Key Takeaways
- You can use Command Prompt to bypass network setup in Windows 11 when you don't have an internet connection or want to create a local account.
- Alternatively, you can open Task Manager during setup and end the Network Connection Flow process to skip the network setup in Windows 11.
Windows 11 requires you to sign in with a Microsoft account to finish setting up your new computer. However, if you don't have an active internet connection or want to use a local user account, you can follow these methods to set up Windows 11.
1. Bypass Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) Internet Requirement
You can bypass the Let's connect you to a network screen using the OOBE \BYPASSNRO command in Command Prompt. When executed, it runs an existing CMD script, bypassnro.cmd, stored in the System32 folder to modify the Windows registry. This modification allows you to complete the Windows 11 setup without an internet connection. To do this:
- Boot your computer with the Windows installation media. Skip to Step 6 below if you are already on the Let's connect you to a network screen.
- When the Windows Setup dialog appears, select your preferred language, time, and keyboard input layout and click Next. Then, click Install Now.
- Enter your product key to activate Windows 11. If you don't have a product key, click the I don't have a product key link in the bottom-right corner. If you're upgrading from Windows 10 or an older version of Windows 11, the OS will automatically recognize and validate the Windows product key linked to your computer's hardware.
- Next, if prompted, select the edition of Windows 11 you want to install. Check the box to accept terms and click Next. Then, select Custom: Install Windows Only (Advanced).
- Select the installation drive and click Next. Wait for Windows to finish installation and restart your computer. In the setup screen, select your region and keyboard layout.
- Once in the Let's connect you to a network screen, press Shift + F10 to launch the Command Prompt.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
OOBE\BYPASSNRO
- Now, your system will restart and relaunch the OOBE dialog. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. When you reach the Let's connect you to a network screen, click I don't have Internet.
- Next, click Continue with limited setup. Then, accept the license agreement and proceed to create your local user account.
Also, make sure to add security questions. This will help you recover your local user account in case you forget your password. Once done, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
2. End the Network Connection Flow Process Using Task Manager
You can bypass the "let's connect you to a network" screen by ending the oobenetworkconnectionflow.exe process. Since you already have Windows 11 installed at this stage, you can launch the Task Manager on top of your setup wizard using Command Prompt and kill the process.
This method may not always work as new Windows updates often patch such workarounds.
To skip the Windows 11 network setup using Task Manager:
- Assuming you're in the Let's connect you to a network screen, press Shift + F10 to launch the Command Prompt.
- In the Command Prompt window, type taskmgr and hit Enter to launch Task Manager. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch it.
- Click More Details to open Task Manager in full view.
- Head to the Processes tab and use the search bar in Task Manager to find the Network Connection Flow process.
- Select the Network Connection Flow process and then click the End task button. Wait for the process to end, and then close the Task Manager.
- Type exit in the Command Prompt and hit the Enter key.
The installation process will refresh, and you'll be redirected to the setup wizard. It will show some loading animation and then proceed to the next step. Here, enter your name and password to create a local user account in Windows 11 and complete the setup.
Once you finish the setup, connect to the internet. Then, head to Settings > Windows Update and download all the critical security and feature updates. You may also notice a few missing icons after the initial setup. Windows will download these icons when you connect your PC to the internet.
FAQs
How do I skip the internet check when installing Windows 11? When you get the "Connection required" prompt, hit Shift + F10 to launch Command Prompt. After entering OOBE\BYPASSNRO, hit ENTER. This time, the procedure will start over, and an "I don't have internet access" button will appear.
Can I setup Windows 11 without internet? ›
If you see "I don't have Internet" or "Continue with limited setup" option, you can select it to continue installation by setting up with local account. Later, you can switch to Microsoft account, when you've Internet.
How to activate Windows 11 offline? ›
Second Method: Bypassing the Windows 11 internet connection interface using the cmd command
- First, press the Shift key + F10 key (or Fn + Shift + F10) to open a Command Prompt window.
- Then, enter the following command text: OOBE\BYPASSNRO and press Enter. ...
- After the restart, return to the internet connection interface.
To create a local user account in Windows 11 Home, you can do the following:
- Select Start > Settings > Accounts.
- Select Family & other users.
- Select Add account next to Add other user.
- Select I don't have this person's sign-in information.
- Select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
How to Install Network Adapter Driver in Windows 11 Without Internet: A Comprehensive Guide
- Identify the Network Adapter Model.
- Download the Driver on Another PC.
- Transfer the Driver Files to the Windows 11 Computer.
- Install the Network Adapter Driver.
- Verify Network Connectivity.
Windows 11 Home requires you to sign in with a Microsoft account during initial setup.
How to set up computer on Windows 11 without Microsoft account? ›
Check the "Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account" option to use a local account and bypass the internet requirements. Check the "Create a local account with username" option and specify a name for the account. Click the OK button. Continue with the Windows 11 installation until you arrive at the OOBE.
How do I bypass no Internet access on Windows 11? ›
If you get to the screen, where connection is required, press SHIFT+F10 and Command Prompt will open. Type OOBE\BYPASSNRO and press ENTER. The process will begin again and this time, it will show “I dont have an internet access” button. Hope this will help somebody, who is struggling.
How do I activate Windows without internet? ›
If online activation fails, first try the activation troubleshooting in Activate Windows. To activate Windows 11 by phone: Select Start > Settings > System > Activation. Under Activate Windows Now section, select Activate by Phone.
How to activate Windows 11 for free permanently? ›
Navigate to the Activation state from Settings, and click the Change product key. Then, input the product key to activate Windows 11 for free. Wait for the Windows 11 activation process to complete. You can see a Windows is activated notification indicating that Windows 11 is ready to use on your PC.
If you're in the Microsoft ecosystem, you'll generally have a better computing experience by using a Microsoft account on Windows 11. While those benefits are real, they don't apply to everyone. Some people prefer to have their PC strictly local. They don't want to sync content across devices or back up their settings.
How to set up a new computer with Windows 11? ›
- Choose your location. (Image: © Microsoft) ...
- Accept Terms and Conditions. (Image: © Claudio Schwarz / Unsplash) ...
- Connect to the internet. (Image: © Microsoft) ...
- Name your laptop. ...
- Select how you'll be using your laptop. ...
- Sign into your Microsoft account. ...
- Import settings from previous laptop. ...
- Create a PIN.
To create a local account, follow these 5 steps:
- On the account setup screen, click “Skip”.
- A window appears – click on “Continue with limited experience”.
- Choose “Offline account” for sign in.
- Enter a username and a password.
- You may also be asked to set up security questions.
To set up Windows 11 without an internet connection, follow these steps:
- Start the installation and proceed through the initial setup screens.
- When prompted to connect to a network, press "Shift + F10" to open Command Prompt.
- Type OOBE\BYPASSNRO and press Enter.
- The system will restart.
How do you install a network adapter on a desktop or laptop...
- Check your existing adapter.
- Choose a compatible adapter.
- Install the adapter hardware.
- Install the adapter software. Be the first to add your personal experience.
- Configure the adapter settings.
- Update the adapter drivers.
If you cannot reinstall Windows via Local reinstall or any errors occurred, you are able to choose Cloud download to reinstall Windows. (Your device needs to be in an available internet environment for Cloud download.) Select [Reset]⑧ to start reinstalling Windows.
Why is there no Wi-Fi option on my PC Windows 11? ›
Windows 11 will not display the Wi-Fi option if the Wi-Fi adapter is disabled. You can manually enable or disable the network devices in the Control Panel. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog. Type control and click OK to open the Control Panel.
Can I install Windows 10 without internet? ›
Yes, you can reinstall Windows 10 without an internet connection.
