Guide to Install Windows 11 Without an Internet Connection

With the release of Windows 11 version 22H2, Microsoft has introduced a requirement for an internet connection during the initial setup (Out-of-Box Experience, OOBE) for both Home and Pro editions. However, there is a method to bypass this requirement, allowing users to configure their devices offline.

The motivation behind this change is Microsoft’s preference for users to connect their systems to a Microsoft account, making the initial setup process dependent on internet access. If the setup process detects a lack of network connectivity, users will encounter the “Oops, you’ve lost internet connection” screen. Clicking the “Retry” button will prompt a request to connect to the internet.

While earlier versions of Windows allowed a seamless transition to offline mode with a local account, this functionality has been restricted in Windows 11 version 22H2 and newer. Fortunately, for users who prefer a traditional offline installation experience, a workaround exists that enables the completion of the setup without an internet connection, applicable to both Windows 11 Home and Pro editions.

This guide provides detailed instructions on bypassing the internet connection requirement during the Windows 11 setup process. These steps apply not only to clean installations but also to any method that necessitates completing the OOBE.

How to Install Windows 11 Without an Internet Connection

To conduct a Windows 11 installation offline, follow these steps:

Begin by booting your PC using the Windows 11 USB flash drive.
Press any key to proceed.
Select your installation language and format.
Click the Next button.
Choose your keyboard and input method.
Click Next.
Select “Install Windows 11”.
Check the box for “I agree everything will be deleted” to confirm that this process will erase all data on the device.
Select “I don’t have a product key”.

Note: If you are reinstalling Windows, the system will automatically activate. However, for new devices that have never had Windows installed, you will need to provide a valid product key.
Choose the edition of “Windows 11” that your license key activates (if applicable).
Click Next.
Accept the terms and conditions by clicking the Accept button.
Select the partitions on the hard drive for the installation and click Delete. Typically, “Drive 0” will contain the installation files.
Choose the unallocated space on Drive 0 to install Windows 11.
Click Next.
Click the Install button.
After installation, select your region on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE).
Select your region once more on the OOBE screen.
Click Yes.
Choose your keyboard layout settings.
Click Yes again.
If you don’t need a second layout, click the Skip button.
On the “Oops, you’ve lost internet connection” or “Let’s connect you to a network” page, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
In the command window, type OOBE\BYPASSNRO and press Enter to bypass the network requirement.
Your computer will restart, and the OOBE will initiate again.

Note: You will need to reselect your region and keyboard settings to reach the network connection page again.
Click “I don’t have internet”.
Select “Continue with limited setup”.
Click Accept if prompted.
Enter the name for the local default account in Windows 11.
Click Next.
Create a password for this local account.
Click Next.
Re-enter the password for confirmation.
Click Next.
Choose three security questions to aid in password recovery.
Click Next.
Select your preferred privacy settings.
Click Next.
Click Next again.
Finally, click the Accept button to agree to the terms.

After completing these steps, your installation of Windows 11 (whether it’s version 24H2, 23H2, 22H2, or 21H2) will proceed as normal.

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Update August 12, 2025: This guide has been revised to maintain accuracy and incorporate changes to the installation process.

Source & Images

Guide to Install Windows 11 Without an Internet Connection

How to Install Windows 11 Without an Internet Connection

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