As you probably know, since the 22H2 update of Windows 11, Microsoft requires us to have a Microsoft account to use Windows 11.
While using a Microsoft account or not is a separate debate, some are for, others against, but until now we had the choice, and it was easy to choose, unfortunately this is no longer the case and these days has come to an end, and it is regrettable.
However, there are still workaround methods to install Windows 11 with a local account (so without a Microsoft account) here are 3 of them :
The "fake" mailbox method (recommended)
This method is the simplest and the one I recommend, as long as Windows 11 recognizes your network card (wired or wireless) and you have access to internet.
To do this, when entering your email address, simply do the following steps:
Type "no@thankyou.com" then click on Next
Type anything for the password, then click on Next
At this point, you should see an "error" screen. Click next (again)
Now the installer asks "Who will use the device?" or more simply, the name of the local account, type the name that suits you then click on Next and continue the installation normally.
The Rufus method
The second method uses a small free utility called "Rufus" that you will find >>here<<. The method is simple, and I recommend it especially on PCs incompatible with Windows 11 (old CPU, TPM 2.0 absent ... etc) but which has enough resources to make it work or simply for those who have a network card (wired or wireless) which is not detected by the Windows 11 installer.
To do this, you will need to do the following steps:
Launch Rufus
Insert an adequate USB flash drive if it is not already the case (be careful it will be formatted)
Click on "Select" to choose your ISO image. If you don't have the ISO image, download it with Rufus (the arrow next to Select) or using another utility.
In "Partition scheme", select "GPT" if you have the new UEFI BIOSes, or "MBR" if you have the old BIOSes or you want to activate the CSM on your UEFI (check your manual for more details)
Click "Start"
At this time you will have a new window, check the box "Remove requirement for an online Microsoft Account" and click OK
(Optional) you can also check the box "Create a local account with username" and type the username you want, however it will install Windows with this username on all the machines where you will use this USB flash drive.
Wait for the operation to complete and after this you can install your Windows without any Microsoft account
The OOBE method (Out-of-Box Experience)
For this method, you must turn off the internet before starting (it also works if your network card is not recognized).
Here are the steps to follow after cutting off the internet and when the installer tells you that you need to connect to a network (internet).
Open Command Prompt by pressing Shift + F10
Type "OOBE\BYPASSNRO" without the quotes "" and there are only letters, so those are O letters and not 0 (zeros)
The computer will restart
Continue the installation normally
The installer will again ask you to connect, but this time you will have an option "I don't have internet" click on it
The installer will prompt with a new insisting screen to connect, this time click "Continue with limited installation"
Now the installer asks "Who will use the device?" or more simply, the name of the local account, type the name that suits you then click on Next and continue the installation normally.
PS: Sorry for the screenshot in French, my OS is in French, but I translated the important elements, and the placement (red rectangles) should not change from a language to another
Tag me to be sure I see the answer and reply to you / Taguez moi pour être sûr que je vois la réponse et vous réponde en retour
Most of my writings in no particular order (mostly in French) / La plupart de mes écrits sans ordre particulier >> HERE/ ICI <<
@gohan I hope I won't have to make another tutorial for the same thing 😂
Tag me to be sure I see the answer and reply to you / Taguez moi pour être sûr que je vois la réponse et vous réponde en retour
Most of my writings in no particular order (mostly in French) / La plupart de mes écrits sans ordre particulier >> HERE/ ICI <<
i find it disappointing that microsoft now requires a microsoft account to use windows 11 since it limits the choice for users. however, i'm glad to know that there are still workarounds to install windows 11 with a local account
thanks for sharing this information
Tag me to be sure I see the answer and reply to you / Taguez moi pour être sûr que je vois la réponse et vous réponde en retour
Most of my writings in no particular order (mostly in French) / La plupart de mes écrits sans ordre particulier >> HERE/ ICI <<
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Legion Community Terms and Conditions
Last updated 19th February 2021
Welcome to Legion Community (“Legion Community” or the “Platform") - powered by Standing on Giants*- an online communication platform operated by Lenovo (the “Client”).
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Your Use of Legion Community Platform
ELIGIBILITY. This Program is open to Participants who are age 18 years or older at the time of entry. This Program is not open to: (1) employees or internally contracted vendors of [Client] or its parent/subsidiaries, agents or affiliates; (2) the immediate family members or members of the same household of any such employee or vendor; (3) anyone professionally involved in the development or administration of this Program; (4) employees or internally contracted vendors of governments and government-affiliated companies or organizations; or (5) any employee whose employer's guidelines or regulations do not allow entry in the Program. This Program is open to residents of Italy, Spain, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa. This Program is void in any other country and where otherwise prohibited or restricted by law.
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Your Content Posted or Linked to Legion Community
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When using Legion Community, you will comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and all terms of use and similar rules concerning your use of any Social Media Outlet or other third party publishing platform.
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These Terms are governed by the laws of England.
Entire Agreement; Severability
These Terms, together with Lenovo’s Data Privacy Policy and any amendments and any additional agreements you may enter into with Lenovo in connection with the Platform, shall constitute the entire agreement between you and Lenovo concerning the Platform. If any provision of these Terms is deemed invalid, then that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions of these Terms will remain in full force and effect.
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Neither Lenovo nor its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, third party content providers, sponsors, or licensors warrant that the Site will be continuous, uninterrupted or error-free. THE PLATFORM, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ITS CONTENT, IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE BY LAW, LENOVO HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT, OR ANY WARRANTIES BASED ON A COURSE OF DEALING. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, LENOVO SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, OR ANY LOSS OF DATA OR USE, RESULTING FROM YOUR ACCESS TO OR USE OF OR INABILITY TO ACCESS OR USE LEGION COMMUNITY, EVEN IF LENOVO HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF ANY SUCH DAMAGES IN ADVANCE.
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