Redmond has made it abundantly clear: the preferred method for logging into Windows 11 is through a Microsoft account. This approach is particularly emphasized during the installation process, especially for users setting up their own devices. However, this can pose a challenge for those who prioritize privacy over the convenience of syncing settings and files across multiple devices. The situation becomes even more complex when configuring a PC for someone else, such as a family member or a charitable donation, where sharing personal login credentials is not ideal.
A local account, which resides solely on the device itself, offers several distinct advantages. It keeps your preferences off the cloud, avoids the automatic deployment of OneDrive, and does not facilitate access from other computers. Despite Microsoft’s inclination to steer users towards a Microsoft account, there are methods to successfully set up Windows 11 with a local account. Below are two effective workarounds, along with instructions for adding a local account to an already configured system.
Method 1: Entering the ms-cxh:localonly command
The journey begins with initiating the Windows 11 installation process, typically by booting from a USB flash drive containing the installer. If you don’t yet have an installation disk, simply procure a USB flash drive with at least 8GB of capacity. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft and use it to create your installation media.
Once your installation media is ready, boot from it. If your PC currently lacks an operating system, it should prompt you to boot from the external disk. If there’s an existing OS, ensure you select the correct boot device before the system loads the C: drive. This can be done through the BIOS or by pressing a designated key (often F12) during startup.
Proceed through the standard installation prompts, entering your language, product key, and other required information. After a brief wait during the file copying and rebooting phases, you will reach the country selection screen. Here, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt.
In the command prompt, type start ms-cxh:localonly and hit Enter. In the current version of the Windows 11 installer, this action will reboot the PC and return you to the same screen. In Insider builds, you may encounter a dialog box requesting a username and password.
After the reboot, continue through the installation until you reach the Sign-in screen. Again, press Shift + F10 to access the command prompt. At the prompt, enter ipconfig /release to disconnect from the internet.
Upon clicking Sign in, you will be prompted to create a local username, which can be anything you choose. Afterward, you will have the option to set a password. While leaving this field blank is possible, it is advisable to set a password for security purposes. If you opt for a password, you will need to confirm it and answer three security questions before proceeding.
Follow the remaining prompts to complete the installation, and you will have a fully functional copy of Windows 11 with a local account.
Method 2: Using Rufus to prepare a local account install disk
For those who prefer a more streamlined approach, Rufus offers an alternative method to prepare your USB installation drive in advance. Begin by inserting your USB flash drive or external SSD. Download and install Rufus from rufus.ie/en/ and open the application.
Select your drive, ensuring to check “List USB hard drives” if it does not appear in the dropdown menu. Next, choose your ISO file by clicking the Select button, then proceed by clicking the Start button.
When prompted, check the option to “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account” and click OK. You will receive a warning that all data on the storage device will be erased; don’t be alarmed, as this is a necessary step.
Rufus will take a few moments to write the necessary files to your external drive. Once completed, boot from the USB flash drive and navigate through the installation process until you reach the Sign-in screen.
Press Shift + F10 to open the command prompt again, and enter ipconfig /release to disable your internet connection.
Click Sign in, and you will be prompted to create a username for your local account. You will also need to set a password, with the same recommendations regarding security as mentioned previously. After confirming your password and answering the security questions, complete the installation process, and your Windows 11 system will be ready with a local account.
How to install a local account on an existing PC
If your computer is already configured with a Microsoft account, you can still add a local account without losing your existing login. This new account will function independently, ensuring that your preferences and data are not synced with Microsoft moving forward.
To add a local account to Windows 11, navigate to Settings and select Accounts. Scroll down to find “Other Users” and click on it. Then, click the Add account button.
In the dialog box that appears, select “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information,” followed by “Add a user without a Microsoft account.”
Enter a username, password, and answers to three security questions, then click Next. Your new username will now appear in the list of users within Settings.
You can sign out of your current account and log in as the new local user, enjoying the benefits of a more private computing experience.
