How to set up a local account on Windows 11

Create a local user account on Windows 11 without a Microsoft account using these direct, step-by-step configuration instructions.

1. Open the Accounts menu. Press the Windows key and click the Settings gear icon. Navigate to the left-hand sidebar and select Accounts to open the user management interface.
2. Access other users. Within the Accounts menu, scroll down to the Account settings section. Click on the Other users menu item to manage accounts that are not associated with your current Microsoft profile.
3. Initiate account creation. Locate the Add other user button and click the Add account button next to it. When the Microsoft account sign-in window appears, ignore the email fields.
4. Select offline authentication. Click the link labeled I don't have this person's sign-in information. In the subsequent window, select Add a user without a Microsoft account to bypass the cloud authentication requirement.
5. Configure user credentials. Enter the desired User name in the first field. Provide a password and confirm it in the corresponding fields, or leave them blank if no password is required for this account.
6. Confirm account creation. Click Next. The new local account will now appear under the Other users list in the settings menu, ready for immediate use.