Clean install without using either a MS account or a phone number

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  1. Posts : 376
    Windows 10.0.19043.2006
       #1

    Clean install without using either a MS account or a phone number


    I haven't done a clean install in a while and today I can't figure out how to get past Windows 10 requiring either a Microsoft email account or a phone number. In the past I remember being able to choose to create a local account when first logging in, but that doesn't seem to be an option now. Am I missing something or has Microsoft eliminated the local account option?
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  2. Posts : 41,412
    windows 10 professional version 1607 build 14393.969 64 bit
       #2

    See this link: (step #8)

    Clean Install Windows 10
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  3. Posts : 15,024
    Windows 10 IoT
       #3

    Chek out step 23 24 in the tutorial linked to above. On the screen where it says sign in with a microsoft account, click the offline account option lower left. That should get you the optin to log in with a local account.
    Also, if that PC was already actiavted with a digital license, you can skip entering a product key. Just make sure to select the correct edition, the one you originally had before doing the clean install. Do that and it should auto actiavte with the same Digiatl License it already had. Even if you setup and log in with a local account.
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  4. Posts : 31,459
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #4

    Microsoft don't make it easy to find, but you can still set up with a local account. It's all described in Step 24 of the 'Clean Install Windows 10' tutorial.

    BTW, if you want to skip the step of setting up three security questions to recover the password, then set a blank password initially. You can then set a password after you have signed in.
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  5. Posts : 15,024
    Windows 10 IoT
       #5

    Bree said:
    Microsoft don't make it easy to find, but you can still set up with a local account. It's all described in Step 24 of the tutorial.

    BTW, if you want to skip the step of setting up three memorable questions to recover the password, then set a blank password initially. You can then set a password after you have signed in.
    I stopped reading the tutorial one step too early. Fixed now though.
    Yeah, using an actual password will just make you jump through more hoops. Skip it then set one up after you log in the first time.
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  6. NMI
    Posts : 1,095
    Windows 11 Pro, Version 22H2
       #6

    Some have said that recent versions of Windows 10 HOME do not provide the Offline account option if connected to the internet.

    But a workaround is to enter a phone number not already registered as a Microsoft account, then Offline account option appears:

    Windows 10 Home No Longer Giving Offline Account Option
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  7. Posts : 1,345
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
       #7

    NMI said:
    Some have said that recent versions of Windows 10 HOME do not provide the Offline account option if connected to the internet.

    But a workaround is to enter a phone number not already registered as a Microsoft account, then Offline account option appears:

    Windows 10 Home No Longer Giving Offline Account Option
    NMI is correct.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 16,781
    Windows 10 Home x64 Version 22H2 Build 19045.4170
       #8

    Another workaround is to disconnect from the internet before you start installing.

    Wait until you have finished so you can then connect and let Settings, Update, Activation take its course.

    When it is activated or while you are still waiting on that, you can run Windows update.

    Denis
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  9. Posts : 31,459
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #9

    NMI said:
    Some have said that recent versions of Windows 10 HOME do not provide the Offline account option if connected to the internet...

    I tested that. Using an 'English International' USB for 1903 made by the latest MCT I clean-installed Windows 10 Home on a machine with an Ethernet connection. The offline option was still offered, bottom left.
    Clean install without using either a MS account or a phone number-line-clean-install-1903.jpg
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  10. NMI
    Posts : 1,095
    Windows 11 Pro, Version 22H2
       #10

    Bree said:
    I tested that. Using an 'English International' USB for 1903 made by the latest MCT I clean-installed Windows 10 Home on a machine with an Ethernet connection. The offline option was still offered, bottom left.
    Thanks. I was doubtful, but several people claimed to have (not) seen it.
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