The advent of Windows 11 brought a myriad of new features and changes, including an imperative for an active internet connection during the initial setup process. As of Windows 11 build 22557, both the Home and Pro editions mandate an online connection for the out-of-box experience (OOBE). Unlike its predecessors, when setting up a new device or performing a clean installation, Windows 11’s insistence on internet connectivity becomes evident. Encountering an “Oops, you’ve lost internet connection” page is common if you attempt the setup offline. And whereas in previous iterations of Windows 11 it was possible to continue the installation offline with a local account, this flexibility has been removed in the latest builds. But what if you’re in a situation where an internet connection is unfeasible during setup? Or perhaps, you simply prefer the traditional offline experience? Fear not, for this risewindows guide will illuminate the path for those desiring to install Windows 11 sans an active internet connection, offering a way around the enforced online hurdle.
How to Install Windows 11 without an Internet Connection?
Do these steps to install Windows 11 without an internet connection:-
Step 1. Connect the Windows 11 USB flash drive to your PC and start your PC.
Step 2. When prompted, hit any key to boot from the USB drive.
Step 3. Pick language, time & currency format, and keyboard input method. Then, tap the Next button.
Step 4. Hit Install now.
Step 5. When prompted for a product key, type the genuine product key if you have one or click the link I don’t have a product key.
Step 6. Pick the Windows 11 edition you want to install and tap the Next button.
Step 7. Check the checkbox, “I accept the Microsoft Software Licence Terms. If an organization is licensing it, I am authorized to bind the organization,” and hit the Next button.
Step 8. After that, you will see two options:-
- Upgrade: Install Windows and keep files, settings, and applications.
- Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
Since you will install a fresh Windows 11, select the second option, “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).”
Step 9. Pick a partition on which you want to install Windows 11 and hit the Next button.
Step 10. You should see the installation progress of your Windows 11. Your system will start copying the required files to run Windows 11. After that, it will reboot automatically.
Step 11. Select the country and hit the Yes option.
Step 12. Pick the keyboard layout setting.
Step 13. Hit the Yes button.
Step 14. Hit the Skip button if you do not want to add a second layout.
Step 15. When you see on the screen “Let’s connect you to a network,” press the Shift + F10 (If your keyboard includes the Function key, then use Fn + Shift + F10 keys instead) keyboard shortcut to open Command Prompt.
Step 16. In the Command Prompt window, type OOBE\BYPASSNRO and hit the Enter key on the keyboard to bypass network requirements on Windows 11.
Step 17. After that, your PC will restart automatically. Next, the out-of-box experience (OOBE) will open again. Here, choose your country and hit the Yes button.
Step 18. Choose the keyboard layout and click the Next button.
Step 19. Click the link “I don’t have internet.”
Step 20. Click the link “Continue with limited setup.”
Step 21. In the “Enter your name” field, type the user name you would like to use on your Windows 11 PC and then press the Next button.
Step 22. Enter the password for the user name and then press the Next button.
Step 23. Confirm the password and click the Next button.
Step 24. You need to select the security question and reply with the answer. You have to choose three security questions one by one and need to respond to them. Then, click the Next button.
Step 25. Now, you will see privacy settings options. By default, all the options will turn On. If you wish, you can toggle Off to disable them. Finally, click the Accept button.
That’s all.
Now, you have successfully installed Windows 11 without an active internet connection. The Settings app will be opened automatically after finishing the Windows 11 installation.
Conclusion
The launch of Windows 11 introduced several updates and new requirements, notably the emphasis on internet connectivity during initial setup. For those seeking to sidestep this online mandate, the risewindows guide offers an invaluable workaround. By following the detailed steps provided, users can successfully install Windows 11 without needing an active internet connection, preserving their preferred offline experience.
