There shouldn't have to be a workaround. This should simply be the default.

There is, and it doesn't have to be the default, just easy enough to go "no thanks". Which thankfully it still is. For win11 you just click "sign in options" when prompted how to log in during install, and pick "offline account". Done. For win10, you click "continue with limited setup" during the account step. Of course, this does assume you're installing pro, because no one in their right mind should ever install the home version of windows by choice.

Having to reinstall W10 on two machines last week, I can assure you that once you connect to wi-fi, option for a local account disappears and can’t be brought back.

Having done the same three weeks ago: worked fine for me, but then, I did use my windows 10 dvd to install it, not whatever the latest .iso from microsoft is. Then I just ran through the standard "and now we wait for windows update to do its thing for the next few hours". Apparently only install images based on 21H2 won't give you the offline account option anymore.

It depends on the release, that's why. On home you need to disconnect the network. On Pro and business the option is always there but it does require a number of clicks.

ah. Yeah, I have no idea why anyone would use home, given how much it's intentionally gimped in terms of you being in control of your own OS.

> because no one in their right mind should ever install the home version of windows by choice.

With Home a workaround I've found is just creating a throwaway windows account, then after installation creating a local user/local login and removing that throwaway account.

However one has to be careful one's license does not become/is not associated with that account.

Unless you're on Windows 11. In which case you need to get into task manager and end the network login task before you can continue with a local account.

Exactly this. I never understood why I had to go online when reinstalling MacOS.

You can't enable FDE without a MS account on Windows Home.