How to Install Windows 10 Without a Microsoft Account

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Setting up a new Windows 10 computer doesn’t have to mean using a Microsoft account. Whether it’s due to privacy concerns or a preference for the traditional local account setup, you have options to avoid this step. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to install Windows 10 without a Microsoft account using a couple of straightforward methods.

Install Windows 10 Without a Microsoft Account Using the Special Email Approach

Bypassing the Microsoft account requirement during the Windows 10 setup is possible with a clever workaround. Here’s how to use the special email method:

1. During the Windows installation, when you’re prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account at the account sign-in screen, enter a@a.com as the email address.
2. For the password, type in any combination, as the authentication is meant to fail.
3. After the sign-in attempt fails, Windows will present the option to continue with a local account setup.

This method lets you swiftly proceed to install Windows 10 without a Microsoft account, granting you immediate access to your new local account.

Install Windows 10 With a Local Account via Installation Media

If you prefer to start off with a local account right from the installation media, this method is for you:

1. Use a tool such as Rufus to create your installation media and opt for the local account setup feature it provides.
2. During the Windows 10 setup, make sure your PC is disconnected from the internet by disabling network adapters in the BIOS or avoiding Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections.
3. Without an internet connection, the setup will redirect you to create a local account instead of signing in with a Microsoft account.

Bypassing Network Requirements During Setup

Sometimes you might reach the network connection page unexpectedly. If you need to bypass the internet requirement, follow these steps:

1. When you’re landed on the “Oops, you’ve lost internet connection” or “Let’s connect you to a network” page, open a Command Prompt with the Shift + F10 shortcut.
2. Type OOBE\BYPASSNRO in the Command Prompt and press Enter. This command bypasses the network requirements and restarts the setup process.
3. After the restart, you’ll encounter the network connection prompt again. This time, select the “I don’t have internet” option.
4. Proceed by choosing the “Continue with limited setup” to finalize the installation of Windows 10 with a local account.

By following these steps, you can easily install Windows 10 without a Microsoft account, keeping your system setup in line with your privacy preferences. It’s important to note that while a local account offers increased privacy, it may restrict access to certain features such as the Microsoft Store and device synchronization. Nonetheless, for users who prioritize privacy or do not require these features, these methods will ensure a local account is used for your Windows 10 environment.

Additional resources:

• https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/all/set-up-windows-11-without-internet-oobebypassnro/4fc44554-b416-4ecb-8961-6f79fd55ae0f
• https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-do-i-get-past-requiring-an-internet-connection/1a92c388-fbe1-4772-bce1-6cb4ccb0258f