How to Bypass Microsoft Account Requirement in Windows 11 Home 24H2

Windows 11 has garnered attention not just for its sleek design and advanced features, but also for its insistence that users log in with a Microsoft account during installation. However, not everyone appreciates this requirement, and many users prefer the flexibility of a local account. Luckily, there are ways to bypass this seemingly obligatory hurdle on Windows 11 Home Edition, specifically version 24H2. Below, we’ll walk you through the steps necessary to set up your system without tethering yourself to Microsoft.

The Why Behind the Discontent​

Let’s face it: while Microsoft accounts can offer convenience—seamless device syncing, access to OneDrive, and other user services—they also come hand-in-hand with a level of data sharing that not everyone is comfortable with. Particularly for those who value privacy or simply want a leaner installation experience, the desire to use a local account instead becomes paramount.

Preparation for Installation​

To begin, you’ll need the official ISO file for Windows 11 version 24H2. If you haven’t already, download it directly from the Microsoft website. Creating a bootable USB stick is a straightforward affair; it’s better to use Microsoft’s tools than some unofficial options like Rufus, which may complicate the process unnecessarily.

1. Download the ISO: Navigate to the Microsoft download page and get the official ISO file.
2. Create Bootable Media: Use the Windows Media Creation Tool if you prefer a USB drive for installation.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide​

Installing Windows 11​

1. Start the Installation: Boot your PC with the USB drive plugged in and start the installation.
2. Reach the Login Screen: Continue through the steps until prompted to enter a Microsoft account.

Bypassing the Microsoft Account​

When you hit the screen asking for your Microsoft account, follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt: Press Shift + F10. If you're on a laptop, it may require Shift + Fn + F10. This will bring up a command prompt window.
2. Create a Local User: In the command prompt, type the following command to create a local account:
   

   bash net user [YourUserName] /add

   Replace [YourUserName] with your desired name, ensuring it’s different from your PC’s name.
3. Add User to Administrators Group: Next, elevate this newly created user to an administrator with:
   

   bash net localgroup Administrators [YourUserName] /add

   Substitute [YourUserName] with the name you just created.
4. Prepare for Restart: Type the following commands to prepare for a system restart:
   

   bash cd oobe msoobe.exe && shutdown -r

5. Restart and Select User: Upon restart, you might see a message indicating that your login was incorrect. Simply press "OK", and then select the local user account you created previously from the list.

Finalizing the Installation​

Follow through the installation prompts as you normally would. Once completed, you’ll find yourself on the Windows 11 desktop, free from the constraints of a Microsoft account.

Assigning a Password to Your Local Account​

If you choose to add an extra layer of security to your local account, you can easily do so:

1. Open Command Line with Administrator Rights: Search for cmd in the Start menu, right-click it, and select "Run as administrator."
2. Set the Password: Enter the command:
   

   bash net user [YourUserName] [YourPassword]

   Replace [YourUserName] and [YourPassword] accordingly.

This way, you are not only set up with a local account but also protected by a password of your choosing!

Privacy vs. Convenience​

While there is an allure to the functionality that a Microsoft account brings, the route of creating a local account affords you control and privacy in ways that some users cherish. It’s almost like choosing between a smart gadget that knows too much about you and the good old-fashioned tools that do their jobs without interference.
As we navigate through Windows 11's new landscape, the landscape shaped by personal choices and allowances from tech companies, it’s critical to remind ourselves that there remain ways to tailor our digital experience. The steps above not only help you get inside Windows 11 the way you want but also champion the age-old value of user autonomy.

Conclusion​

While Microsoft might nudge you in the direction of connecting your life to their cloud through a Microsoft account, the power remains in your hands. Using these straightforward steps, anyone can set up Windows 11 in a manner that speaks to their individual needs—avoiding unnecessary dependencies and preserving privacy.
Happy computing!

---

Source: PCWorld Windows 11 insists you use a Microsoft account. Here’s how to bypass it