On Windows 10, you can set up an installation without a Microsoft account using a local account. You only need to choose the āSet up for an organizationā option instead of the āpersonal useā option during the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE), and in this guide, you will learn how without disconnecting the computer from the network or other system modifications.
Whether you want to install Windows 10 (or 11), Microsoft really wants you to use its online account since it allows seamless integration (and data collection) with the different products that the company offers and makes it easy to sync your files and settings across devices. However, if you prefer to use a local account because you prefer the offline experience, want to create a custom profile folder name, or plan to use the remote desktop feature and want to avoid problems making a connection, you can install Windows 10 without a Microsoft account. You only need to know where to find the option.
Although the company has removed the ability to continue the setup with an offline account from the out-of-the-box experience, it isnāt completely gone. You can still create a local account during the initial setup if you use the āSet up for an organizationā option. The caveat is that this option is only available for Windows 10 Pro, not Home.
This guide will teach you the steps to perform a clean install of Windows 10 without a Microsoft account. You can use these instructions to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account.
Windows 10 install without Microsoft accountĀ
To set up a Windows 10 installation without a Microsoft account, use these steps:
-
Start the PC with the Windows 10 USB flash drive.
-
Press any key to continue.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Click the Install now button.
-
Click the āI donāt have a product keyā option if you are doing a reinstallation. (The system will reactivate automatically after the setup.)
-
Choose the āWindows 10 Proā option.
-
Check the āI accept the license termsāĀ option.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Select the āCustom: Install Windows only (advanced)ā option to perform a clean installation.
-
Select each of the partitions and click the Delete button. (Usually, the āDrive 0ā is the drive that contains all the installation files.)
Warning: When deleting a partition, you will also erase the data on the drive. Youāre not required to delete the partitions from a secondary hard drive.
-
Select the drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space) to install Windows 10.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Select your region setting after the installation on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE).
-
Click the Yes button.
-
Select your keyboard layout setting.
-
Click the Yes button.
-
Click the Skip button if you do not need to configure a second layout.
-
The computer will automatically connect to the network using an Ethernet connection. If you have a wireless connection, you must set up the link manually (a security key may be required).
-
Select the āSet up for an organizationā option for Windows 10 Pro. (The āHomeā edition does not have this option.)
-
Click the Next button.
-
Confirm a local account name to set up the device without a Microsoft account.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Create a password for the account.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Confirm the account password.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Create the three security questions in case you have to recover your account password.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Confirm the privacy settings best suit your needs by turning on or off the toggle switch for each option.
-
Click theĀ Accept button.
-
(Optional) On the āCustomize your deviceā page, select one or more ways you plan to use the device to allow the setup to suggest tools and services customization during this experience.
-
Click the Accept button to continue. Or click the Skip button to skip this part of the setup.
-
Click the āNo, thanksā button to skip linking your phone to your PC. (You can always do this from the Settings app.)
-
Click the āNo, thanksā button to skip the Microsoft 365 setup.
-
Click the Decline button to skip the OneDrive storage offer.
-
Click the āNo Thanksā button to skip the Game Pass offer.
-
Click the āNot nowā button to disable Cortana.
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will apply the settings and finish the setup.
Source: Pureinfotech