Solved Avoiding Microsoft Account in new installation

I am installing Windows 11 home on a computer that I have just built. I have gotten to the "let's add your Microsoft account" page during the installation and I need to know how to proceed without getting a Microsoft account. Did I already miss my chance?

I had to connect my network earlier in the process because it told me I needed to update Windows for it to boot.

Hello Mike, and welcome to the forum.

You can use step 15 when you get to it during a clean install of Windows 11 to set up a local account.

Alternatively, you could just use RUFUS

RUFUS (rufus-4.9 .exe)

You don’t need to format the USB, RUFUS will do it.

• • The latest ISO is available via the Media Creation Tool. (Option One in the tutorial below)
  • At the time of this post, the latest version available from Microsoft is: > Windows 11 Version 24H2 build 26100.4349 ISO
  • After Media Creation Tool as finished downloading Windows 11and when asked, tell Media Creation Tool to create the ISO and not burn to media (USB)

Download RUFUS

• Then as per image below:
  • #1 Direct RUFUS to your USB
  • #2 Click “Select” and direct RUFUS to the ISO that you downloaded from Microsoft.
  • #3 should sort itself out if the OS drive is partitioned properly. But to be sure, make certain it’s GPT. Your Windows OS really should be partitioned to GPT. Make sure #3 says GPT
  • If you’re running an older system and have no choice but to use MBR (According to your HDD partition structure) then choose MBR at #3 in the image below. Find what partition table is used, in this Tutorial

(Random web images)

• When instigating the creation of the media and clicking “Start”, the following options will show. Select your choices.​

  • Select Remove requirement for an On-Line Microsoft account (to bypass requirements)
  • With the rest; Deselect/Select whatever you do/don't want (Like the local account options & Bitlocker)

• Click OK and the USB install media will be created on the USB​

• Once Rufus has created the USB installer, you can proceed with the Windows installation.​

Thank you!! That seems to have done the trick.

Thank you!! That seems to have done the trick.

Click to expand...

What seems to have done the trick? You thanked the first respondent so presumably it was that.

SIW2 said:

What seems to have done the trick? You thanked the first respondent so presumably it was that.

Click to expand...

Yes, exactly. I saw the first response within moments of it being posted and followed the link in Brink's post, followed those instructions and had success.

I haven't bought a pre-assembled pc since the 1990s. Well I bought a used one for my son once, and a laptop for my wife once, but I have always built my personal computers myself. I like the control of getting the most for my money and nothing extra. I like to build my pcs such that I get maximum life out of them before I need to upgrade. Finally I have flexed my mechanical engineering education into having a very silent PC. My newest PC is the most quiet I've had so far. Because I build my own, I don't get MS tech support, but I rarely need it. I got support from 10forums maybe 2 or 3 times during the life of my last pc, which was going strong by MS wouldn't let me install Win11 on it. I do really appreciate this resource, the community is great.