When setting up a new computer with Windows 10 or Windows 11, the default out-of-box experience (OOBE) prompts you to create or sign in with a Microsoft account. While there are various reasons you might want to avoid this, this article provides step-by-step instructions to skip the Microsoft account requirement.
Known to work as of: June 2025
TL;DR:
- Shift + F10
- Windows 11:
ms-cxh:localonly
- Windows 10:
oobe\bypassnro
Windows 11
- Do not connect to the internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi before starting the computer
- When the system wants you connect to the Internet (WiFi or Ethernet), press:
Shift + F10
- A command prompt/terminal will open, click inside the window to make it active
- Type the following command and press Enter:
ms-cxh:localonly
- The computer will restart automatically.
- When the computer asks to connect to the Internet, click/tap on option “I don’t have Internet” and “Continue with Limited Setup”.
- Create your local user account by entering your desired username and password (optional), then click Next to continue setup.
- After completing setup, you can connect to your preferred Wi-Fi or wired network.
Windows 10
- Do not connect to the internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi before starting the computer
- When the system wants you connect to the Internet (WiFi or Ethernet), press:
Shift + F10
- A command prompt/terminal will open, click inside the window to make it active
- Type the following command and press Enter:
oobe\bypassnro
- Press Enter on your Keyboard, the computer will restart.
- The computer will restart automatically.
- When the computer asks to connect to the Internet, click/tap on option “I don’t have Internet” and “Continue with Limited Setup”.
- Create your local user account by entering your desired username and password (optional), then click Next to continue setup.
- After completing setup, you can connect to your preferred Wi-Fi or wired network.
Microsoft periodically disables these bypass methods. This guide will be updated as changes occur.
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