Windows 11 install without Microsoft account (2026)
If you don't want to use a Microsoft account, Windows 11 lets you set up a new installation with a local account, and here's how to do it.
First introduced on November 20, 1985, Windows is Microsoft’s flagship operating system built around a graphical user interface that transformed personal computing. Over the decades, it has evolved through major releases such as Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10, which became available worldwide on July 29, 2015.
Today, Microsoft’s latest release is Windows 11, launched on October 5, 2021, bringing a redesigned interface, productivity enhancements, AI-powered features, and support for modern hardware. Together, Windows 10 and Windows 11 power millions of devices across desktops, laptops, tablets, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems.
In this section, you will find all my Windows-related coverage, including the latest news, step-by-step how-to guides, tips, troubleshooting, and in-depth tutorials to help you make the most out of your Windows experience.
If you don't want to use a Microsoft account, Windows 11 lets you set up a new installation with a local account, and here's how to do it.
Every Windows 11 feature and change in 2026, tracked month by month as Microsoft continues to reshape the operating system.
Windows 11 now allows you to change the action of the Copilot physical key to launch any app.
Microsoft is rushing out emergency Windows updates after the September security patch broke Remote Desktop, Hyper-V, and USB audio.
Microsoft has closed several Windows 11 local account workarounds, but a simple link in OOBE appears to provide another way around the ...
Microsoft is rolling out new Windows 11 features gradually, but ViveTool can help you access some of them sooner.
Microsoft is improving Windows 11 26H2 with more Memory Integrity protection, faster search, better context menu controls, and several fixes.
Windows 11 26H1 builds add gamepad support to Bluetooth settings and pinned apps to Windows Share, while one build has an EAC issue.
Microsoft adds new emoji to Windows 11 while fixing Arm64 upgrades, networking, Remote Desktop, and other issues.
Microsoft is making Windows 11's cross-device Resume feature less restrictive while cleaning up a few smaller issues.