Recently, I helped a friend who bought a used Dell computer with Windows 11. While I often recommend Dell for their reliability, my friend encountered an issue: he doesn’t have internet at home. He relies on free Wi-Fi at places like McDonald’s, Starbucks, or the library because his mobile plan has limited data. This made setting up his Windows 11 computer at home impossible since Microsoft tries hard to force users to create an online account during setup.
After searching online for solutions, I discovered a method to create a local account on Windows 11. However, most tutorials were frustratingly incomplete. They mentioned pressing Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt, but that didn't work on his laptop. Here's the correct way to do it:
Steps to Create a Local Account Without Internet
1. Start Windows 11 Setup: Begin the standard setup process until you reach the screen asking for a Wi-Fi connection or a Microsoft account.
2. Open Command Prompt:
On many laptops, the Shift + F10 shortcut doesn’t work by itself due to function (Fn) keys.
Instead, press Shift + Fn + F10 simultaneously. This brings up the Command Prompt.
3. Disable Network Requirement: In the Command Prompt, type the following command to bypass the need for internet:
OOBE\BYPASSNRO
Press Enter. This will restart the setup and add an option to skip network connection.
4. Choose Offline Account: When the setup resumes, select the option for a local (offline) account instead of signing in with Microsoft.
5. Complete Setup: Follow the remaining steps to set up your local account and customize the computer.
My Thoughts on Windows 11
While this workaround solved my friend’s issue, it reinforced my preference for Linux. If you don’t need Windows-specific software (like some gaming or business applications), a lightweight Linux distribution like Linux Mint can provide a smoother experience without the spyware and constant push toward online accounts.
If you’re stuck with Windows, you may still want to consider using Windows 10. Many older PCs with 64-bit processors, 16GB+ RAM, and other solid specs can run Windows 10 just fine. Plus, it doesn’t force online accounts quite as aggressively as Windows 11.
Final Recommendation
For anyone in a situation like my friend’s, consider your needs carefully. If you must use Windows 11, now you know how to create a local account without internet. But if privacy, simplicity, and control matter more, take a closer look at Linux distributions—they’re free, user-friendly, and excellent for everyday use.
What’s been your experience with Windows 11 setup? Share your thoughts below!
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