A quick, simple question for the experts. I'm about to activate Windows 10S Home (will be deactivating S) on a new laptop when I fire it up for the first time. Do I have to open a Windows account when going through the activation steps, or is there a way to skip this?
Thanks for any advice.
Install without the internet connected. You'll be asked 2x, say no both times
Don't use the key during installation.
When completed, connect the internet. Check activation. If not activated, you may need the key.
I tested it once by giving a fake E-Mail Address that wasn't accepted, got a link in the bottom of the install page about using a Local account, accepted and activated when next connected to the Internet.
That used to work, but with 20H2 that loophole was closed. The only way now to set up a local that and later versions of Home is to disconnect from the internet before starting the setup.
Clean Install Windows 104 If you are installing the Window 10 Home edition of version 20H2 and want to use a local account instead of a Microsoft account, then you will need to temporarily disconnect your computer from the Internet until installation has finished.
If you do not disconnect from the Internet before starting Windows Setup, you will only have the option to set up Windows 10 with a Microsoft account available.
Thanks to all for your advice. So I gather easiest way is when I turn the laptop on for the first time make sure it's not connected to internet before activation/set up? Then do set up. That will be easy because I don't have Wifi at home.
Yes.
You complete the setup without the internet so you can create local accounts.
- It may or may not self-activate at the end of setup without going online [it varies between manufacturers].
- If it has not already activated then it will do so, without any action on your part, when you go online later on.
Denis
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Thanks Try3 and all who replied. Set up laptop offline and all went well and everything set up.
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