[SOLVED] Microsoft account now necessary to use a PC

relztrah · Feb 13, 2024

Back in the old days I could factory reset a PC and give it to somebody in my organization to use with or withhout a Microsoft account. I don't know when this ended, maybe with Windows 10, but now I can't even get to a desktop without a MS account.

I could use any gmail or yahoo email, I guess. Somehow it just annoys me. I know what you're thinking: "If you don't like it, use Linux."

Maxstar · Feb 13, 2024

You can bypass this option during the installation of Windows, by specifying a random email (dummy@test.com) address and password (test). Then you will see the option to create a local account.

Another option is to disconnect from the Internet, so it would trigger to create a local account.

Corday · Feb 13, 2024

Maxstar said:
You can bypass this option during the installation of Windows, by specifying a random email (dummy@test.com) address and password (test). Then you will see the option to create a local account.

Another option is to disconnect from the Internet, so it would trigger to create a local account.

xrobwx71 · Feb 13, 2024

I just upgraded my Boss's kids laptop. New SSD's, fresh Win 10 install. I simply put the email in, got all signed in and from within Control Panel/Acct, switch it to a local account within Windows and removed the MS account.

I like Maxstar's method the best, it sounds easier.

x BlueRobot · Feb 13, 2024

Maxstar said:
You can bypass this option during the installation of Windows, by specifying a random email (dummy@test.com) address and password (test).

I think they actually sort of blocked this in a later build - I may be mistaken - so you had to open command prompt during setup and then enter:

Code:

oobe \bypassnro

That would then allow you to create a local account.

Maxstar · Feb 14, 2024

With Windows 11 23H2, the trick with a random email and wrong password still works. It will trigger the following message after which you can create a local account.

relztrah · Feb 14, 2024

Maxstar said:
With Windows 11 23H2, the trick with a random email and wrong password still works. It will trigger the following message after which you can create a local account.

View attachment 97457

I'll give it a try. Thank you.

Maxstar · Feb 14, 2024

Just a question, are you using Windows 11 Home or Pro?

relztrah · Feb 15, 2024

Maxstar said:
Just a question, are you using Windows 11 Home or Pro?

Windows 11 Pro N. But now that I powered down and rebooted, I get a prompt to log in ...

I click Sign in--I didn't set a password--and I have a normal desktop.

This laptop is for a coworker, so I'm going to give it to her and call it mission accomplished. She can use her own MS account on it.

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[SOLVED] Microsoft account now necessary to use a PC

relztrah

Contributor

Maxstar

Windows Update Moderator, Security Analyst

Corday

Moderator

xrobwx71

Administrator

x BlueRobot

Administrator

Maxstar

Windows Update Moderator, Security Analyst

relztrah

Contributor

Maxstar

Windows Update Moderator, Security Analyst

relztrah

Contributor