Question Is it *Mandatory* to own a Microsoft account to: 1) Install Windows 11? and 2) Use all OS features?

[Ink]

Cannot appear to find a definite answer for this, do you need a MS account to install and set-up Windows 11 on a new device?


What are the benefits to linking your Microsoft account to your Windows 11 device?

 

[ZeroStrawberries]

There are ways around it, like killing a process in task manager while setting it up, since apparently Microsoft removed the "I don't have internet" button. Without workarounds, Microsoft is essentially forcing users to log in using a Microsoft account. According to some users on Reddit, Bitlocker keys are backed up on the cloud, you get auto-sign in to Microsoft 365 services/products, and there could be some benefits related to the Microsoft Store. Could be more benefits/drawbacks though.

Nevermind, through Rufus seems to work, as .I Walk MY Way says.

 

[I Walk MY Way]

No u can use Rufus 4.2 to make a ISO with a local account, download Windows 11 ISO use Rufus to usb install, no Microsoft account needed,

 

[Sandbox Breaker - DFIR]

No u can use Rufus 4.2 to make a ISO with a local account, download Windows 11 ISO use Rufus to usb install, no Microsoft account needed,

Best way to make win USBs.

 

[Victor M]

The way around MS Outlook account requirement is to press SHIFT-F10 on the third boot and typing in "OOBE/BYPASSNRO"

 

[ng4ever]

No it is not

 

[Digmor Crusher]

"No it is not" needed to have a MS account or "no it is not" needed to do this, press SHIFT-F10 on the third boot and typing in "OOBE/BYPASSNRO??

 

[roger_m]

"No it is not" needed to have a MS account or "no it is not" needed to do this, press SHIFT-F10 on the third boot and typing in "OOBE/BYPASSNRO??

You don't need a Microsoft account. But in order to use a local account, you can do the above steps, or there is an easier way. Enter no@thankyou.com when asked to sign into your Microsoft account, followed by a random password. You will then be given the option to create a local account.

 

[SeriousHoax]

You don't need a Microsoft account. But in order to use a local account, you can do the above steps, or there is an easier way. Enter no@thankyou.com when asked to sign into your Microsoft account, followed by a random password. You will then be given the option to create a local account.

It used to work but sadly it doesn't work anymore. When I reinstalled Windows a couple of months ago, it didn't work.

 

[TairikuOkami]

What are the benefits to linking your Microsoft account to your Windows 11 device?

Security - a local password can be easily bypassed by a child, even using utilman/sethc method.
MSA uses PIN, which can not be entered remotely, regardless if the hacker knows the password.
PIN does not matter, you can use 0000, it does not really matter, because it has to be entered locally.

 

[Sandbox Breaker - DFIR]

It used to work but sadly it doesn't work anymore. When I reinstalled Windows a couple of months ago, it didn't work.

Microsoft is clamping down haha.

 

[roger_m]

It used to work but sadly it doesn't work anymore. When I reinstalled Windows a couple of months ago, it didn't work.

Entering no@example.com, a@a.com, or something like that still works.