An Even Better Microsoft Account Bypass for Windows 11 ,  Windows Central: Introduces a faster method using the command start ms-cxh:localonly to bring up the local account creation screen without disconnecting from the internet.
3. How to Use Windows 11 With a Local Account ,  How-To Geek: Clear instructions on using the OOBE\BYPASSNRO method and ipconfig /release to trick the installer into letting you set up Windows 11 with a local account.