Local account setup for Windows 11
Local account setup for Windows 11
Hi,
I saw something suggesting Windows 11 Home doesn’t let you make a local account, but the idea is to avoid internet connection? Since my laptop comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, will it let me connect directly without Wi-Fi at startup? If yes, can I then set up a local account while keeping the LAN off? Also, should I ensure the router isn’t connected during that process? Please confirm. Thanks.
this should demonstrate the process
by following the link provided
Absolutely incorrect.
They indeed require an MS account for initial license activation, but you don’t need to maintain that account afterward.
All my systems have three accounts: MS account for license issues or when accessing the MS Store, Local Admin for tasks needing admin rights, and Local Standard user for regular use.
How to?
Once everything is configured, just create a few Local accounts and switch between them as needed.
On the main system, I haven’t logged into the MS account in several months.
Recently, on a new Surface Go laptop I purchased a couple of months ago, I only logged into the MS account once.
For anyone starting here, I recently upgraded to 11 and observed this too. The home edition presents a challenge since it presumes most users have some internet access. The Enterprise and Pro editions likely provide more sophisticated local account features, though that remains speculation as these versions have consistently shown more professional-oriented options compared to the home version.
Initially, it’s worth mentioning that Windows 11 automatically elevates the first logged-in account to Administrator. This behavior is problematic because you should avoid using administrative privileges on a regular basis, especially linking your email and services to it, as Microsoft anticipates. Attackers often attempt to gain access to the admin account on a computer, and if you’re already engaging with suspicious links or content while in admin mode, you’re inadvertently assisting their efforts.
Setting up Windows (it’s straightforward)
When configuring your profile or installing Windows 11, perform the setup without an internet connection. If you’re connected online, it forces the creation of an account without any offline or local settings available. This implies you shouldn’t have an Ethernet cable connected and shouldn’t sign into your Wi-Fi network to keep the system updated (or as they phrase it). You can revisit this later. Once done, you should see an option to proceed without a Microsoft account.
If you’ve already encountered difficulties and wish to separate yourself, use the admin account to generate two local user accounts. These will be created as standard accounts. You can then manage them, designate one as admin, sign into it, and remove the previous admin (don’t forget to back up data before deleting files alongside the profile). Assign one of these accounts as admin and keep the other as your regular account.
If you must log in using a Microsoft account, I recommend doing so through a privacy-focused browser such as Firefox or Brave, or any alternative that doesn’t automatically link your Microsoft account with your Windows profile.
Additionally, remove all Microsoft-related bloatware—like Office, Outlook, Xbox App, etc. You can use third-party email services instead. Also, uninstall or disable Cortana.