[GoLLuM13]

As you probably know, since the 22H2 update of Windows 11, Microsoft requires us to have a Microsoft account to use Windows 11.
While using a Microsoft account or not is a separate debate, some are for, others against, but until until now we had the choice and it was easy to choose, unfortunately this is no longer the case and theses days has come to an end and it is regrettable.
However, there are still workaround methods to install Windows 11 with a local account (so without a Microsoft account) here are 3 of them :

The "fake" mailbox method (recommended)

This method is the simplest and the one I recommend, as long as Windows 11 recognizes your network card (wired or wireless) and you have access to internet.
To do this, when entering your email address, simply do the following steps:

• Type "no@thankyou.com" then click on Next
  
  
• Type anything for the password, then click on Next
  
  
• At this point, you should see an "error" screen. Click next (again)
  
  
• Now the installer asks "Who will use the device?" or more simply, the name of the local account, type the name that suits you then click on Next and continue the installation normally.
  
  

The Rufus method

The second method uses a small free utility called "Rufus" that you will find >>here<<. The method is simple, and I recommend it especially on PCs incompatible with Windows 11 (old CPU, TPM 2.0 absent ... etc) but which has enough resources to make it work or simply for those who have a network card (wired or wireless) which is not detected by the Windows 11 installer.
To do this, you will need to do the following steps:

• Launch Rufus
• Insert an adequate USB flash drive if it is not already the case (be careful it will be formatted)

1. Click on "Select" to choose your ISO image. If you don't have the ISO image, download it with Rufus (the arrow next to Select) or using another utility.
2. In "Partition scheme", select "GPT" if you have the new UEFI BIOSes, or "MBR" if you have the old BIOSes or you want to activate the CSM on your UEFI (check your manual for more details)
3. Click "Start"
   
   
4. At this time you will have a new window, check the box "Remove requirement for an online Microsoft Account" and click OK
   
   

• (Optional) you can also check the box "Create a local account with username" and type the username you want, however it will install Windows with this username on all the machines where you will use this USB flash drive.
• Wait for the operation to complete and after this you can install your Windows without any Microsoft account

The OOBE method (Out-of-Box Experience)

For this method, you must turn off the internet before starting (it also works if your network card is not recognized).
Here are the steps to follow after cutting off the internet and when the installer tells you that you need to connect to a network (internet).

• Open Command Prompt by pressing Shift + F10
• Type "OOBE\BYPASSNRO" without the quotes "" and there are only letters, so those are O letters and not 0 (zeros)
  
  
• The computer will restart
• Continue the installation normally
• The installer will again ask you to connect, but this time you will have an option "I don't have internet" click on it
  
  
• The installer will prompt with a new insisting screen to connect, this time click "Continue with limited installation"
  
  
• Now the installer asks "Who will use the device?" or more simply, the name of the local account, type the name that suits you then click on Next and continue the installation normally.
  
  

PS: Sorry for the screenshot in French, my OS is in French, but I translated the important elements, and the placement (red rectangles) should not change from a language to another

[DoctorEldritch]

@GoLLuM13 I remember we talked about it briefly before, but are there fundamental benefits to choosing Windows 11 over Windows 10 or even older versions? There are still people who use Windows XP even, and while that may be a bit drastic, how would one decide if a better option is to do one of those solutions you mention, instead of just downgrading back to Windows 10?

[GoLLuM13]

The solutions I mention are for people who want to use/try Windows 11, and what better way to know if the OS suits our needs than trying it right ?
Now about using and old OS there is 0 benefit unless, the PC isn't compatible, or you have an old device (scanner or printer for example) that isn't compatible with W10/W11, but then again there's a potential security risk, because the OS isn't updated anymore (like with XP, 7 and 8.x) and also softwares and drivers are stopping the support (if not already stopped). Now choosing between W10 and W11 is another story both version are still supported, we still have updates. So it will mostly come to a preference.
W11 shouldn't have been renamed, it was supposed to be a W10 it's the continuity of the work that already began with W10, but because of the hardware restrictions and not to confuse consumers it got separated. Anyway in the end only a test of both OSes can give you the certainty that this is the OS made for you, but let's not forget that W10 support will come to an end in October 2025 and at this moment people will have to make a choice, go to W11 or W12. And I'm pretty sure people will either stay on W10 or go to W11 because W12 will probably bring even more changes than W11 did 😜 it has been the same story for years now

[amandaisawoman]

Thanks for sharing these workaround methods to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account. It's good to know that there are still options for those who prefer using a local account.

[PaulWoodard]

Thanks for sharing these alternative methods for installing Windows 11 without a Microsoft account. It's great to see that there are workarounds available for those who prefer not to use a Microsoft account for various reasons.
The "fake" mailbox method seems like a user-friendly option, especially for those who want a straightforward solution. The Rufus method also sounds useful, particularly for older PCs or cases where network card compatibility might be an issue. And the OOBE method could be handy for those looking to install offline.
If anyone is seeking Windows 10 keys at a budget-friendly price, they can check out the windows 10 key cheap reddit. It's always great to have these kinds of options available to the community.

[GoLLuM13]

@PaulWoodard You're welcome, that's my pleasure if I can help 😊