How to Setup Windows 11 Without Internet?
How to Setup Windows 11 Without Internet?
4 Answers

So you’re stuck needing to set up Windows 11 but don’t have internet access? Don’t worry—it’s totally possible, even if the usual process requires getting online. Maybe you’re out in the sticks with spotty Wi-Fi or just want to keep your installation offline for privacy’s sake. Here’s a lowdown on how to get it done:
Why Go Offline?
Firstly, why would anyone want to set up Windows 11 without internet? Well:
- Privacy Protection: Maybe you’re not keen on syncing your personal data with Microsoft’s servers.
- More Control: Install updates, drivers, and apps whenever you want, not when Windows tells you to.
- Remote Setup: Perfect if you’re in an area where the internet is more myth than reality.
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the setup, make sure you’ve got these essentials:
- Bootable USB Drive: You’ll need to create one using tools like the Windows Media Creation Tool or Rufus. Make sure it’s got at least 8GB space.
- Windows 11 ISO File: Grab this from Microsoft’s official site.
- Compatible PC: Your computer should meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements, like a 64-bit processor, at least 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage.
- Product Key: Have your Windows 11 license key ready.
Setting It Up
Alright, let’s get this show on the road:
- Create Your Bootable USB Drive:
- On a computer that’s online, download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.
- Stick a USB drive into the computer (make sure it’s got at least 8GB free).
- Run the tool, accept the terms, and choose to create installation media. Select the USB drive, follow the prompts, and let the tool do its thing. It’ll download the Windows 11 ISO and make your USB bootable.
- Boot from the USB Drive:
- Pop the USB into the computer you want to set up.
- Restart that computer and hit the Boot Menu (usually by pressing F12 or Esc—this might vary by brand). Choose the USB drive to boot from.
- Start Installing Windows 11:
- On the setup screen, pick your language, time zone, and keyboard layout, then hit “Next.”
- Click “Install Now.” If it asks for a product key, enter it or choose “I don’t have a product key” to activate later.
- Select the Windows 11 edition you want and proceed.
- Custom Installation:
- Opt for “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” for a fresh setup. Pick the partition where you’ll install Windows 11, format if necessary, and click “Next.”
- Skip the Internet Requirement:
- When you get to the “Let’s connect to a network” screen, hit Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt. Type
OOBE\BYPASSNRO
and hit Enter. The system will restart, and you can choose to continue without a network. You can also unplug your Ethernet cable or disable Wi-Fi to force an offline option like “I don’t have internet.”
- When you get to the “Let’s connect to a network” screen, hit Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt. Type
- Set Up a Local Account:
- Pick “I don’t have internet” or “Continue with limited setup.” Enter a username and password to set up a local account. Finish the setup steps on-screen.
- Wrap It Up:
- Log into your local account. If need be, install essential drivers from a USB or CD. Personalize your settings as you like.
Troubleshooting
Running into hiccups? Here are a few pointers:
- Boot Order Problems: If it won’t boot from the USB, restart and go into BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, Del, or Esc). Change the boot order to prioritize the USB.
- Installation Errors: Double-check your USB drive is set up right and that the Windows 11 ISO file isn’t corrupted. Make sure your computer meets the hardware specs.
- Driver Issues: Post-installation, if some hardware isn’t working, manually install drivers from the manufacturer’s website or reliable sources.
Perks of Offline Installation
There are quite a few advantages to going offline:
- Data Privacy: Keep your data off the internet during setup.
- No Internet Needed: Ideal for places with limited or no internet.
- Total Control: Set up the system exactly how you want, without online constraints.
There you have it—setting up Windows 11 without internet is totally doable. Follow these steps and you’ll be up and running in no time. Sure, you might miss a few updates initially, but once you’re connected, you can grab all the latest patches and drivers to keep everything humming smoothly.

Setting up Windows 11 without internet might sound a bit tricky, but with a few steps, you can totally pull it off. This is super handy if you’re dealing with a brand-new PC or just happen to have no internet around. Let’s dive right in!
Step 1: Prep Your Install Media
First things first, you gotta get yourself some bootable installation media. Here’s the scoop:
- Grab a USB Drive: Make sure you’ve got one with at least eight gigs of space.
- Snag the Windows 11 ISO: Use another computer that has internet to download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft. A buddy’s computer works too!
- Create Bootable USB: Pop tools like Rufus or the Windows Media Creation Tool on the case — they’ll help you create a bootable USB from the ISO file.
Step 2: Boot from Your USB Drive
Once your USB is good to go, stick it in the PC where you want to load Windows 11:
- Restart Your PC: With the USB plugged in, give your computer a restart.
- Get into BIOS/UEFI: Hit the key (usually F2, F12, Delete, or Esc) to enter BIOS or UEFI settings when starting up.
- Tweak Boot Order: Set it up so your computer gives priority to the USB for booting.
- Save and Exit: Don’t forget to save those changes!
Step 3: Kick Off the Windows Installation
After you manage to boot from the USB, follow these:
- On-Screen Prompts: Keep going through the setup screens till you hit the “Let’s connect you to a network” step.
Step 4: Work Around the Network Requirement
Alright, here’s where you skirt around that pesky network requirement:
- Fire Up Command Prompt: Press
Shift + F10
at this stage in installation to bring up Command Prompt. - Bypass the Network Check: Type in
OOBE\BYPASSNRO
and hit Enter. Bam! This skips network stuff.
Now, the system’s gonna restart.
- Limited Setup Route: Click “I don’t have Internet”, then go for “Continue with limited setup.” Now you can create a local user account instead of needing a Microsoft one.
Step 5: Wrap Up the Installation
After choosing the limited setup option:
- Set Up Local Account: Fill in a username and password of your liking.
- Agree to Stuff: Go through any remaining screens to accept license agreements and set privacy bits.
- Finish Up: Once all this is done, Windows finalizes settings, and then you’re off to the desktop!
And there you have it, you can successfully get Windows 11 up and running without needing to touch the internet at all. Pretty neat, right?

Here’s How to Install Windows 11 Without Internet: Your Go-To Guide
Alright, so installing Windows 11 usually wants you connected to the internet for account stuff and updates. But, let’s be real, sometimes you just can’t hook up to the web, or maybe you just don’t want to deal with it during setup. Here’s a break down of how you can dodge this internet hurdle.
Why the Need for Internet with Windows 11?
So, Microsoft is really pushing the internet thing with Windows 11 Home. It’s all about making you create a Microsoft Account, possibly for better security and syncing across devices. But, you might want to install it offline because:
- You’ve got privacy worries.
- The internet just isn’t there.
- Your workplace insists on local accounts.
Ways to Get Around the Internet Requirement
1. Whip Out the OOBE\BYPASSNRO
Command
This one’s a bit cheeky—hits the Windows Registry to skip that pesky check during setup.
Steps:
- Get to the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen when you’re installing.
- Use
Shift + F10
to pull up the Command Prompt. - Enter:
OOBE\BYPASSNRO
- Your machine’s gonna reboot, automatically.
- After it comes back on, choose “I don’t have internet” and go with a local account.
2. Use a Fake Microsoft Account (Try “test”)
This little trick trips up the system into letting you go offline.
Steps:
- When you see “Sign in with Microsoft,” put “test” as your email/username.
- Click Next, you’ll get hit with an error.
- Go for “Continue with limited setup” and create a local account.
3. Opt for Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise Editions
These versions let you make a local account without jumping through hoops.
- Choose “Domain Join” during setup instead of the personal path.
- Set up your local account.
Running into Snags? Check This Out!
Problem 1: “Let’s connect you to a network” Keeps Popping Up
- Uh-oh: That
BYPASSNRO
command didn’t get the job done right. - Solution: Try out Steps 2-4 again, double-check you nailed the command.
Problem 2: Hard Push for Microsoft Account on Windows 11 Home
- Reason: Home editions aren’t big fans of local accounts.
- Hack: Cut off all network cables and Wi-Fi adapters in setup to slip in a local account.
Problem 3: Driver Woes After Installation
- Plan: Save drivers for your hardware onto a USB from another gadget.
- Head to Device Manager to sort out drivers after setting up.
Keep It Simple and Smooth
- Backup: Don’t lose any crucial stuff—save it elsewhere first.
- Check Your Media: Always use the official Media Creation Tool for clean setups.
- Tweak BIOS/UEFI: Some old machines might need disabled Secure Boot/TPM 2.0 for smoother sailing.
Maneuvering through these steps lets you install Windows 11 without needing the internet, keeping everything on the up-and-up. For businesses, creating a tailor-made installation image using Windows Deployment Services (WDS) can simplify things when going offline.

Setting up Windows 11 without an internet connection can be a lifesaver, especially if your internet’s acting up or you just want to go the local account route. Let’s dive into how you can pull this off without any online fuss.
First Up: Using the Shift + F10 Trick
- Kick Things Off: Pop in your Windows 11 installation media (like a USB or DVD) and get the ball rolling.
- Basic Beginnings: Do the usual setup dance—pick your language, keyboard style, and region.
- The Network Page Block: When you hit that pesky “Let’s connect you to a network” page, hit up Shift + F10, and boom, Command Prompt is at your service.
- Ducking the Network Need: In that little window, type in
OOBE\BYPASSNRO
and hit Enter. Your system will reboot and bring you back to that network page—except now you’ll see “Don’t have internet?” What a relief, right? - Offline Tracks: Click “I don’t have internet” followed by “Continue with limited setup.”
- Wrap-Up: Just follow the steps to set up a local account and you’re golden.
Next: Try the Registry Route (For the Brave)
- Start As Usual: Begin just like before, landing on that network connection screen.
- Command Prompt Again: Shift + F10 to launch Command Prompt once more.
- Let’s Get Nerdy: Type
regedit
and press Enter to pop open the Registry Editor. - Treasure Hunt in Registry: Navigate over to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\OOBE
. - Make Some Registry Magic: Right-click, go to “New”, then “DWORD (32-bit) Value” and name it
BypassNRO
. - Modify the Value: Double-click, set that new value to
1
, and close it all up like closing a book. - Re-Round: Shut the Command Prompt, hit the back button, and make your way again past the license bit to the revised network page.
- Final Lap: Do what you did the first time—set up your local account and you’re done.
Honestly, these methods are like finding a hidden shortcut on the road less traveled. Not having to rely on an internet connection can be super handy, and these tricks? They’ll help get your system humming just the way you want it.