[Working] How to bypass Microsoft setup on new Windows laptop

Congratulations on your new laptop! As you go through the initial Windows setup you'll likely be prompted—sometimes quite insistently—to sign in with or create a Microsoft account. Also sometimes we are asked to update the windows while in this setup process. This guide will walk you through common methods to skip the microsoft setup on both the new Windows 10 and Windows 11 laptops (You can always continue with this setup once you have completed this process).

Why Bypass the Microsoft Account Setup?

• Skip initial update: You can start the windows update process after the windows has complete started.
• Simplicity: Avoid linking your PC login to an online account if you don't use Microsoft services extensively.
• Offline Use: Local accounts work seamlessly without an internet connection.

Method 1: The "No Internet" Trick (Classic Method - Reliability Varies)

This is the oldest trick, but Microsoft has made it harder to use, especially on Windows 11 Home.

1. Start Setup: Proceed through the initial setup screens (language, keyboard layout).
2. Reach the Network Screen: When you get to the "Let's connect you to a network" screen, do not connect to Wi-Fi. If you're using a wired Ethernet connection, unplug the cable before reaching this screen.
3. Look for Alternatives:
   • Windows 10: Often, there's a small link in the bottom-left corner that says "I don't have internet" or "Continue with limited setup." Click this.
   • Windows 11 Pro: Similar to Windows 10, you might see an "I don't have internet" option. Select it, and then choose "Continue with limited setup."
   • Windows 11 Home: This is where it gets tricky. Microsoft often removes the "I don't have internet" option if it detects *any* network capability. You might need to use Method 2 or 3.
4. Create Local Account: If successful, you'll be prompted to create a username and password for your local account.

Method 2: The Command Prompt Bypass (Reliable for Windows 11)

This method uses a built-in command to bypass the network requirement, forcing the local account option to appear. It's often the most reliable method for current Windows 11 versions.

1. Reach the Network Screen: Proceed until you are at the "Let's connect you to a network" screen. Do not connect yet.
2. Open Command Prompt: Press Shift + F10 on your keyboard. This should open a Command Prompt window over the setup screen.
3. Enter the Command: Type the following command exactly and press Enter:

   OOBE\BYPASSNRO

   (Note the backslash \ between OOBE and BYPASSNRO).
4. System Restarts: Your computer will restart and go back into the setup process.
5. Repeat Initial Steps: Select your region and keyboard layout again.
6. Network Screen Revisited: When you reach the "Let's connect you to a network" screen this time, you should see a new option: "I don't have internet". Click this.
7. Limited Setup: On the next screen, click "Continue with limited setup."
8. Create Local Account: You will now be prompted to create a username and password for your local account. Success!

Method 3: Using a Blocked or Fake Email Address (Can Work, Hit or Miss)

Sometimes, entering a known non-existent or blocked Microsoft account email can trigger an error message that allows you to proceed with a local account.

1. Reach the Sign-in Screen: Proceed through setup until you are asked to sign in with a Microsoft account.
2. Enter a Fake Email: Try entering one of the following common test/blocked emails:
   • no@thankyou.com
   • a@a.com
   • test@test.com
   • 123@123.com
3. Enter Any Password: When prompted for a password, enter anything (e.g., "password" or "123").
4. Look for Error/Offline Option: This will likely trigger an error message like "Oops, something went wrong" or mention the account is locked. Crucially, this error screen might now present an option to proceed to the next step, which should be creating a local account. This method's success rate varies greatly depending on the Windows version and build.

Methods can sometimes differ between Windows 10 and Windows 11, and even between Home and Pro editions. The Command Prompt method (OOBE\BYPASSNRO) is generally the most reliable for recent Windows 11 builds. 

Also, keep in mind that, even if you set up with a local account, Windows will still encourage you to connect a Microsoft account later through Settings for features like the Microsoft Store or OneDrive. You can choose to ignore these prompts. You can always switch from a local account to a Microsoft account later via the Windows Settings app if you change your mind.

Conclusion

By using methods like disconnecting from the internet, leveraging the Command Prompt bypass (OOBE\BYPASSNRO), or trying a blocked email address, you can successfully skip the mandatory Microsoft account sign-in and updates during the initial Windows setup. Choose the method that works best for your version of Windows and enjoy your new computer on your own terms!