Setting up a new Windows 11 PC often requires signing in with a Microsoft account. While this has its advantages—like syncing your settings and files across devices—many users still prefer to use a local account.
Fortunately, there’s a way to bypass the Microsoft account requirement during the out-of-box experience (OOBE) when setting up Windows 11 for the first time.
⚠️ Important Note: This guide is for educational purposes. Use it only on devices you own or manage. Misuse of system registry edits can cause unexpected results, so proceed with caution.
Step 1: Start Windows 11 Setup
When you turn on your new PC or install Windows 11, you’ll go through the initial setup steps:
- Selecting region and keyboard
- Connecting to Wi-Fi
When you reach the part where Windows insists on signing in with a Microsoft account, stop there.
Step 2: Open Command Prompt
To access the hidden command line during setup:
- Press Shift + Fn + F10 (on some keyboards just Shift + F10 works).
- This will open a black Command Prompt window.
Step 3: Add the Bypass Registry Key
In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands exactly:
@echo off
reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
shutdown /r /t 0
What these commands do:
reg add … BypassNRO …→ Creates a registry entry that tells Windows to skip the “Network Requirement” (which enforces Microsoft account sign-in).shutdown /r /t 0→ Immediately restarts your PC so the change takes effect.
Step 4: Continue Setup with Local Account
After the reboot, Windows 11 setup will let you skip Microsoft account sign-in. You’ll now see the option to create a local account instead.
Simply enter your preferred username and password, and continue setup as usual.
Conclusion
Microsoft wants everyone tied into their ecosystem, but not all users want or need a Microsoft account on their device. With this simple workaround, you can bring back the freedom of using a local account in Windows 11.
It’s a small tweak, but it restores choice—something Windows has always been known for.
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