Question Can I log into to a domain instead of using a Microsoft account on Windows 11?

[Wing901]

Or how do I skip Microsoft account setup on Windows 11?
Since Win11 is continuous update, some methods may not work.

 

[USAFRet]

Or how do I skip Microsoft account setup on Windows 11?

1. Why skipping?
You know..you do NOT have to use that MS account all the time. On this main PC here, I've not used the "MS account" since sometime last year. Local Admin and Local Standard users.

2. "log into a domain". What domain?

 

[Wing901]

1. Why skipping?
You know..you do NOT have to use that MS account all the time. On this main PC here, I've not used the "MS account" since sometime last year. Local Admin and Local Standard users.

2. "log into a domain". What domain?

How to skip?

local domain or workgroup.

 

[USAFRet]

How to skip?

local domain or workgroup.

'local domain' doesn't make any sense.
The PC still needs a valid license.


Skip......
Build the system
Install the OS
Get it activated
Create 2 new user accounts - Local Admin and Local Standard.
Moving forward, use the PC with those accounts. As said, I've not used my "MS account" on this PC in many months.

I just finished setting up a new HTPC in the same manner.

 

[johnbl]

you would setup a local account with the proper permissions then
logon and get validated by the local machine. There really is not a domain controller for "workgroup" there used to be a service that tracked all of the machines that were on "workgroup" the oldest booting machine would be the browse master and keep a list of machines and printers. There was no real domain controller for 'workgroup'

To make Windows 11 log on to a local account, follow these steps:

from google:

1. Open the settings app and navigate to the Accounts section.
2. Select Your Info, and then click Sign in with a local account instead.
3. Click Local account if prompted, type the username, password, and hint.
4. Click Finish, log off, and log in to the new account12.

I normally just use cmd.exe to make accounts and activate them.

net.exe user commands
and net.exe localgroup commands

net.exe user will show the accounts currently on the local machine
net.exe localgroup administrators
will show the names of the current admin accounts on your local machine

nbtstat.exe -n
might be useful to see the master browser
there was a why to force a election on the browser but I have not used it since the old days (1990's)

net.exe config rdr (will also show useful info)

 

[Wing901]

'local domain' doesn't make any sense.
The PC still needs a valid license.


Skip......
Build the system
Install the OS
Get it activated
Create 2 new user accounts - Local Admin and Local Standard.
Moving forward, use the PC with those accounts. As said, I've not used my "MS account" on this PC in many months.

I just finished setting up a new HTPC in the same manner.

My system installed with a win10 pro license. I think it will work with win11.
Without a Microsoft account setup (I have one but don't want to use with win11), it won't let you keep going.

 

[USAFRet]

My system installed with a win10 pro license. I think it will work with win11.
Without a Microsoft account setup (I have one but don't want to use with win11), it won't let you keep going.

Get the license activated with a MS account (that you already have).
Don't log in with that account after that.

Easy.

 

[Wing901]

Get the license activated with a MS account (that you already have).
Don't log in with that account after that.

Easy.

Every time win11 startup, the login screen popup. You mean add a local account?

 

[USAFRet]

Every time win11 startup, the login screen popup.

And that is when you log in with one of the Local accounts you created.

 

[Math Geek]

sounds like he may want to go straight to desktop and skip the log in screen.

at least that's how i am reading it (i admit i am likely reading deep between the lines here)

Windows 11: How to Boot Directly to the Windows Desktop

To boot directly to the Windows desktop, go to account settings and disable the option that says users must enter a username and password.

www.technipages.com

Word of Caution!!​

Instruct Windows to skip the login screen and jump straight to the desktop only if you’re the only person using that computer. If multiple users have access to the same machine, create a separate password-protected account for each user.