Hi! You don't need to sign in to a Microsoft account. You can continue using your local account.
I recommend doing a clean install of Windows 11, but since your environment has many computers, you can use the Update Assistant.
Windows 11 Upgrade
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Adam Kennett
0
Reputation points
I currently look after a school with approximately 50 PC's running windows 10.
Currently, the windows 10 operating system I have running on the PC's is a Windows image I created with a locked down user profile via Group Policy. I would like to look at upgrading to windows 11 but do not want to have to sign in to a microsoft account, as these PC's are technically a public PC, as they are used by school students, how do I just keep a local account without having to sign in, as having windows 11 signed into a microsoft account would not work in this situation.
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade
2 answers
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Manoel Barros 15,440 Reputation points Independent Advisor2025-10-11T23:44:53.41+00:00 -
Adam Kennett 0 Reputation points
2025-10-11T23:48:58.37+00:00 Yes but I keep reading reports Microsoft is blocking local account creation. Im happy to do a clean installation of windows but don't want to run into the issue of not being able to create a local account.
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Adam Kennett 0 Reputation points
2025-10-11T23:51:14.5833333+00:00 Also, can you tell me if Group Policy is merged over to windows 11 on a update? Or will I have to create a new Group Policy on the Windows 11 OS?
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Manoel Barros 15,440 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-10-12T00:08:42.9366667+00:00 I believe this issue varies from case to case. For example, Windows can be updated normally, but Microsoft may ask the user to set up a Microsoft account. If you want to use a local account, just ignore the message, but many users end up logging in.
I perform a clean install every week and can use a local account normally.
When you reach the User Configuration menu, disconnect from the internet > Press SHIFT + F10 > Type oobe\bypassnro > Proceed with the setup to continue with a local account.
Regarding Group Policy, if you update directly, the group policy should be maintained. However, some policies may not be applied. I recommend updating only one of the computers and see how it behaves. If everything goes well, repeat the process on the others.
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Adam Kennett 0 Reputation points
2025-10-12T00:12:43.0233333+00:00 Thank you for your advice. But again i'm reading the latest Windows 11 release has blocked the bypassnro function. This is what I have used before also. I will have to create a image in VMWare and see how it goes. Thanks again.
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Manoel Barros 15,440 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-10-13T23:41:51.1666667+00:00 I installed Windows 11 25H2 on a virtual machine last week to test it and help other users... the OOBE/bypass process worked, and I didn't need to create a Microsoft account.
I look forward to your feedback!