While Microsoft is aggressively pushing online accounts for first-time Windows users, there are workarounds that allow you to use a local account as your primary account. From installation to updating your Windows device, a local account can help you accomplish pretty much anything an online account can. Follow the guide below to learn how to use Windows 11 without a Microsoft (or Windows 10) account.
What is a Windows 11/10 local account?
When you first install Windows 11/10, you're prompted to create a Microsoft Administrator account as the root user. This account has the highest privileges of all other accounts on your device and syncs directly with Microsoft servers as soon as you connect to the internet.
A local account is significantly different because it is not connected to Microsoft servers. As the name suggests, a local user account is specific to the computer on which it was created. You can always set up a Microsoft account under a local account username.
Benefits of a local account
- More privacy: The local account is registered on your computer andIt is not easily detected. By external servers. It gives you More privacy and control.
- Does not consume additional resources: With fewer apps and no Microsoft sync concerns, a local account is Gentle and comfortable to useA kiosk mode on Windows is a great example of local accounts in use.
- Easy switching: All it takes is a set. Win + L keys To switch between administrator and local account logins.
- Device updates are available: The same device update benefits are available as on a PC that supports a Microsoft account.
Disadvantages of local account
- Devices cannot be synced: You can no longer sync your Windows device with other computers.
- Microsoft Store blocked: A local account isn't compatible with the Microsoft Store, where you need a Microsoft account to download apps. But even with a local account, you can install anything on your PC from the internet.
- You'll need a Microsoft account at some point: Obviously, but if you use your local account a lot, at some point you will need a Microsoft account to use features and updates that show dependency.
Although the local account is a secondary default to the online Microsoft account, you can replace it with the primary administrator account with a few tweaks. Our steps below contain screenshots for Windows 11 only, but all instructions are compatible with Windows 10.
How to enable a local account during Windows installation
If you're connected to the internet, Microsoft discourages setting up a local account as the root user. One solution is to disconnect from the internet before installation.
To install the default local account, you will need a USB drive to follow the installation steps for.Media Creation Tool.
- Download the Windows 11 installation media of The official sourceIf you want to install Windows 10,Use this link.
2. Click File which was downloaded to start setup. Enter theرك USB disks Portable 16 GB At least on your computer. Copy the downloaded installation media to this USB.
3. Turn off the Internet connection. If you are using a laptop, turn it off. Wi-Fi button So that Microsoft servers don't pick it up.
4. Restart using USB drive which is entered into the computer and press the key Boot , which may vary depending on the manufacturer: F2 ، F12 ، I , etc. You must do this very quickly to be transferred to Windows Out of Box Experience “Installation Screen” , also known as OOBE.
5. You are usually asked OOBE on Windows 10 Enter Language, time, currency, and keyboard layout /Input lump sum.
OOBE on Windows 11 has a design change that requires you to first select your country or region, followed by your keyboard layout and whether you want to add a secondary keyboard.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the screen asking you to name your computer.
7. You may also be asked whether you want to set up the device for personal use or for work/school. (Some users may see this option at the end.)
8. Follow the instructions until you reach the login page below.
9. To log in, select “Sign-in options”.
10. Select an option Offline account. If it is disabled on your system, just press the button. "Back Arrow" To move to a field Local offline username.
11. You may see a different version of offline account access during setup. In this case, Offline is highlighted under the Username field. Click Offline account instead of "the following".
12. You may see a screen indicating that you will have a limited user experience on the device. Tap Limited experience.
13. In one of the last steps, you will be asked to enter your computer's username. Enter your name.
14. Choose Privacy settings For the device, then sit back and wait for the Windows 11 installation to complete (for the local account).
What can you do if you are already connected to the Internet?
If you are connected to the Internet during the installation of Windows 11, check if the option is Offline account Available or not. If available, proceed with the installation as is.
If not, stop the installation midway through with a cold reboot using the power buttons. Then, go back to your internet source and disable it. This will bring up the local account option.
How to enable a local account after installing Windows
You can also enable a local account after installing Windows 11/10.
- Select a list Operating commands using Win + R and enter “netplwiz”.
2. Once opened netplwiz dashboard You will see your primary Microsoft administrator account as the default username.
3. To add a usernameNew service (local or online) , tap on "addition".
4. There are two options for logging in. You can, of course, use the email address for your online account that's set as the default. But you can also ignore this for Sign in without a Microsoft account , although it is not recommended.
5. Select “Local account” instead of Microsoft account For more registration.
6. You'll be prompted to add a user. This includes a username, password, and a new password hint. Confirm them all to proceed with creating a new local account.
7. The new local account will be visible in the user accounts list alongside the administrator account. You can switch to it using a key combination. Win+L Simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can you use a local account as your primary account?
answer. Yes. The newly created local account comes with privileges. “Standard User” , which is lower than "responsible".
However, if you click on "Characteristics" Local account, you will be able to modify the local account to make it act as an administrator.
Q2. Does using a local account change the status of your existing Microsoft account?
answer. Creating a local account does not affect your Microsoft account at all, provided you do not accidentally choose to delete your Microsoft account (see below).
Q3. Can you delete your primary Microsoft user account in Windows 11/10?
answer. Although we don't recommend it, it is possible to delete your primary Microsoft account and use a local account only for Windows 11/10. Microsoft provides this option, but it is strongly recommended not to use it, as it will remove your paid privileges.
You can not Remove the primary Microsoft account as an administrator. This option is inactive.
To resolve the issue, first log in to your local account user desktop using Win+L , then go to "Netplwiz" Using the command menu Windows RunYou can remove it. Primary Microsoft Administrator account Here.
Q4. Is the local account option available in all versions of Windows?
answer. By default, the local account option is available with all Windows editions—Education, Pro, Home, and Enterprise—for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. However, this option may be disabled for later operating system versions during the initial installation. As explained in this guide, the best way to get a local account is to disconnect from the internet during installation.
Now that you know how to start your Windows PC with a local account, discover how you can automatically log in to the system. Is your Windows system failing to start? Try our tips.Troubleshootinga.
