A recent preview build of Windows 11 makes an unwelcome change: it mandates a Microsoft account when installing even Windows 11 Professional. But not everyone wants or needs an account.

Microsoft makes it difficult to set up Windows without a Microsoft account, but it's still possible if you know the right tricks. Here's how to get it done in Windows 10 and 11.

Microsoft keeps making it harder for consumers to set up Windows with just a local account. For the privacy conscious or other use cases, especially when using the Pro edition, it should be possible.

The Windows 11 out-of-the-box experience prompts you to sign into Windows with a Microsoft account, but you can skip it in a few steps.

Microsoft is killing the Windows 11 bypass trick — soon, all setups will require internet and a Microsoft Account, leaving privacy-conscious users with fewer options.

If you're not keen on having a Microsoft account on Windows 11, don't worry, in this guide, I will help you set up an installation without one with two workarounds, including a hidden command ...