Preferably from 2020 onwards and without the need for a mandatory product key/Microsoft account, I've already had a lot of headaches because of these two "casualities"!
I run this one on my T480 and it was honestly refreshing. I don't believe the Microsoft store is even enabled by default which was a really nice change of pace from all the crap it's usually got. Just enable what you want... how it should be but instead, "muh CoPilot".
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Also, I recommend using Chris Titus Tech's winutil program to disable Telemetry and install some programs (you can even uninstall Edge and the Store, but not recommended)
All files are official Microsoft ISO files. This has everything you need including explanation and instructions how you can verify its legitimize. and how to activate windows
To bypass the forced Microsoft account you can create a unattend file and pre configure the ISO to make a local account.
To bypass the forced Microsoft account you can create a unattend file and pre configure the ISO to make a local account.
I should have done this when I set up my computer, I had to manually change it after I set up Windows 11. I don't have anything against logging into my Microsoft account but having the actual account on the computer be a Microsoft account instead of a local account feels wrong. What if my account gets hacked, I'd just lose access to my computer!
Go to the download page on Microsoft's site, change users agent to macos or iOS and safari and you can download the ISO directly.
If you are upgrading from 10 you can just mount the ISO and run the setup file. If you need to make a bootable USB use Rufus.
DISCONNECT FROM THE INTERNET AND DO NOT CONNECT UNTIL YOU ARE ON THE DESKTOP LOGGED INTO A LOCAL ACCOUNT
For local account creation, when oobe setup starts hit shift f10 and in the cmd prompt type oobe\bypassnro and press enter. When it prompts for a network connection choose I don't have internet.
I know a lot of people like the LTSC version but just a warning, they are slightly different then the regular home and professional versions in terms of policy settings.