Rufus has emerged as a simple solution for users installing Windows 11 without needing a Microsoft online account. This free tool allows the creation of bootable USB drives, essential for bypassing the online account requirement set by Microsoft.
Installation Process Overview
To utilize Rufus, users need an internet connection and a USB flash drive of at least 16GB—preferably USB 3.0 for faster data transfer. The installation involves downloading or pointing Rufus at a Windows 11 ISO file. During setup, users should select the 'Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account' option in the 'Windows User Experience' popup.
- Rufus integrates an autounattend.xml file to alter registry keys and bypass the Microsoft account requirement.
- An optional feature disables certain hardware checks, but users should note that key Windows 11 requirements still exist for compatibility reasons, such as RAM, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot.
Once the USB is prepared, it can be used for installing Windows 11, with the suggestion to keep the USB drive for potential future use, especially as Microsoft continues closing such loopholes.
Alternative Manual Method
For users who prefer a manual approach, the Windows 11 installation process provides an alternative method. During the out-of-box experience (OOBE) setup, pressing Shift+F10 can open a Command Prompt. From there, users can input the command:
Both the Rufus and manual methods serve as valuable options for those seeking flexibility during the Windows 11 setup process.
