Install Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account (24H2/25H2)

Windows 11, like its predecessor, offers two primary ways to set up an account: a Microsoft account or a local one. However, Microsoft has made installing Windows 11 without an online Microsoft account increasingly difficult, especially for Windows 11 Home and Pro users.

Previously, entering a fake email address would allow users to bypass Microsoft account requirements. However, as of May 2024, this method is no longer viable.

Later, another method allows users to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account. Users have to use the oobe\bypassnro command to force a local account setup.

Note: As of March 2025, Microsoft has started removing bypassnro.cmd from beta and dev builds, currently this method is working, but its possible that this method may not work in future versions.

How to Install Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account

If you want to install Windows 11 with a local account instead, or even without an internet connection, there are ways to bypass Microsoft’s restrictions. In this guide, we will walk you through different methods to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account on both Home and Pro editions.

Method 1: Installing Windows 11 Without an Internet Connection

If you want to install Windows 11 without being forced to connect to the internet. Check detailed step by step instructions and video.

Steps:

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disable Wi-Fi before starting the installation.
2. When prompted to connect to the internet, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
3. Type oobe\bypassnro and press Enter.
4. Your PC will restart, and the installation will allow you to set up a local account without internet.

Method 2: Registry Editor Hack (BypassNRO Fix)

If the oobe\bypassnro command stops working, you can manually modify the Windows Registry to allow a local account.

Steps:

1. When prompted to sign in, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE
4. Right-click in the right panel and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name it BypassNRO and set its value to 1.
6. Close Registry Editor and restart the installation.

Alternatively, you can directly execute this command in the command prompt to make the process easier:

reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE" /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

After this, the setup should allow you to create a local account.

Method 3: Modify the Registry to Hide the Microsoft Account Setup

Another effective way to bypass the Microsoft account requirement is by preventing the online account setup screen from appearing in the first place. This method involves modifying the Windows Registry during installation.

Steps:

1. Start the Windows 11 installation process.
2. When you reach the country selection screen, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
3. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
4. Navigate to the following path:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE
5. In the right panel, right-click and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
6. Name this value HideOnlineAccountScreens.
7. Double-click it and set the value to 1.
8. Close the Registry Editor and restart the installation.

When the setup resumes, the Microsoft account sign-in screen will no longer appear, allowing you to create a local account instead.

Method 4: Using “Start ms-cxh:localonly” Command

This is another built-in method by Microsoft that can help you bypass the Microsoft account requirement. Earlier, users had to open the Developer console and execute the command from there, but now, there is an easier way that you can use right from the command prompt window

Steps:

1. During installation, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: start ms-cxh:localonly
3. A window will appear, allowing you to create a local account.
4. Follow the instructions to complete the installation.

Microsoft continues to push users towards using a Microsoft account in Windows 11, but with the right steps, you can still set up a local account and even install Windows 11 without internet access. By using methods like Command Prompt commands, Registry Editor tweaks, and local account creation, you can maintain control over your Windows installation.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with others who want to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account!