How to Bypass Microsoft Account sign-in requirement and create a local account on Windows 11 new for 2025
No Microsoft account? No problem. This 2025 method brings back local account setup with one line
Windows 11’s setup has infamously forced users to sign in with a Microsoft account during installation. For privacy-conscious users and IT pros setting up PCs offline, this requirement has been a frustrating hurdle. Microsoft has even patched older workarounds for example, recent builds removed the well-known “BypassNRO” that previously let people skip the online account . However, there is good news: a new, simple method has emerged that lets you create a local account during setup without connecting to Microsoft’s services. By running a single command (start ms-cxh:localonly) in the Windows 11 setup, you can bypass the Microsoft account requirement . This article will explain how to use this trick on the latest Windows 11 builds (as of 2025) and walk you through the full installation process with a local user account.
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A local account keeps your data offline and on your PC only. You won’t be automatically sending your personal information or usage data to Microsoft’s cloud just to log in. This means no linking of your Windows usage to an online profile, which many users prefer for peace of mind and privacy control.
With a local account, you can complete the Windows installation without an internet connection. This is useful if you’re setting up a PC in an environment without internet, or you simply want to configure the machine first before going online. There’s no need to scramble for a Wi-Fi password or network cable during setup; the installation can proceed entirely offline.
Using Windows without a Microsoft account gives you more control over your experience. You won’t be forced into using cloud services like OneDrive or syncing settings unless you choose to. You can always sign in to Microsoft services (OneDrive, Microsoft Store, etc.) later on your terms, but your core Windows login remains independent. In short, a local account keeps you in charge of how and when you integrate Microsoft’s ecosystem into your device.
Follow the steps below to bypass the Microsoft account sign-in during Windows 11 setup using the new start ms-cxh:localonly method. This will take you from the start of installation all the way to the desktop logged in with a local user.
Boot your PC from the Windows 11 installation media (USB drive or DVD) and start the setup process as usual. Go through the initial prompts like language selection, license agreement, and choosing a drive to install Windows. Continue installation until you reach the stage where Windows asks you to connect to a network or sign in with a Microsoft account. (On modern builds, this will be the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen or the Microsoft account login form.) Do not proceed with signing in; instead, time to trigger the local account workaround at this point.
When you’re on the network or account sign-in screen, press Shift + F10 on your keyboard. This is a Windows setup shortcut that launches a Command Prompt window on top of the setup wizard. You should see a black terminal window appear. (If you’re on a laptop, you may need to hold the Fn key with Shift + F10.) You don’t need to close the setup screen just leave it open in the background.
In the Command Prompt, type the following command exactly and then press Enter: start ms-cxh:localonly
In the “Create a user for this PC” screen that appeared, type the username you want for your local account. If you’d like a password for this account (highly recommended for security), enter a memorable password and confirm it. (If you prefer no password, you can leave the fields blank — Windows will allow a blank password, though this is not advisable for most users.)
Click Next after entering the details. That’s it you’ve now set up a local user account for Windows 11! The installer will recognise this new local account and use it going forward
Enjoy your freshly installed Windows 11 with full control over your user account. From now on, you’ll sign in with the local username and password you set, and you won’t be tied to Microsoft’s online account system. This method makes it much easier to use a local account on new Windows 11.