Windows 10 on surface devices doesn't support creating a local account.
Windows 10 on surface devices doesn't support creating a local account.
They really don't want to set up a Microsoft account, it's unnecessary and I don't feel the need to track anything. It's odd that you can create a local account yet still have Wi-Fi set up. The arrow for going back doesn't help at all. Rebooting just changes things but doesn't solve the issue. It lets you adjust keyboard settings, but it keeps reminding you to enable Wi-Fi, which brings you back to the login screen again.
You don’t need to turn off WiFi completely; just avoid connecting to any network during installation.
This solution works for one device, but at my workplace we handle many more tasks (this is for business). This would be a temporary fix, yet it seems completely unreliable. Ordinary users aren’t aware of this issue and are required to create a Microsoft account just to proceed with setup. That’s both clever and foolish. Even if someone unfamiliar with technology understood the problem, they’d still need to use a Microsoft account and can’t resolve it. Just spend a day figuring out how to reinstall Windows if you don’t want an account. ABSOLUTELY NOT MICROSOFT REALIZED MY NEED AND ASKED FOR REMOTE CONTROL SETUP. I had to clarify ten times that I’m not even using Windows yet and still stuck in the configuration stage, making it impossible to set up a remote control. Once you connect to Wi-Fi while configuring, you’re locked into a Microsoft account if you don’t want one.
There was a discussion in the News section about this, and it seems a lawsuit might be filed soon.
This has nothing to do with the Surface. The information provided is incorrect. Microsoft has altered the process so that only Windows 10 Pro can create a local account during the OOBE setup. You can set up a local account without an internet connection or by changing your Microsoft account settings after registration. That’s accurate. You’ll need to use Surface support while paying for their services when you buy the device. They aren’t trying to push anything. Their team follows predefined procedures on their screens. If your request doesn’t match any of the options, you’re stuck in this repetitive cycle until someone actually steps outside the script. That’s problematic because companies prioritize a consistent experience, and it’s unacceptable to be told something is wrong without understanding the context. No. Just enter your wireless password during the OOBE setup.
Tip: When configuring windows, block all available choices except the ones you need. This approach works across different installations—just stay cautious about unknown changes.
I believe this has been happening since the last update from the developers. I’m not entirely sure because I stopped using Windows. However, I recall a news article on the fourm talking about this problem. It looks like you can get help if you don’t connect to the internet or if you repeatedly enter your Microsoft account details. At least that’s what I remember. This seems to be Microsoft trying to gain more control again.