Windows 11 forces users to connect to the internet during setup so it can push a Microsoft account sign-in. This requirement blocks anyone who wants to use a local account (an account that only exists on your PC, not linked to Microsoft) or simply doesn’t have internet access at the time of installation. A built-in Command Prompt trick lets you skip this step entirely and complete setup offline.
Why Windows 11 Setup Demands an Internet Connection
Microsoft wants every new Windows 11 device linked to a Microsoft account instead of a local account.
- Windows checks for a network connection early in setup, during a stage called the Out of Box Experience, or OOBE. This is just the series of screens you see the first time a PC starts up after installation.
- If no connection is found, setup displays an “Oops, you’ve lost internet connection” message and asks you to reconnect.
- Clicking Retry only prompts you to join a network again, with no visible skip option.
- Older Windows 11 versions let you bypass this screen directly, but newer builds removed that shortcut.
Bypass the Internet Requirement Using Command Prompt
This method works during a clean install and does not require any third-party tool. Back up your data first, since a clean install erases everything on the target drive.
- Boot the PC using your Windows 11 USB flash drive.
- Press any key to continue when prompted.
- Choose your installation language and keyboard format, then click Next.
- Click Install now.
- Click I don’t have a product key if you’re doing a fresh install without entering a key immediately.
- Select the Windows 11 edition that matches your license, if applicable.
- Check I accept the license terms and click Next.
- Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
- Select each existing partition on the target drive and click Delete to clear it. Drive 0 usually holds the installation files.
- Select the resulting unallocated space and click Next to begin installation.
- After the files copy and the PC restarts, choose your region on the first OOBE screen and click Yes.
- Choose your keyboard layout and click Yes. Click Skip if you don’t need a second layout.
- When you reach the “Oops, you’ve lost internet connection” or “Let’s connect you to a network” page, press
Shift + F10to open Command Prompt. - Type the command below and press Enter:
OOBE\BYPASSNRO- The PC restarts automatically and OOBE starts over. Select your region and keyboard layout again to reach the network page.
- Click I don’t have internet on the network connection page.
- Click Continue with limited setup to proceed without a Microsoft account.
- Click Accept if a prompt for basic settings appears.
- Enter a name for your local account and click Next.
- Create a password for the account, confirm it, and click Next each time.
- Select and answer three security questions used to recover the account later, then click Next.
- Choose your privacy settings by toggling each option, then click Next twice.
- Click Accept to finish.
Windows 11 completes the installation using a local account, with no Microsoft account or internet connection required at any point.
Things to Know Before You Bypass Windows 11 Internet Setup
Microsoft has removed similar bypass methods in past updates, and this one could stop working in a future release.
- Disconnect Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable before reaching the network page if you want to guarantee the offline prompt appears.
- The
OOBE\BYPASSNROcommand works on Windows 11 22H2, 23H2, 24H2, and 25H2 as of the version tested in July 2026. - You can still link the device to a Microsoft account later. Open Settings, then Accounts, then Your info, and choose to sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Windows 11 without an internet connection?
Yes. Use the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command through Command Prompt during setup to skip the internet requirement and finish with a local account.
Does the bypass work on the latest Windows 11 version?
The command works on 22H2 through 25H2. Microsoft could remove it in a future update, so confirm it still works on your build before relying on it.
What happens if I don’t have a product key?
Click I don’t have a product key during setup. Windows installs without asking for one. If the PC previously had a genuine copy of Windows on it, Windows recognizes this automatically once you connect to the internet later. If not, you can enter a key afterward from the Settings app.
Can I switch from a local account to a Microsoft account later?
Yes. Go to Settings, then Accounts, then Your info, after setup and choose to sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
