Install Windows 11 with local account

02/02/2022

In the Windows 11 installation, Microsoft almost forces you to install Windows 11 with a Microsoft account. Luckily there are still options to install Windows 11 with a local account.

There are a few option, but the one that works best for me is by disabling the network adapter.

Disabling the network adapter during installation

  1. Start the Windows installation. When the installation asks your for your Microsoft account, press SHIFT + F10. This will launch the command prompt window.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc as command and hit the enter key. Device Manager will open.
  3. Click the “Network adapters”. This will show you all the network devices present in your system.
  4. Right click on the adapter which handles your internet connection (WiFi or ethernet) and choose “Disable device”.
  5. The device management window asks you for confirmation. Just click “Yes”.
  6. Close the device manager and command prompt to go back to the Windows installer.
  7. Hit the “Back” button in the installer. The Windows installer will detect the lack of internet and will proceed the installation with a local account.