When setting up a new installation of Windows 11, especially the Home version, Microsoft makes it difficult to bypass the Microsoft account sign-in screen. In this guide, I’ll show you a simple and effective method to create a local account on Windows 11 version 23H2, and this technique should remain effective even in the upcoming 24H2 release—unless Microsoft decides to patch it.
Key Takeaways
- A straightforward method to bypass Microsoft account sign-in on Windows 11 23H2 & 24H2.
- Works for both Windows 11 Pro and Home versions, with minor variations.
- Create a local account without needing a Microsoft account.
Requirements
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- A keyboard to execute specific key commands.
- Basic familiarity with Command Prompt and Windows Task Manager.
- An internet connection for the initial setup, though you’ll need to disconnect briefly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bypass Microsoft Account Sign-In
Setting Up Windows 11 Pro 23H2 & 24H2
If you have the Pro version of Windows 11 23H2 or 24H2, follow these steps:
Choose the option to set up a Work or School account.
Click on Sign-in options and then select Domain Join instead.
Create a local account.
For Windows 11 Home users, the process is a bit different as the Home version doesn’t support domains.
Bypassing Microsoft Account Sign-In on Windows 11 Home 23H2 & 24H2
When prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account, press Shift + F10 (or Shift + Fn + F10 on certain laptops) to open the Command Prompt.
Type TASKMGR.exe
and press Enter to open the Task Manager.
In Task Manager, click on Run new task and type regedit
. Make sure to check the box to run it with admin privileges, then click OK.
Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE
In the OOBE folder, right-click in the empty space, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it BypassNRO
.
Double-click on BypassNRO
and change the value data to 1. Click OK.
Close the Registry Editor and Task Manager.
In the Command Prompt, type ipconfig /release
and press Enter to disconnect from the network.
Close the Command Prompt and click Back on the sign-in screen.
You can now create a local account. Enter your desired username and leave the password field blank if you prefer.
Turn off all privacy settings and click Accept to proceed.
You will be taken to the Windows desktop, logged in with a local account.
Reconnecting to the Network
After setting up your local account, you may notice that your network connection is disabled. To restore it:
- Right-click on the Start button, choose Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin), and click Yes.
- Type
ipconfig /renew
and press Enter to renew your IP address and reconnect to the internet.
Conclusion
This method is a reliable way to bypass the Microsoft account sign-in requirement on Windows 11 version 23H2 and 24H2, particularly useful for Home users who don’t have domain support. By following these steps, you can set up a local account quickly and easily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does this method work on Windows 11 24H2?
It’s expected to work unless Microsoft patches it in future updates.
Can I delete the registry keys forcing Microsoft sign-in?
You can, but it’s safer to create the BypassNRO
key instead.
Will I need to disconnect my internet every time?
No, just during the initial setup to bypass the Microsoft sign-in.
What happens if I restart my computer during setup?
Your progress might reset, requiring you to repeat the steps.
Can I use this method on Windows 11 Pro?
Yes, the same method that works on Home also works on Pro as detailed in the guide.