We have been in the era of Windows for several years now, but some people still struggle to know how to install this program. It's not for lack of research, but sometimes the available information can be confusing. Drawing from my experience, I have gathered in this article the tips necessary to reveal the secrets of installing Windows 11 to you. Feel free to give me a big like in the comments if you've learned something from my advice.

To install Windows 11 without using a Microsoft account and maintain a local installation, here are several methods you can use:

1. Create a Bootable USB Drive with Rufus:

   - Download Rufus and use it to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 11 ISO downloaded from the official Microsoft website. During installation, choose to create a local account instead of a Microsoft account.

2. Use a Windows 11 ISO Image:

   - Download the Windows 11 ISO image from the official Microsoft website and burn it to a DVD or create a bootable USB drive. During installation, opt to create a local account.

3. Install Windows 11 from Physical Media:

   - If your device comes with Windows 11 pre-installed on physical media such as a DVD, you can install the operating system and choose to create a local account during the initial setup.

4. Configuration Using the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) Process:

   - When starting a new device with Windows 11 or after a reset, choose "I don't have internet" when prompted to connect to a network. Then, select "Continue with limited setup" to create a local account.

5. Create a Local Account After Installation:

   - If you've already installed Windows 11 with a Microsoft account, you can still create a local account by going to account settings after the initial installation. This allows you to disconnect your Microsoft account and switch to a local account.

6. Configuration via Account Settings:

   - During or after the initial installation, go to Windows 11 account settings and select "Sign in with a local account" to create and use a local account without using a Microsoft account.

By using one of these methods, you can install and use Windows 11 while maintaining your privacy and avoiding the use of a Microsoft account to log into the operating system.

How to Create a Bootable USB Drive with Rufus

1. Download Rufus:

   - Visit the official Rufus website and download the latest version of the software.

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2. Download the Windows 11 ISO Image:

   - Go to the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 11 ISO.

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3. Create the Bootable USB Drive:

   - Insert a USB drive (at least 8 GB) into your computer.

   - Open Rufus.

   - Once in Rufus, under the "Device" section, select your USB drive.

   - In the "Boot selection" section, click "SELECT" and choose the Windows 11 ISO you downloaded.

   - Leave the other settings as default and click "START".

   - Rufus will format your USB drive and copy the necessary files for Windows 11 installation.

How to Boot from USB and Install Windows 11

1. Boot from the USB Drive:

   - Insert the USB drive into the computer where you want to install Windows 11.

   - Restart the computer and access the BIOS/UEFI.

2. Access BIOS/UEFI

   - Restart your computer.

  - During startup, watch the screen for messages indicating which key to press to enter BIOS/UEFI. Common keys include F2, F12, DEL, ESC, or sometimes F10 or F8.

   - General procedure:

   - Restart your computer.

  - During startup, watch the screen for messages indicating which key to press to enter BIOS/UEFI. These messages may appear briefly, so be attentive.

     - Examples of keys by manufacturers:

       - Dell: Press F2 to enter BIOS.

       - HP: Press ESC for the boot menu, then F10 to enter BIOS.

       - Lenovo: Press F1 or F2 to enter BIOS.

       - ASUS: Press DEL or F2 to enter BIOS.

       - Acer: Press F2 to enter BIOS.

     - If the key you try doesn't work, try another key from those mentioned above.

3. Modify Boot Order to Boot from USB:

   - Once in your computer's BIOS/UEFI, follow these steps to modify the boot order to boot from the USB drive:

     - Navigate through the BIOS/UEFI menus using the arrow keys on your keyboard. Menus may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but look for a section like "Boot" or "Boot Options."

     - Select the option that controls the boot order of devices, labeled as "Boot Order," "Boot Sequence," "Boot Priority," or similar.

     - Set the USB drive as the first boot device in the list of available boot devices. Use the "+" or "-" keys (or sometimes F5/F6) to move the USB drive to the top of the list. This tells the computer to boot first from the USB drive.

     - Save your changes and exit BIOS/UEFI:

       - Once you've adjusted the boot order to include the USB drive as the primary boot device, save your changes.

       - To do this, look for an option like "Save & Exit," "Exit & Save Changes," or a key combination (often F10) to save your changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.

     - Start the Windows 11 installation from the USB drive:

       - After exiting BIOS/UEFI, the computer will restart and boot from the bootable USB drive you prepared with Rufus.

       - You should now see the Windows 11 installation screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the installation, choosing to create a local account rather than a Microsoft account when prompted.

4. Begin Windows 11 Installation:

   - Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the Windows 11 installation.

5. Disconnect Internet During Initial Setup:

   - During the initial setup process (Out-of-Box Experience - OOBE), Windows will prompt you to connect to a network.

   - Skip this step by not connecting to the internet. You can disconnect the Ethernet cable or refrain from connecting to Wi-Fi.

6. Continue with Limited Setup:

   - After choosing not to connect to the internet, Windows will offer you to "Continue with limited setup". Select this option.

7. Create a Local Account:

   - You will be prompted to create a local user account. Enter the username and password of your choice.

8. Complete the Installation:

   - Continue to follow the on-screen instructions to finish installing and setting up Windows 11.

By using Rufus to create a bootable USB drive and following the installation steps described, you can install Windows 11 without needing to create or use a Microsoft account. This method allows you to maintain your privacy and have more control over your personal data.

We will soon see the next steps and make sure you have everything in hand for your installations. Wherever you have more practical solutions, the community is here to share, so don't hesitate.