Windows 11 (23H2 or later): Set Up With Offline/Local Account

By default, the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) of a Windows 11 system is to link the machine to a Microsoft account, which allows syncing settings across devices and file syncing to online storage. However this configuration is not always needed, or desirable. For example, if the password to the Microsoft account is forgotten or the account hacked, it makes the machine almost unusable.

(If you set up a new Windows 11 system to be joined to a business Active Directory/domain, this doesn't apply.)

To complete the Windows setup using a legacy-style “offline” account:

1. Let the OOBE experience run until it prompts for the country.

2. Press Shift-F10; a command prompt opens.

3. Type OOBE\BYPASSNRO. The system reboots.

4. When prompted for the setup style, choose Set up for personal use:
   

5. Enter a username:
   

Further Reading

• https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/install-windows-11-without-microsoft-account