How to Bypass Windows 11 Internet Setup: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 5, 2025

Have you ever tried installing Windows 11 and found yourself stuck at the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen? You’re not alone.

Why You Might Want to Bypass Windows 11 Internet Setup

Microsoft now forces users to connect to the internet during Windows 11 setup — especially on Home editions — so they can sign in with a Microsoft account. But what if you don’t have Wi-Fi, or simply prefer setting up a local account instead?

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to bypass the Windows 11 internet setup, so you can finish installing the OS without connecting to the internet.

Let’s dive in.

Summary (Key Takeaways)

  • You can bypass the Windows 11 Internet setup during installation using command-line tricks or offline account methods.

  • This guide covers OOBE\BYPASSNRO, Shift + F10 commands, and local account setup options.

  • Ideal for users installing Windows 11 without Wi-Fi, behind a proxy, or on virtual machines.

  • Works on Windows 11 Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions (with small differences).

1. What Is the Windows 11 Internet Setup Requirement?

Since Windows 11 version 22H2, Microsoft requires you to connect to the internet during installation. The setup asks you to:

  • Connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

  • Sign in with a Microsoft account (no “Offline account” button visible).

This means you can’t proceed without connecting, especially if you’re installing Windows 11 Home.

However, there are simple workarounds.

2. Why Microsoft Requires Internet During Setup

Microsoft introduced the internet setup requirement to:

  • Sync settings and preferences across devices.

  • Enable OneDrive backup automatically.

  • Connect your PC to your Microsoft account for security and cloud services.

While convenient for some, it’s unnecessary for others who prefer a local, offline setup — for example, IT professionals, developers, or users with limited connectivity.

3. When You Might Need to Bypass It

You might want to skip the Windows 11 internet setup if:

  • You’re installing on a new PC without Wi-Fi drivers.

  • You’re using a virtual machine (VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V).

  • You want a local account instead of a Microsoft account.

  • You’re in a restricted network environment (corporate or educational).

  • You want to avoid telemetry and online sign-ins during setup.

4. Methods Overview: How You Can Skip the Internet Setup

There are multiple ways to bypass the Windows 11 internet requirement. Let’s look at them briefly before diving deep.

Method Difficulty Works On Description
OOBE\BYPASSNRO Command Easy All editions Creates “Skip” option for internet setup
Shift + F10 Command Prompt Moderate All editions Opens CMD to run bypass commands
Disconnect Network Easy Pro/Enterprise Physically removes internet connection
Fake Email Trick Easy Home Uses invalid Microsoft login to trigger offline setup
Custom ISO Advanced IT users Preconfigured ISO skips setup phase

5. Method 1: Using the “OOBE\BYPASSNRO” Command

This is the most popular and reliable method to bypass the Windows 11 internet setup screen.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Start the Windows 11 setup normally from your bootable USB or installation media.

  2. When you reach the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen, press Shift + F10.

    • This opens a Command Prompt window.

  3. In Command Prompt, type the following command:

    OOBE\BYPASSNRO

  4. Press Enter.

  5. The system will restart automatically.

  6. When Windows Setup loads again, you’ll now see a “I don’t have internet” option.

  7. Click it, then select “Continue with limited setup.”

  8. Now you can create a local user account and finish installation without internet.

✅ Result: You’ve successfully bypassed the Windows 11 internet setup!

6. Method 2: Using Shift + F10 and Command Line Tricks (Alternate)

If the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command doesn’t work (rare, but possible in newer builds), try this:

Steps:

  1. At the network setup screen, press Shift + F10.

  2. In the Command Prompt, type:

    taskmgr

    This opens Task Manager.

  3. Find and end task for “Network Connection Flow.”

  4. Close Task Manager and Command Prompt.

  5. The setup will skip the network check and take you directly to account creation.

🧠 Tip: This method works especially well on Windows 11 Home editions where OOBE\BYPASSNRO may not appear.

7. Method 3: Disconnect Your Network Manually

If you’re using Ethernet, just unplug the cable before you start setup.

For Wi-Fi:

  1. When you reach the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen, press Shift + F10.

  2. In Command Prompt, type:

    ipconfig /release

    This disables your active network connection.

  3. Close the window, and the setup will realize there’s no internet.

  4. The “I don’t have internet” option should now appear.

8. Method 4: The Fake Email Trick (Microsoft Account Bypass)

Even if you’re connected to the internet, you can still bypass Microsoft login.

Steps:

  1. On the “Sign in with Microsoft” screen, enter any fake email — for example:

    noone@nowhere.com

  2. For the password, enter anything random.

  3. You’ll get an error: “Something went wrong.”

  4. Click Next or Back, and Windows will prompt you to create a local account instead.

⚡ Pro Tip: This method is perfect when you can’t disconnect from Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

9. Method 5: Using Preinstalled Images or Custom ISOs

For IT professionals or frequent installers, you can create a custom Windows 11 ISO that skips internet setup entirely.

Tools like:

  • NTLite

  • Rufus (latest version)

  • DISM / ImageX

These allow you to remove OOBE internet requirements or preconfigure a local user account.

🧰 For example, Rufus has a built-in option to “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account” when creating a bootable USB.

10. How to Bypass Internet Setup in Virtual Machines (VMs)

If you’re installing Windows 11 in a VM (e.g., VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V), use one of the following:

  • Don’t enable network adapter during initial setup.

  • Use the OOBE\BYPASSNRO trick.

  • Or manually disable the network connection in VM settings.

Once installed, you can enable the adapter again to get internet access.

11. How to Bypass Internet Setup on Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise

Unlike Windows 11 Home, Pro and Enterprise editions often show an “Offline account” option automatically.

If not visible:

  1. Use the Shift + F10 method.

  2. Type OOBE\BYPASSNRO.

  3. Restart and select “I don’t have internet.”

💡 Note: Enterprise deployments often use unattended setup scripts (autounattend.xml) to automate this process.

12. Troubleshooting Common Errors

Issue Cause Fix
OOBE\BYPASSNRO command not found Typo or wrong directory Use OOBE\BYPASSNRO exactly as shown
“Limited setup” not appearing Internet still connected Unplug or disable adapter
CMD not opening Wrong key combo Use Shift + F10 again
Setup freezes after bypass Corrupt ISO or USB Recreate bootable media using Rufus

13. Pros and Cons of Bypassing Internet Setup

✅ Advantages

  • Faster installation process

  • Full control over local account

  • Avoid unnecessary Microsoft account linking

  • Works offline in restricted environments

❌ Disadvantages

  • No cloud sync (OneDrive, settings)

  • Some features (Microsoft Store, Edge sync) disabled until connected

  • Manual driver updates required initially

14. How to Add Internet Connection Later

After finishing your offline setup:

  1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet.

  2. Enable Wi-Fi or plug in Ethernet.

  3. Connect to your preferred network.

  4. (Optional) Sign in with a Microsoft account later from Settings → Accounts → Your info.

15. Final Thoughts

Bypassing the Windows 11 internet setup gives you more control, flexibility, and privacy during installation.

Whether you’re an IT technician setting up multiple PCs, or just someone who wants a local account, the OOBE\BYPASSNRO and Shift + F10 tricks are your go-to solutions.

Once setup is complete, you can always connect to the internet and sign in later — on your terms.

16. FAQs: Bypass Windows 11 Internet Setup

1. Can I install Windows 11 Home without internet?

Yes, by using the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command or fake email method.

2. Does bypassing internet setup affect Windows activation?

No, activation works once you connect to the internet later.

3. Is it safe to bypass the Windows 11 internet setup?

Absolutely. It’s an official installer feature — you’re just skipping account setup temporarily.

4. Will I miss updates or drivers if I install offline?

Initially yes, but you can update once you reconnect to the internet.

5. Can I revert back to a Microsoft account later?

Yes. Go to Settings → Accounts → Your info → Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you now know how to bypass Windows 11 internet setup safely and effectively. You’ve learned multiple ways — from OOBE commands to manual disconnections — to install Windows 11 your way.

So, next time Windows says “Let’s connect you to a network”, you’ll know exactly what to do.

⚙️ In short: You don’t need the internet to set up Windows 11 — just a bit of know-how.

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