No, it's not necessary. Microsoft doesn't mandate a Hotmail account for installing the W11 Home edition.
No, it's not necessary. Microsoft doesn't mandate a Hotmail account for installing the W11 Home edition.
I’m thinking about using Pro myself, but for the group here I just need a simple yes or no. If you want, add more details to the question about the Hotmail requirement and online accounts. Also, please confirm if you’re okay with having an online account constantly while using 11 Home edition. Note that disconnecting from the internet won’t work for the first time—you must stay connected to log in. This isn’t a judgment, just a way to gather opinions. I might consider donating if I see it on a Windows 11 showcase.
I'll start with the minimum requirements. I'll demonstrate it in a VM, as I'm currently on the latest development build. Since Pro is stable, I won't run into issues there. I'll turn off network access in VMware for Windows 11 during installation and select Windows 11 Home in settings.
There is no option to proceed beyond that display; it remains until you link up to the internet, after which you can resume the setup.
I managed to work around it by turning the internet back on briefly and then seeing the next screen appear before shutting it down again. It’s pretty cool how the system reacts—even with full internet access, restarting from the power button isn’t always possible unless you’re using real hardware. Microsoft mentioned this in a developer thread, which is fascinating.
It doesn't make sense since there are no official ISO yet. The leaked version isn't close to being the final build or the insider preview. The Home edition needs an MS account for setup, and the workaround you found might not work on the retail version.
The latest insider preview version (Windows 11 22000) is already circulating online. I'm not sure if posting these links is appropriate here, but you might find them if you're looking. Also, yes, I'm aware of the need for a Microsoft Account. It's not just about me—it involves setting up devices for others and explaining what it is and why it's necessary. Setting this up will add extra effort. Plus, I personally prefer not to log into an online account just to use my computer.