New install of Win 10 Pro on PC to sell. Don't want an account

ozstar · 21 Nov 2022

Hi,
Have Win 10 22H2 Build 19045.2251 Feature 120.2212.4180.0 on Dell T3600 Precision Desktop.

Have installed from Media Tool.exe but had to create new user with name , email address etc.

I am selling this so don't need my details on it.

I have read a few tutorials etc., but still not sure how I can get it so there is no user and ready for a new buyer.

I then want to install some free programs like Open Office, PDF Reader etc for the buyer. Can I do this if there is no user or do I do this now before my user profile is deleted.

Appreciate the guidance

Thanks

SIW2 · 21 Nov 2022

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/wi...iew=windows-11

if you have already set it up, you could try sysprep.exe /audit to reboot into audit mode and delete the intiall account you set up.

I think that should work , I haven't tried it but you have nothing to lose by giving it a go

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/wi...iew=windows-11

then Sysprep /generalize /shutdown /oobe

which should mean the new owner gets the usual oobe screens to set up his account etc, and when he finally gets to the desktop, the programs updates and whatever else you installed in audit mode will all still be there.

I have done it many times with win7, but always went into audit mode at first oobe. I never tried it after going further than that.

Megahertz · 21 Nov 2022

You could use Sysprep as SIW2 mentioned but I think it is faster and simple to redo a Clean install and when when it ask for a user name simply turn off the computer. To turn off, try first to pres the power button quickly or press Alt+F4 till it turns off.
When the new user starts the computer it will ask his name and his MS account.

SIW2 · 21 Nov 2022

Megahertz said:

You could use Sysprep as SIW2 mentioned but I think it is faster and simple to redo a Clean install and when when it ask for a user name simply turn off the computer. To turn off, try first to pres the power button quickly or press Alt+F4 till it turns off.
When the new user starts the computer it will ask his name and his MS account.

The OP wants some programs to have been installed when the buyer gets it.

want to install some free programs like Open Office, PDF Reader etc for the buyer

Megahertz · 21 Nov 2022

To enter Sysprep from running Windows, rename Audit.cmd.txt to Audit.cmd and run it as administrator.
Audit.cmd.txt
On the first screen select select Cancel

New install of Win 10 Pro on PC to sell. Don't want an account-image.png

You're now running Sysprep as build administrator. Install the programs and drivers. When you're done, delete user account you created and restart. On the first screen select select Ok.

When the new user starts the computer it will ask his name and his MS account.

NavyLCDR · 21 Nov 2022

ozstar said:

Have installed from Media Tool.exe but had to create new user with name , email address etc.

Appreciate the guidance

Thanks

If you have already created a user name on the computer, then I suggest you start over with a new clean install. When the computer reboots to the OOBE screen asking you the first questions, press Ctrl + Shift + F3. That will restart the computer in audit mode. Do whatever you want to do. If selling the computer in person, I always like to leave it set to restart in Audit mode. That way I can show the potential buyer that everything is working. Once they accept it, then I select the option to Shutdown to OOBE (do NOT generalize), and let it shutdown. They will get their own OOBE screen the next time the computer starts and any information such as the WiFi network you used for setup will be erased.

mahoneycutt · 21 Nov 2022

I do this for all the laptops I sell. I sell the laptops with a generic Owner account
that is a local account, not a Microsoft account. I also leave the password blank.

How to set up Windows 10 with local account | Windows Central

Once you create the Owner account, install any software you want to include,
tweak Windows, etc.

ozstar said:

Hi,
Have Win 10 22H2 Build 19045.2251 Feature 120.2212.4180.0 on Dell T3600 Precision Desktop.

Have installed from Media Tool.exe but had to create new user with name , email address etc.

I am selling this so don't need my details on it.

I have read a few tutorials etc., but still not sure how I can get it so there is no user and ready for a new buyer.

I then want to install some free programs like Open Office, PDF Reader etc for the buyer. Can I do this if there is no user or do I do this now before my user profile is deleted.

Appreciate the guidance

Thanks