Adapted by:
Javier Pastor
Senior WriterComputer scientist turned tech journalist. I've written about almost everything related to technology, but I specialize in hardware, operating systems and cryptocurrencies. I like writing about tech so much that I do it both for Xataka and Incognitosis, my personal blog.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
If you buy a computer with Windows 11 installed, Microsoft will typically prompt you to complete the installation using a Microsoft account. If you don’t have one, it’ll encourage you to create a new account. Users often find this requirement frustrating and think there’s no way to avoid it. However, there’s a workaround.
Last year, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk experienced this issue when he bought a new laptop. He complained about it on X, “Just bought a new PC laptop and it won’t let me use it unless I create a Microsoft account.”
Click on the image to view the original post on X.
He expressed concern that this would grant Microsoft’s AI access to his computer. “This is messed up,” he wrote. Musk also pointed out that there used to be an option to skip the Microsoft account login and asked whether others were facing the same issue.
Several users replied with potential solutions, confirming that it’s still possible to install Windows 11 and use it with a local account.
The issue arose when Musk began the setup process at a location where his laptop automatically connected to an open Wi-Fi network. He expressed his frustration with Microsoft’s requirement, claiming that the company “can effectively shut off your computer” using the account associated with it.
Eventually, Musk shared another post where he said he had successfully bypassed the Microsoft requirement. He also thanked users for their suggestions. By disabling Wi-Fi to prevent the laptop from connecting to the network, he was finally able to log in with a local account.
In Musk’s original post, a community note indicated that users can bypass Microsoft’s requirement. Although the note has since been deleted, it also pointed to setting up the laptop using the offline account option.
Image | Rui Silvestre
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