Setting up Windows 11

Aidanmc

So i've ordered a new laptop and i want to set it up using a local account.

Seems microsoft is making this more difficult.

First thing is turn off wifi so it wont pick up any network,

Some videos on youtube suggest to open command using shift f10 to open command prompt and type in ms-cxh:localonly to bypass the microsoft account sign in 

Anyone done this recently or an info about it?

Also please, what is the bloatwear that needs disabled/uninstalled @Vitor

Neil_Jones

If you set up 11 and don't have Wi-Fi it won't do anything else until you get on a Wi-Fi network.

The Local account can be created in one of two ways:  Run it through as normal and setup a dummy account and then just make a new one for the local and delete the dummy account, or use the method you've mentioned.

As for "bloatware", well that depends what you've bought and your definition of "bloatware".

HillStreetBlues

Should be
start ms-cxh:localonly

Vitor

My definition of 'bloatware' to remove =

Many laptops come preloaded with antivirus trials (McAfee, Norton, etc.) that nag the user endlessly and slow the system down. Windows 11 already includes Microsoft Defender, which is perfectly adequate for most people.

Laptop makers own “control centres,” updaters, and “performance boosters.”, e.g. Acer Jumpstart, Acer Collection and Acer Quick Access. Most of these duplicate Windows’ own tools, sit in the background, and eat resources. The only one worth keeping is the BIOS and/or driver update tools, if the manufacturer provides it, but even that isn’t essential, since Windows Update covers drivers fairly well.

Amazon shortcuts, eBay apps, or “special deals” software like Dropbox

Candy Crush, Netflix trials, Xbox Game Bar, or random “Free trials” that clutter the Start Menu. All disposable.

Some manufacturers still slip in browser toolbars or “search assistants.” These slow down browsing and should be removed.

Aidanmc

Thanks @Vitor

I would like to get rid of all those things

Will it be in the apps section?

Neil_Jones

Aidanmc said:

Thanks @Vitor

I would like to get rid of all those things

Will it be in the apps section?

Some of them are literally just shortcuts in the start menu that you can just right-click and delete.

Most other stuff can be removed from the Apps section / Add/Remove Programs.

Vitor

Personal preference, but I also like to tone down Windows animations and fripperies. 

Grey_Critic

I run Microsoft Office Professional 2010 - have done since I bought it years ago. What I had not noticed when I loaded it on a new laptop some years ago was the Microsoft 365 had been downloaded as part of the setup and the two clashed and I could not do anything - I took 365 off and problem solved. Discussed it with my friendly computer guy before I loaded W11 and he said that there should be no problems. And there is none. My consultancy stuff has dropped off in the last couple of years but it is fine for what I need it for which is basically writing/updating Risk and Method statements for the few clients we still have these days. Retirement comes to all eventually.

 I do some Publisher (I wrote a book using it 3 years ago) and Excel databases and again no problems.

I have used Windows defender for many years with Firefox and Adblock and no problems but I do not go on dodgy sites - if a warning comes up I take notice.

BFBW

https://wpd.app still works.

Mee

Just be aware that later updates might re-install some of the bloatware. I tend to use a user account and found after an update that when I checked my Admin. account, apps I had uninstalled and new ones had been added after a Windows 10 update. I don't know how common that it, but it is worth checking if you use more that one account on your device.

chunter

%systemroot%\system32\oobe\BypassNRO.cmd

or just cd your way to that folder and type BypassNRO.cmd

It'll reboot and give you an option to create a local account and avoid the online rubbish.