---
type: concept
title: Windows 11 Local Account Setup
tags: [windows-11, local-account, privacy, installation]
related: [oobe, bypassnro, microsoft-windows-10-11]
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_support_faq_software_betriebssystem_windows_11_ohne_microso.md"]
---

# Windows 11 Local Account Setup

**Windows 11 Local Account Setup** is the process of configuring a Windows 11 installation using a local user account stored on the machine's hardware, rather than a cloud-linked Microsoft account.

## Motivation
Users may prefer local accounts to:
- Avoid mandatory cloud synchronization.
- Increase privacy by not linking the OS to a Microsoft identity.
- Set up the machine in environments without immediate internet access.

## Setup Procedure
To achieve a local account setup on versions of Windows 11 that mandate a Microsoft account, the following workflow is used:

1. **Network Isolation**: Disconnect all network cables and disable Wi-Fi.
2. **Trigger Bypass**: During the [[oobe]] network screen, use `Shift+F10` to open the Command Prompt and run the [[bypassnro]] command (`%systemroot%\System32\oobe\BypassNRO.cmd`).
3. **Reboot**: Allow the system to restart.
4. **Limited Setup**: Select **"I have no internet"** and then **"Continue with limited setup"**.
5. **Account Creation**: Enter a username and password for the local account.

## Relation to URZ Services
While manual setup is possible, the [[universitatsrechenzentrum-urz]] recommends using the [[device-management-system]] for automated, standardized installations of [[microsoft-windows-10-11]].
