Lo, Microsoft hath long entreated its users to embrace the online realm, advocating the usage of connected Microsoft Accounts for Windows logins across the ages and iterations of the operating system. Yet, in recent times, their fervor for this hath reached new heights. Verily, in the realm of Windows 11 installation, there exist no official means to eschew the utilization of a connected account. However, fear not, for there exist methods to circumvent this imposition.
Behold, let us unveil the manner in which thou canst employ an offline account during the installation of Windows 11, thus eluding the watchful gaze of Microsoft.
Mark well: There doth exist certain features of Windows 11 and its associated applications that doth necessitate an online Microsoft account. Therefore, be aware that thou may find thyself unable to partake of these delights without first logging in with a different account.
The Quick Bypass
The swiftest and simplest method to evade the obligation of signing up or logging in with a connected Microsoft account during the installation of Windows 11 doth lie in this ingenious bypass.
Step 1: Commence the installation of Windows 11. When thou reachest the screen wherein thou must select thy country or region, press Shift + F10 to summon forth a Command Prompt window.
Step 2: Enter the following incantation sans quotation marks: “start ms-cxh:localonly” and press Enter.
Step 3: Lo, a window akin to that of Windows 10 for the creation of a user shall be revealed unto thee. Enter thy username and password, then choose Next to progress.
Step 4: Adhere to the instructions on the screen to consummate the installation of Windows 11. When thou dost arrive at the desktop screen of the operating system, thou shalt find thyself logged in with thine offline account. No demand for online connectivity — yet it is prudent to update to the latest iteration of Windows 11 for the betterment of features, stability, and security.
The Other Bypass (While It Lasts)
Another stratagem for circumventing the requirement for a Microsoft Account during the installation of Windows 11 doth lie in the BypassNRO command. Alas, this command hath been expunged from the latest Windows 11 preview build for Windows Insiders, hence its tenure in the official releases may be brief. Nevertheless, as of April 2025, it doth remain viable, and thus may be employed should the erstwhile method encounter obstacles.
Step 1: Initiate the Windows 11 installation process. When thou encounterest the segment that beseeches thee to provide Wi-Fi details for network connection, press Shift + F10 to unveil a Command Prompt window.
Step 2: Utter the following command without quotation marks: “c:windowssystem32oobeBypassNRO.cmd” and then press Enter.
Thy device shall reawaken, recommencing the installation process. When thou arrivest at the networking screen, thou shalt glimpse an option to forge ahead in setting up Windows sans connection to a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network. Thereupon shalt thou be bid to configure a local account, which thou canst employ for accessing Windows 11 upon its completion.
Alternatively: Shouldst thou wish to venture forth manually, thou canst invoke Regedit from the Command Prompt. Enter the following incantation to achieve alike outcome:
“reg add HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionOOBE /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f shutdown /r /t 0”
Anon, the tapestry of Windows 11 installation unfolds before thee, replete with paths to navigate the realm of digital sovereignty. In thy journey, may thou find success and liberation from the constraints set by the digital overlords.
