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By default, Windows 11 pushes you to sign in with a Microsoft account during setup. That’s not always what you want. On a PADS4 Viewer, a local account is often more practical. This guide walks you through installing Windows 11 Pro and setting it up with a local account instead of a Microsoft account. When you’re done, you’ll have a clean Windows 11 Pro installation in the default workgroup, ready to use or to join to a domain later. Before you start, make sure you have:
  • A bootable Windows 11 Pro USB drive
  • A device that meets the Windows 11 requirements, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, and that meets the PADS4 requirements
  • A username and password for the local account
Once you have everything ready, follow the steps below to install Windows 11 Pro and create your local account.

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Step-by-step guide

  1. Boot the PC from the Windows 11 Pro USB drive and go through the installation as normal.
  2. On the screen “How would you like to set up this device?”, select Set up for work or school, then click Next. Sign Up Work
  3. When you are asked to sign in with a Microsoft account, click Sign-in options. Domain
  4. Select Domain join instead. Domain2
  5. Enter a username for the local account and click Next. Then enter a password and confirm it. Local Name
  6. Select three security questions and answer each one. Windows uses these to reset the password if you forget it. Security Questions
  7. Review the privacy settings (location, diagnostic data, and so on). Set each one as needed and click Accept. Privacy
  8. Windows finishes the setup and restarts. The PC then starts into Windows 11 Pro 26H2.
Windows 11 is ready to use. The PC is a member of the default workgroup WORKGROUP and is not joined to a domain.

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Command fallback

If the Domain join instead option is missing or the setup insists on an online account:
  1. At the account/network screen, press Shift + F10 (or Shift + Fn + F10).
  2. Run:
  3. A local account creation window appears. Create the username and password, and continue.
If that does not work on your 26H1 build, use:
The PC restarts. Then select I don’t have internet and Continue with limited setup.