How to set up Windows 11 without Microsoft Account ?

December , 2025

To set up a local account on Windows 11 without a Microsoft account (and bypass credential checks), you can use different methods depending on whether you are doing this during the initial setup or after you have already logged in.

Using the “Wrong ID/Password” Method

The “Wrong ID and password” approach is an older workaround that works on specific older builds of Windows 11 (primarily Enterprise/Pro editions during OOBE when a network is connected, or specific older consumer builds).

1. Enter any invalid email address
   Stay connected to the internet.
   When prompted for your Microsoft account during OOBE, enter any invalid email address (e.g., a@a.com).
2. Enter any incorrect password
   Enter any incorrect password (e.g., password).
   The system will attempt to authenticate and fail.
   It will then present a screen stating “Oops, something went wrong” and give you the option to create a local account instead. This method is less reliable in modern Windows 11 versions that specifically force a network connection. The oobe\bypassnro command is generally more consistent.