Question How to setup windows 11 without a microsoft account or Shift+F10

[vegetarian_crocodile]

I bought a cheap laptop from Walmart, but I don't like the idea being forced to sign in to a Microsoft account to set up my PC.

However Shift + F10 does nothing, shift+F10+fn does nothing, and ctr+alt+del does nothing. Alt+Tab merely shows me "Microsoft account" and little else. I'd almost rather scrap the machine than be forced to sign in to something. I suppose I could just install Linux on it. Is there a way, however, to avoid this fate? If I boot something else, can I convince windows not to prompt for a Microsoft account?

 

[Lutfij]

Happy New Year!

Did you take a look a this guide? Also, where did you source the installer for Windows 11?

I bought a cheap laptop from Walmart,
Make and model of your laptop? An SKU would help us two fold. If your laptop has a secondary row of functions on the keyboard, better try and hit the fn+key combos to see if perhaps the key you're pressing on the function(F) row of keys are merely actuating a media option and not the F10 key in reality.

 

[SkyNetRising]

but I don't like the idea being forced to sign in to a Microsoft account to set up my PC.

Why?
It is used to assign windows license to your account.
And also to synchronize your personal files/settings across your various devices.
You can later create a local account and use that instead.

Are you also against signing onto google account on your android phone?
Or using apple id on your apple phone?

 

[USAFRet]

I bought a cheap laptop from Walmart, but I don't like the idea being forced to sign in to a Microsoft account to set up my PC.

However Shift + F10 does nothing, shift+F10+fn does nothing, and ctr+alt+del does nothing. Alt+Tab merely shows me "Microsoft account" and little else. I'd almost rather scrap the machine than be forced to sign in to something. I suppose I could just install Linux on it. Is there a way, however, to avoid this fate? If I boot something else, can I convince windows not to prompt for a Microsoft account?

Just use your MS account for initial setup.
After that, create a couple of Local accounts.

That is how all my Win 10 and 11 systems are set up.

On this year old Win 11 install, I've logged on to the MS account maybe twice.
The MS account is simply an email address and password. It is not something nefarious or evil.
My "Microsoft account" is an old gmail address. Yes, really.

 

[hotaru.hino]

The only way to not use a Microsoft account is to get the Enterprise Edition. But unless you qualify for an Enterprise Edition license, you're not allowed to use it per the license agreement. If you need to use Windows, create a basic Microsoft Account that's only for this laptop, sign in with it, and create a local account that you'll use daily.

This is just how Microsoft wants people to use Windows going forward. If you don't agree with this, then it's time to look for another OS.

 

[Math Geek]

for win 10 if you have no internet connection it lets you skip the MS account. not tried it yet but that may work on win 11 as well.

worth a shot anyway if you want to try it. when it looks to setup wifi, skip that step so it has no internet access and then keep going. win 10 gives you the option to skip the MS account at that point.

worth the shot anyway if you wanna see if it works.

 

[johnbl]

Windows 11 requires a Microsoft Account and an internet connection for first time setup.


After that you can clean install windows 11 and use a local account.
I used to install my machines with local accounts but now just created a microsoft account for the initial install and later convert to a local account if I want to.
(I just add a local admin user and log on with that and leave the microsoft account as a backup admin)

 

[alceryes]

I bought a cheap laptop from Walmart, but I don't like the idea being forced to sign in to a Microsoft account to set up my PC.

However Shift + F10 does nothing, shift+F10+fn does nothing, and ctr+alt+del does nothing. Alt+Tab merely shows me "Microsoft account" and little else. I'd almost rather scrap the machine than be forced to sign in to something. I suppose I could just install Linux on it. Is there a way, however, to avoid this fate? If I boot something else, can I convince windows not to prompt for a Microsoft account?

Shift + F10 should work. Check the BIOS to see if the function keys are locked to 'special' functions. If so, you'll need to hold down the function key BEFORE doing the shift + F10.

I hear ya on the Microsoft account. I'm not a fan either. Creating a throwaway Microsoft account just to get into the OS and then creating local accounts(s) and removing the Windows account is a valid option though.

 

[USAFRet]

Creating a throwaway Microsoft account just to get into the OS and then creating local accounts(s) and removing the Windows account is a valid option though.

And for that, any email address will work.

Mine is a seldom used gmail address.
It does not have to be blahblah@microsoft.com