Install Windows 11 with a Local User Account

Introduction

Previously on Windows 10, you could simply choose 'I don't have internet' and be able to setup Windows using a local user account bypassing all of the Microsoft account stuff.

With Windows 11, this is still possible but requires an extra step that couldn't be any further from obvious.

Instructions

Here are the steps for doing this.

Start off by installing Windows 11 using the ISO in the usual way.

Once the system has rebooted and you start the next phase of the setup, continue as normal making sure that you don't have the Ethernet cable connected.

When you reach the point that the system asks for an Internet connection do Shift + F10 to open up a command prompt.

In this command prompt window, enter the following command, then press enter.

oobe\bypassnro

The system will then reboot after a few moments.

Once rebooted, you should be back at the screen where you choose your country etc. Do this again but now when you reach the point that it asks for Internet, click on the new button that says 'I don't have internet'.

Then choose 'Continue with limited setup'. For reference, this just means continue without a Microsoft account.

You'll then reach a page where you can enter a username for your local account. At this point just carry on as normal.

That's all there is to it.