Comment by qlte

  > are local accounts even a thing any more?

Yes, most certainly. You can easily convert to a local account in Settings, and there is still a workaround to avoid using a Microsoft account during install. Or the far more stable and reliable method of using Rufus to create the installer ISO which has an option to use a local account without the hassle.

Rufus for install + Win11Debloat post-install is a nearly effortless way to get an ad-free, local only Win 11 install that persists through updates which removes pretty much all notorious Win 11 pain points (plus additional customization if desired).

I've been doing it for years and so reading Windows 11 complaints on HN always feels like they're coming from a strange parallel universe since I never have to deal with any of it.