In Windows 11, you can no longer create a Local Account during OOBE setup as you could in previous editions. Microsoft seems to be actively trying to push everyone to create and use a Microsoft Account instead, which isn’t feasible for IT, power-users and when you have no internet access.
As of Windows 11 24H2 (Build 26120), previous methods of bypassing this in OOBE no longer function and have been patched away by Microsoft (such as using fake creds, and
OOBE\BYPASSNRO
command).
During device setup (known as OOBE), press SHIFT
+ F10
to open a command prompt.
Then run:
start ms-cxh:localonly
A Windows 10 style window will appear to continue with creating a local account.
Image credit: Toms Hardware
Note this may or may not work in later builds.