A workaround has been found to bypass needing a Microsoft account on Windows 11. By pressing Shift + F10 during setup, users can input "start ms-cxh:localonly" to create a local account.

Upgrading to Windows 11 is still possible even after Windows 10 reached the end of support on October 14, 2025. Although many devices continue to run the retired operating system, switching to Windows ...

Windows 11 favors Microsoft accounts over local accounts. A recent update removes the ability to create local accounts without internet. Third-party tools like Rufus can still create local accounts ...

Microsoft is blocking another way to choose a local account in Windows 11. You'd force a local account by disconnecting from the network. The block is currently in place in the latest Windows 11 ...

A newly discovered trick allows Windows 11 users to bypass Microsoft’s online account requirement during setup, raising questions around user control and privacy. The workaround, shared by X user ...

One of the downgrades that Windows 10 users experience when moving to Windows 11, especially when clean-installing the newer operating system, is the inability to create a local account and set up ...

Share on Facebook (opens in a new window) Share on X (opens in a new window) Share on Reddit (opens in a new window) Share on Hacker News (opens in a new window) Share on Flipboard (opens in a new ...

Microsoft is now mandating the use of a Microsoft account during Windows 11 setup, removing workarounds for local account creation. The company states this ensures devices are fully configured and ...

Microsoft is removing known workarounds for local account creation in Windows 11 setup (OOBE), effectively making a Microsoft Account (MSA) mandatory for most users. The company cites proper ...