Windows 11 typically pushes users to create or sign in with a Microsoft Account during installation, but you can easily create a local account instead by following these steps:

1. During the Windows 11 setup process, when you reach the screen asking for Microsoft Account details, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command exactly as shown:
   start ms-cxh:localonly
   
3. Press Enter to execute the command.
4. This will immediately redirect you to the local account creation screen, bypassing the Microsoft Account requirement.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to create your local user account with a username and password.

Why this works: This command uses a special URI handler that forces Windows 11 to display the local account creation option that Microsoft has deliberately made harder to find in the standard setup flow.

Benefits of a local account:

• Enhanced privacy (no Microsoft Account tracking)
• No need for internet connection during setup
• Complete control over your user profile

This method works on all recent versions of Windows 11 and is much simpler than other workarounds like disconnecting from the internet during setup.