There is a method to get around Windows 11’s necessity for an internet connection to complete the out-of-box experience (OOBE) for the Home and Pro editions beginning with version 22H2.
Microsoft has altered the first Windows 11 setup to make it practically hard to continue configuring a new device or cleaning up an installation without an internet connection since the company wants customers to connect machines with a Microsoft account.
The “Oops, you’ve lost internet connection” screen will appear if the setup determines that the device is not connected to the network. A popup to connect to the internet will appear if you click the Retry button.
In previous versions, it was simple to get around this requirement and continue offline using a local account; however, Windows 11 22H2 and later versions make this impossible. Nevertheless, there is a way to get around the requirement and complete configuring the out-of-box experience without an internet connection, whether you are setting up Windows 11 Pro or Windows 11 Home, for users who might not have an internet connection during the installation process or who prefer a more conventional offline experience.
You will discover how to continue installing Windows 11 22H2 without an internet connection in this instruction. The solution is also applicable when setting up Windows 11 on any method that would necessitate finishing the out-of-box experience. These instructions will guide you through the procedures to complete a clean installation.
Install Windows 11 without internet connection
Use these procedures to install Windows 11 (version 22H2 or 21H2) without an internet connection:
Use the Windows 11 USB flash disk to boot up the computer.
To proceed, press any key.
Press the “Next” button.
To install now, click the button.
If you are reinstalling, select the “I don’t have a product key” option. Reactivation would occur automatically if the Windows 11 installation has already been activated.
If applicable, choose the version of Windows 11 that is activated by your licensing key.
Verify the checkbox to “I accept the license terms.”
Press the “Next” button.
The Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) option should be selected.
Click the Delete option after selecting each partition on the hard drive where Windows 11 21H2 is to be installed. (Typically, all of the installation files are located on Drive 0.)
To install Windows 11, choose the hard drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space).
Press the “Next” button.
After installation, on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE), choose your region option.
Press the “Yes” button.
Choose your preferred keyboard layout.
Press the “Yes” button.
If you don’t need to set up a second layout, click the Skip button.
If you’re having trouble connecting to the internet, try using the keyboard shortcut Shift + F10 to connect to a network page.
To get around Windows 11’s network requirements, type the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command into the Command Prompt and hit Enter.
The out-of-box experience (OOBE) will restart when the computer restarts on its own.
Select “I don’t have internet.”
To proceed with the limited setup option, click the button.
If the Accept button is present, click it.
Verify the Windows 11 local default account’s name.
Press the “Next” button.
Make the account’s password.
Press the “Next” button.
Verify the password for the account.
Press the “Next” button.
To retrieve the account, choose and answer the three security questions.
Press the “Next” button.
Select the privacy options.
Press the “Next” button.
Press the Next button once more.
To accept, click the button.
Windows 11 (version 22H2 or 21H2) will proceed with the computer’s installation after you finish the instructions.