Using a Microsoft account in Windows 11 is the best way to access all its features, including Microsoft Copilot, OneDrive, and more. But some people just don't want to use a Microsoft account and connect all their data to the cloud, and that's okay. If you're one of them, or you're simply giving the computer you're setting up to a friend, you can follow a few simple steps to use a local account.
How to set up a local account on Windows 11
You used to be able to use the command in the Windows Command Prompt, but Microsoft seems to have patched that trick in a recent update. Therefore, the easiest way to bypass the Microsoft account requirement is to follow these steps:
Set up Windows 11 as usual. However, when you get to the Unlock your Microsoft experience section, select Sign in and then enter the fake email. This can be anything, but try to choose something that is unlikely to be a real email, as you don't want to trigger any account security features on anyone's actual Microsoft account.
Select Next , enter your fake password, and select Login . Wait a moment and the installer should send you to a screen that says "Oops, something went wrong." Clicking the next step here will take you to a new screen asking Who will be using this device? Enter your preferred name and click Next . Now enter your password and let Microsoft continue setting up Windows 11.
The important thing to remember here is that Microsoft can patch this method at any time. You may one day have to convert your local account to an online account. If this happens, you can easily do this by going to Settings > Your profile name > Your information > Sign in with an online account and follow the steps that appear on the screen.
What features will I miss when using a local account?
One of the main reasons Microsoft tries to get you to sign up for an online account is the variety of features it offers. Now, I'm not going to go into a long rant about how these features tie into privacy standards, because like any online account, these features are designed to collect some data from you in order to help Microsoft in some way — whether it's advertising, training co-pilots, Or just improve overall functionality.
With that said, here is a list of some very key Windows 11 features that you'll miss out on if you don't sign up for an online account:
copilot access
OneDrive sync
Microsoft Store (you can download tons of apps)
Restore Windows from backup saved to OneDrive
Personalized sync
Whether these features are important to you is entirely up to you. However, if you want to take full advantage of Windows 11 and all the features Microsoft has added to it, you may want to sign up for an online account.
