Windows 11 without a Microsoft account: Here’s how to set it up

If you are installing Windows 11 on your computer and do not want to create a Microsoft account, you can trick the system. You don’t necessarily have to give away your personal data or create an account you won’t need later to get the new system.

Windows 11 without a Microsoft account: Preparation

If you have Windows 11 on your computer, you can set up an offline account from Microsoft. If you don’t want to do this, you can do some trickery in this case to avoid having to create a Microsoft account. Therefore, first create a user account for a person whose account you do not seem to know.

• Before you start the installation, make a few preparations. To do this, go to the settings and click on “Accounts ☻ Other users”
• Here, go to “More users ☻ Add account”.
• In the new window, you will be asked for the login information for your Microsoft account. Select “I do not know the credentials for this person” here.
• Then go to “Add user without Microsoft account”.
• In the next step, enter a user name and go to “Next”.
• In the settings, select “Family and other users”. Click on the arrow behind the user and select “Account type”. In the drop-down menu, select “Administrator” and confirm with “OK”.

Further steps: Instructions

Once you have set up an account, it is time for the final steps:

• Go to the Start menu and click on your username. Log off by clicking on “Log off”
• Log in to the user account you have just created.
• Go back to the account settings and select “Family and other users”. For Microsoft account, go to “Remove”.
• Click on “Delete account and data”.
• You have now disconnected your PC from the Microsoft account and can still continue to use Windows 11 without any problems.

Another option: Set up an offline account

An offline account allows you to set up a local account without connecting it to Microsoft.

• The first time you turn on your PC with Windows 11, you will be prompted to create a Microsoft account. In this case, go to “Logon options”.
• Select the option “Offline Account”. Create a local user account here.
• Select a user name and password for this. The computer system is set up without a Microsoft account connection.