Last Updated on May 10, 2026
Installing Microsoft Windows is something that every tech enthusiast should know how to do. If you have ever taken on the task of building your own computer, then obviously you will need to install Windows or another operating system on it to get it up and running.
When installing Windows, Microsoft will try and force you to use a Microsoft Account for your Windows user account. Of course, you can configure a local account after Windows is running and even convert your Microsoft account to a local account. But what if you do not want to install Windows using a Microsoft account?
If you would like to view a full tutorial on how to install Windows 11 and create your USB installation media, you can check it out here.
Installing Windows with a Local Account – Method 1
1. Reach the Keyboard Layout Screen
The process to install Windows with a local account rather than a Microsoft account begins with starting the Windows installation like you normally would. Click through the initial language and region prompts. Then, when you get to the section where it asks about adding a second keyboard layout, you need to stop here.
2. Trigger the Hidden Command Prompt
Now you can click your mouse anywhere above the keyboard image to ensure the window is active. Then press Ctrl+Shift+J on your keyboard simultaneously. The screen will immediately go dark, and you will have a command prompt appear on top of the installation wizard.
3. Enter the Local Account Bypass Command
You can then type in the bypass command into the black box. You need to make sure you type it exactly as shown with the capital letters and absolutely no spaces. Type WinJS.Application.restart(“ms-cxh://LOCALONLY”) and press enter.
4. Return to the Installation Wizard
Once you make sure you have typed everything correctly and pressed enter, you should then see a blank prompt. You can then press the Esc key on your keyboard to close the window. You may have to click a couple of times with your mouse to go back to the main installation screen.
5. Create Your Local User Profile
Now you will see a box that says Create a user for this PC. Here you can type in the username for the account and create a secure password. If you do not want to use a password with this account, you can simply leave it blank. Once you have the name and password filled out, click the Next button.
6. Wait for Profile Initialization
The Windows installation process will then go right into the new profile setup screen. You will see a blue screen with text telling you not to turn off your PC. This initialization process can take a few minutes to complete depending on your hardware speed.
7. Configure Windows Privacy Settings
You will then need to choose your preferred options for the Windows privacy settings. You can toggle off location services, diagnostic data, and tailored experiences. Click Next to accept your choices and finalize the installation.
8. Verify Your Local Account Desktop
Finally, you will be taken directly to the Windows desktop. Your new local user account is now completely configured. You successfully bypassed the forced Microsoft account login requirement
Installing Windows with a Local Account – Method 2
1. Reach the Region Selection Screen
This next method is very similar to the first method but involves using a slightly different command string. You will still begin the Windows installation process like you normally would from your boot media. But this time, when you get to the country and region setup of the GUI part of the installation, you need to stop.
2. Open the Command Prompt Overlay
Do not click next on the region selection screen. Instead, you can press Shift+F10 on your keyboard. This shortcut will bring up a command prompt directly over the Windows installation wizard.
3. Execute the Alternate Bypass Command
At the command prompt, you will need to type in this exact command as shown. Type start ms-cxh:localonly and press enter. This forces the installer to load the offline account creation module.
4. Set Up Your Offline Profile
Once you type in the command and press enter, you will immediately see the Create a user for this PC box appear. You can then type in a desired username and a memorable password. Again, you do not need to type in a password if you do not want to use one with this new local account.
5. Finish the Installation Process
Once you have added the required information, click the Next button to proceed. You will then see the exact same user profile setup screen as you saw in the previous example. After that completes, you will be taken seamlessly to your new desktop with your new local user account active.
For additional training resources, check out our online IT training courses.
Check out our extensive IT book series.
