Microsoft is very keen for us to have a Microsoft account to run Windows – and with each version it gets harder and harder to get away. So what do you do if you absolutely want to avoid this, have no synchronization between computers and escape a bit of Microsoft’s surveillance?
In the last major update of Windows 11, 22H2, you must use a Microsoft account during installation, but can then change to a local account in the settings. We show this in step 1.
However, there are methods to escape account usage altogether. Here we use the excellent little free program Rufus, which in its latest version supports just this. We have recommended this program, which is written in open source code, before in other contexts.
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What it does is mainly install iso files (disc image files) to a usb stick and make this bootable for installation in any computer. It does the same thing that Microsoft’s official Windows Media Creation tool does, but with extras, and works with almost all operating systems. See steps 2 to 4.
1. Change settings
In Windows 11 22H2, right-click the Start button and select Settings. click Account and then on Din information. click Log in with a local account instead. Follow the instructions.
2. Download Rufus
Download, install and launch Rufus on rufus.ie. Insert a USB stick of at least eight gigabytes. Click the arrow at Choose and choose Download. Continue in a number of steps to select Windows version and finally click on Download. Choose where to save the file.
3. Customize
Rufus handles the settings for you, just click Start. Tick for Remove Requirement For An Online Microsoft Account. You can also choose from the other options, such as the top one to install on a non-compliant computer. click OK.
4. Install on usb
Accept the deletion of the USB stick and then wait for the file copying, which takes a few minutes. When everything is done, you have a USB stick that can be used to install Windows 11 the way you want.