- Windows 11 Home will require an internet and Microsoft account during setup, but you can skip them.
- You can do this by disconnecting from the network and clicking the back button.
- This is how it works in the latest preview build, and it might stay this way in the final product.
You may be able to skip the internet connection and Microsoft account requirements while setting up a new device or installation of Windows 11 Home. When Microsoft first announced the next version of the OS, among the UI overhaul and new features, the company also revealed that not all devices already running Windows 10 will be able to upgrade to Windows 11 due to new system requirements that require a modern processor and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). In addition, the company also said that it would require a Microsoft account and internet connection to complete the installation setup (out-of-box experience (OOBE)). However, it appears that at least these requirements won’t be enforced.
Although it’s not official, during the clean installation of Windows 11 Home, more specifically during the out-of-box experience, in the step to create a new account, you won’t see an option to create an offline account (also known as a local account). However, in the latest Insider preview build of Windows 11, you can disconnect the device from the network and click the back button to access a hidden page that allows you to create an account without a Microsoft account.
There have been some mixed reactions about Microsoft requiring an internet connection and account from the company’s cloud service. However, this approach makes more sense for those running the Home edition of the OS since it provides a more secure environment to sign in to the device and makes it easier to change the login password if at any time you forget it or gets compromised.
Of course, there’s the privacy and choice aspect, but it may appear that Microsoft won’t be forcing the requirements for those who know the workaround.
This may change in the final product, but at least for now, you will be able to skip the Microsoft account and internet connection requirements when setting up the Home edition of the OS.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].