Whether you can create a local account during Windows 11 setup depends on your edition. On Windows 11 Pro, choose Set up for work or school, then Sign-in options > Domain join instead, and create a local user name and password. Windows 11 Home requires a Microsoft account and an internet connection during setup, and Microsoft has been removing the old workarounds. The reliable option for Home is to finish setup with a Microsoft account, then switch to a local account in Settings > Accounts > Your info > Sign in with a local account instead.
Here’s how each method works, and what you gain or lose with a local account.
Local account vs. Microsoft account
| Local account | Microsoft account | |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-in | User name and password on this PC only | Email address, works across devices |
| Settings sync, OneDrive backup | No | Yes |
| Password recovery | Security questions only | Online reset from any device |
| BitLocker key backup | Manual | Saved to your account automatically |
Windows 11 Pro: Create a local account during setup
- Go through setup until you see How would you like to set up this device?
- Choose Set up for work or school and click Next.
- Click Sign-in options, then Domain join instead.
- Enter a user name, create a password, and set up security questions.
Menu wording can change between Windows 11 versions, but the domain join option has been the standard path for local accounts on Pro.
Windows 11 Home: Switch to a local account after setup
- Finish setup with a Microsoft account. You can create a new free one if you don’t want to use your main account.
- After you reach the desktop, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info.
- Click Sign in with a local account instead.
- Verify your identity, then enter a user name, password, and password hint.
- Click Sign out and finish.
Or add a separate local account
Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users > Add account > I don’t have this person’s sign-in information > Add a user without a Microsoft account. Then make it an administrator and, if you like, remove the Microsoft account.
What about setup workarounds?
For years, people used tricks like disconnecting from the internet or special commands during setup to skip the Microsoft account. Microsoft has removed or blocked most of these in recent Windows 11 versions, and they may not work on your PC. Switching after setup is the dependable method.
Before you switch to a local account
- Back up your BitLocker recovery key from account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey, if device encryption is on.
- Remember that OneDrive and settings sync stop unless you sign in to those apps separately.
- Microsoft Store apps can still be downloaded by signing in to the Store app only.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Windows 11 without a Microsoft account?
Yes, after setup. Switch to a local account as shown above.
Will I lose my files when switching?
No. Your files, apps, and settings stay on the PC.
Can I switch back to a Microsoft account later?
Yes. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and choose Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
Is a local account more private?
It keeps your sign-in on the PC and avoids syncing data to Microsoft. Windows still sends some diagnostic data, which you can limit in Settings > Privacy & security.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.