Windows 11 Installation Without Internet | 2024 Guide

Updated by

Linda 

Updated on Apr 22, 2024

According to Microsoft, users must maintain an active network connection during the installation of Windows 11. Before utilizing your newly installed Windows operating system, Microsoft will prompt you to sign in with your Microsoft account to receive crucial updates and additional features.

Therefore, logging into a local account or installing and setting up Windows 11 without internet access can present a unique challenge. But worry not, as tools will offer four workarounds along with step-by-step guidance for a Windows 11 setup without internet. For more comprehensive information, refer to this table:

Why Does Windows 11 Setup Require an Internet Connection?

Starting from version 22H2, Windows 11 necessitates an Internet connection to complete the setup for Home and Pro editions (Out-of-Box Experience, OOBE). Why does the Windows 11 installation require an Internet connection? Microsoft aims to ensure that you receive the most recent security updates while installing and configuring Windows 11. However, there may be instances where users wish to circumvent this requirement, such as when logging in with a local user account (not a Microsoft account) or when Internet access is limited or unavailable.

• For Windows 10 and Windows 11 Pro edition users, you can proceed with the Windows 11 setup without an Internet connection by choosing the "I don't have Internet" option to create a local user account and complete the setup.
• For Windows 11 and Windows 11 Home Edition users, the setup will pause at "Let's connect you to a network" with the "Next" button disabled.

Don't worry, we will guide you on how to install and set up Windows 11 without connecting to an active network. Please feel free to share this helpful tutorial with those who might need it:

How to Install and Set Up Windows 11 Offline

In this section, you will learn four reliable methods to install and set up your Windows 11 operating system without an internet connection. If you seek to accomplish this task efficiently, the Partition Master tool is what you need.

Method 1: Offline Windows 11 Installation Media Creator Tool

Partition Master Professional, an all-in-one solution, is the ideal choice for anyone seeking to simplify their Windows installation process. It provides an excellent solution for users to download Windows ISO files and create a bootable USB to effortlessly install the Windows Operating System. Before proceeding, make sure to download this free ISO burner.

Prework: Please prepare a USB drive and format it to FAT32 by following the detailed steps outlined below:

Next, follow this guide to download the Windows 11 ISO image file and create bootable media to install Windows 11 offline:

Step 1. Plug the USB flash drive firmly into your computer. Launch tools Partition Master and locate the "Bootable Media" option on the left side.

Step 2. Go to "Burn ISO" > "Download ISO from Microsoft," and choose Windows 11 along with the specific version you want.

Step 3. Choose the FAT32 USB drive to save the ISO file. After making your selection, click "Open" and then "Create" to begin the process.

Step 4. Review the Warning notice and click the Yes button. Once the process is finished, you'll have created a bootable USB drive for the Offline Windows 11 Installation of Partition Master.

Various Other Useful Features

• Install Windows 10 on a New PC Without the Operating System
• Solve the Issue: Windows 11 Won't Install from USB
• Burn the Windows 10 ISO to USB
• Fix Unable to Download Windows ISO Problem
• Install Windows 10 Without a Product Key

Bid farewell to intricate and time-consuming setups, and embrace a seamless and effortless experience with Partition Master. Download it now and witness the difference firsthand!

Way 2. Bypass OOBE Internet Requirement

Running the OOBE \BYPASSNRO command in the Command Prompt can help you skip the "Let's connect you to a network" screen. It does this by modifying the Windows registry using the bypassnro.cmd file, which is located in the System32 folder (an existing CMD script). This enables you to proceed with the installation of Windows 11 without requiring a network connection.

Step 1. Disconnect from the Internet and boot your computer using Windows installation media. Skip to Step 7 if you're on the "Let's connect you to a network" screen.

Step 2: When the "Windows Setup" dialog box appears, select your preferred language, time zone, and keyboard layout, then click "Next." Click "Install Now."

Step 3: Enter your product key. If you don't have a product key, click the "I don't have a product key" link or refer to the following post.

How to Install Windows 10 Without the Product Key

This article will guide Windows users on how to install the Windows Operating System when they do not have the product key available.

Step 4. Next, choose the version of Windows 11 you wish to install. Accept the terms by checking the box and click on "Next."

Step 5. Choose "Custom: Install Windows Only (Advanced)" to select the installation drive and click "Next." Once Windows installation is done, restart your computer.

Step 6. On the setup screen, select your region and keyboard layout.

Step 7. When you reach the "Let's connect you to a network" screen, press "Shift + F10" to open the Command Prompt. Type OOBE\BYPASSNRO and press "Enter."

Step 8. When you're back at the "Let's connect you to a network" screen, click on "I don't have internet." Then, choose "Continue with limited setup."

Step 9. Accept the "License Agreement" before creating your local user account.

Step 10. Add security questions to recover your local user account when you forget the password.

Way 3. End Network Connection

To bypass the network connection requirement during Windows 11 setup, you can either disable or terminate the network connection using Task Manager or Command Prompt:

Option 1. End Network Connection through Task Manager

Step 1. On the "Let's connect you to a network" screen, press and hold "Shift + F10" to open the Command Prompt.

Step 2. Type taskmgr and press the "Enter" key to open Task Manager, or you can use the "Ctrl + Shift + Esc" keyboard shortcut.

Step 3. Click "More Details" to expand Task Manager to its full version. Navigate to the "Network" tab under " Processes."

Step 4. Right-click on it and select the "End task" option. Once the process is complete, type exit in the CMD and close it.

Option 2. Kill Network Connection via Command Prompt

Step 1: While on the "Let's connect you to a network" screen, press and hold "Shift + F10" to open the Command Prompt.

Step 2. Type taskkill /F /IM oobenetworkconnectionflow.exe and press "Enter" to start the process.

Way 4. Bypass Internet Requirement using Alt + F4

As we know, the "Alt + F4" keys can help you close windows or run apps on your desktop. Hence, if you really have nothing to do, you can try your luck with this method. On the "Let's connect you to a network" screen, press and hold "Alt + F4" to close the window requiring mandatory internet connection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is feasible to install and set up Windows 11 without an internet connection by adopting the right approach. Through the four efficient methods described in this article – utilizing Windows' built-in tools, an offline installation media, or a shortcut key – you can successfully install and configure Windows 11 without requiring an Internet connection.

tools Partition Master stands out as the most reliable solution for setting up your operating system without requiring an internet connection. Download this tool and follow our comprehensive guide. You can confidently navigate the installation process and enjoy all the features and benefits that Windows 11 offers, regardless of your location.

Frequently Asked Questions About Setting Up Windows 11 Without Internet

To learn more or address any remaining questions about installing and setting up Windows 11 without a network connection, consult the following frequently asked questions.

< strong >1. Will the installation of Windows 11 require an internet connection?

An online connection during Windows 11 PC setup ensures that you receive the latest security updates. An internet connection is necessary to finish setting up a Windows 11 Home device.

2. How do I bypass the internet check during Windows 11 installation?

When prompted with "Connection required," press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt. Type in OOBE\BYPASSNRO and press ENTER. The process will restart, and an "I don't have internet access" button will appear.

3. How do I create an offline account on Windows 11?

To disable the network connection, press Shift + F10 again and enter **ipconfig /release** after the reboot. Press Enter, and your internet should be disconnected. Proceed to create a local account: If you choose the "I don't have internet" option during setup, a prompt to set up a local account will appear.