How to configure Windows 11 with a Microsoft account

Whether you’re using the Home or Pro editions, Windows 11 asks you to sign in with your Microsoft account. Enter your Microsoft email, phone number, or Skype ID in the Sign in field, and click or tap Next.

Insert your Microsoft account and press Next

If you use two-step verification for your Microsoft account, you might have to confirm that you are the one who tries to sign in by entering a code received on your smartphone or an alternative email account. Otherwise, you are just asked to type the password of your Microsoft account. Once you do, press Sign in.

Approve the sign in on your two-step verification app

If you have previously used Windows 10 or Windows 11 with the same Microsoft account, you’ll see a Welcome back! message similar to the one below.

You are also asked whether you want to restore your settings, OneDrive files, and frequently-used apps from another computer of yours. Click or tap on “View more options.”

Windows 11 welcomes you back

If you don’t want to restore anything, choose “Set up as new device.” If you want to restore your data and settings from another computer, select it from the list. Then, press Next.

Set up as new device or Restore from another device?

Next, Windows 11 asks you to create a PIN for quick sign-ins. Click or tap on "Create PIN."

Create PIN for Windows 11

Enter the PIN code you want, confirm it, and press OK.

Enter and confirm the PIN code

For the next step, Windows 11 lets you customize “[...] privacy settings for your device.” You can enable or disable any available features: Location, Find my device, Diagnostic data, Inking & typing, Tailored experiences, and Advertising ID. Before making choices, make sure that you scroll down and read about what each of these features is all about. Then, set the switches to Yes or No, and press Accept.

Configure your privacy settings

Now, Windows 11 asks you how you intend to use your PC. For example, will you use it mainly for Entertainment, Gaming, School, Creativity, Business, or Family? Windows 11 will deliver personalized tips, ads, and recommendations depending on your choice. It may also adjust the list of preinstalled apps or Windows 11 bloatware.

Note that you can also select nothing and Skip this step altogether! If you selected any of the options, when done, press Accept.

Select the types of activities you perform in Windows 11

Next, Windows 11 recommends using your Android phone from your PC. If you want to link the two, follow the instructions on the screen, and scan the QR code with your smartphone. However, this link can be done later. If you want to finish the installation faster, it is better to click or tap on Skip.

Do you want to use your Android phone from your PC?

If you intend to use OneDrive to manage or backup your files in the cloud, you can choose to automatically sync your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders by pressing Next. Otherwise, click or tap “Only save files to this PC.”

Do you want to use OneDrive?

Microsoft also tries to sway you into buying some of its services. For example, you may receive a recommendation to join their PC Game Pass subscription, like in the screenshot below, or to purchase a Microsoft 365 subscription.

What Microsoft chooses to advertise at this step varies. Press Skip for now to move ahead with the installation.

Windows 11 tries to sell you on different subscriptions

Finally, Windows 11 does another update check. If Windows 11 finds any available updates, you’ll have to wait for them to be downloaded and installed.

Windows 11 is making one last check for updates

Windows 11 automatically logs you in, telling you to wait for a couple of moments while getting things ready for you.

One final wait

Finally, it displays the desktop and the Start Menu, and you can start using Windows 11.

Enjoy using Windows 11

Congratulations, you’ve installed Windows 11!

How to configure Windows 11 to use a local account

In the initial version of Windows 11, you could install the Pro edition without a Microsoft account. However, since Windows 11 version 22H2 launched in September 2022, you can’t do that anymore. Both the Home and Pro editions require you to use a Microsoft account during the setup process. Luckily, there is a workaround you can use, which is detailed in this article: How to install and use Windows 11 with a local account.

Did you install Windows 11?

As you’ve seen, installing Windows 11 can be quite a lengthy process in terms of steps and customizations. However, you can do it yourself without calling a friend. 🙂 What are your first impressions of Windows 11? Do you like it? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.