How to Windows 11 Setup Without Internet Connection

Why perform a 🪟 Windows 11 offline setup?

Bypassing the internet requirement lets you create a local user account right away instead of signing in with a Microsoft account. This is great for privacy or if you don’t have internet when you start.

What happens when you bypass the internet requirement?

When you bypass the internet requirement during Windows 11 setup, the installer lets you create a local account right away, skipping the need to connect online.

Steps to Install 🪟 Windows 11 Offline

Doing a Windows 11 offline setup is possible by using a hidden command prompt trick when the installation reaches the network connection screen. You just need to open the command prompt during the setup process, run a specific bypass command, and restart your 🔄 computer to skip the mandatory internet requirement and finish setting up with a local account.

1. Go through the usual setup steps until you see the screen that asks you to connect to the internet.

This opens the Command Prompt. Note: This step requires admin privileges.

3. In the Command Prompt window, type OOBE\BYPASSNRO and press Enter:

OOBE\BYPASSNRO

Once it's back on the setup screen, you'll notice a new option: I don't have internet.

5. Click Continue with the limited setup to proceed without an internet connection.

6. Follow the remaining prompts to name your computer and create a local account.

Choose if you are setting this up for personal use or for work/school.

Select Offline account to create a local profile without a Microsoft online account.

Create your password and set up your security questions.

Windows will finish the setup and restart. You can now log in with your new local account.

Version-Specific Changes: Build 26120 and Beyond

For newer Windows 11 builds like 26120 and later, the network setup is stricter, but the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command is still the best way to do an offline setup.

Troubleshooting 'No Internet' Errors

Fixing no internet errors during a Windows 11 offline setup usually comes down to checking your command spelling or handling missing network drivers. If the bypass command fails, you most likely made a typo, so you need to restart the process and make sure you type the exact text without any extra spaces before trying again.

• Check the Command: Ensure you typed OOBE\BYPASSNRO without spaces.
• Task Manager: If the setup hangs, press SHIFT + F10 and type taskmgr to end non-essential processes.
• Drivers: If you have no internet after setup, you must download network drivers on another PC and transfer them via USB.

Summary

Setting up Windows 11 offline is a great way to keep more control over your privacy. The command lets you skip the mandatory Microsoft account requirement and set up a local account instead. This approach works for most recent builds, including 26120+, ensuring a smooth installation even if you're not online.