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Create a Local Account on Windows 11 Device

· 2 min read
Keith Tan
Keith Tan
Software Engineer · M365 Developer

Getting ready for Windows 11

In this short article, I’ll share a simple Windows command that can be useful when setting up your Windows 11-ready device.

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End of Support for Window 10

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. As organizations and individuals prepare to upgrade to Windows 11, many are looking for ways to maintain control over their setup — especially when it comes to user accounts.

start ms-cxh:localonly​

This command launches certain Microsoft apps in local-only mode, preventing them from connecting to the internet or syncing with cloud services. It’s a handy trick for creating a local account during Windows 11 setup.

Why Use a Local Account?​

Some environments benefit from keeping things offline:

  • Schools – Simplified device management
  • Kiosks – No need for cloud integration
  • Legacy setups – Maintain traditional workflows
  • Privacy-conscious users – Avoid unnecessary data sharing

How to use​

When setting up a new Windows 11 PC, Microsoft usually asks you to sign in with a Microsoft account. But what if you want to create a local account instead?

Here’s a trick that might work:

  1. During setup, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.

  2. Type

    start ms-cxh:localonly

    alt text

  3. This may trigger a local-only experience, depending on your Windows build.

  4. You can then follow prompts to create a local user account without signing in online.

    Note

    This method may not work on all builds. Microsoft has been tightening restrictions, but it remains effective in many enterprise and education scenarios.

Final Thoughts​

As Windows 11 becomes the new standard, knowing how to create a local account gives you more flexibility and control. Whether you're setting up devices for a school, business, or personal use, this command can help you stay local — and stay in charge.