Upgrading From Windows 8 to Windows 8.1: Bypass Microsoft Account Creation

I just got around to installing the Windows 8.1 update on my Windows 8 Laptop. It was incredibly annoying to get most of the way through the process only to have Microsoft seem to require me to enter my MS account information. Fortunately I found a way around this seemingly required installation option.

I'll stick to my local account, thank-you-very-much.

It wasn't very intuitive, nor was i able to get any screenshots. I was at the screen where it asked me to enter my Microsoft account (after already entering my local account) and had to click on 'Create an Account' and then ' continue with my existing account' in order to bypass linking up with an MS Account.

The steps look like this:

• Install Windows 8.1 via the App Store
• Click-through the EULA
• Run through the steup screens until you are prompted to login
• Login
• At this point you will be asked to enter your Microsoft Account
• Click on the Create an Account link (small print, bottom of screen)
• Click on the Continue with existing Account link (very small and unnoticeable link at bottom of page)
• The Windows 8.1 setup completes

Kind of annoying. Glad I don't have to link up my MS Account. :)