How to Install Windows 11 Without Internet: Quick Offline Setup

Windows 11 » How To

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by Diana Todea 

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install windows 11 without internet

Installing Windows 11 without internet is possible, even though the setup usually asks for a network connection. If you don’t have Wi-Fi or Ethernet handy, you can still get Windows 11 installed by using a bootable USB and a simple trick to skip the internet requirement. This guide will show you exactly how to install Windows 11 offline, no internet needed.

Install Windows 11 Without Internet: A Simple Guide

Please note that you will need internet access initially to download the Windows 11 ISO file on another device. After that, you can install Windows 11 completely offline on your target PC.

Table of contents

Step-by-Step: How to Install Windows 11 Offline

  1. Download the Windows 11 ISO on another device


    -On another device that does have internet:
    -Go to the official Microsoft Windows 11 download page
    -Download the ISO file

  2. Create a Bootable USB


    -Use a tool like Rufus or Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool to make a bootable USB drive. You’ll need a USB with at least 8 GB of free space.

  3. Boot from the USB on Your Offline PC


    -Plug the USB into the computer where you want to install Windows 11.
    -Restart the computer and enter the boot menu (usually by pressing F12, F2, or Del right after powering on).
    -Choose to boot from the USB drive.

  4. Start Setup and Trigger the Bypass

    -Go through the initial setup screens: language, keyboard, etc.
    -When it asks you to connect to a network:
    -Press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt
    -Type this command and press Enter: CopyEditOOBE\BYPASSNRO
    -Your system will reboot automatically.

    You can follow this complete walkthrough on how to install Windows 11 without internet for screenshots and additional guidance on using this bypass and completing the setup offline.

  5. Complete Setup With a Local Account


    -After rebooting, the setup will reload and skip the network requirement.

    -Now:
    • Click “I don’t have internet”
    • Choose “Continue with limited setup”
    • Create a local user account (no Microsoft login needed)
    • Finish setup normally.

  6. Install Drivers and Updates Later


    -Since you installed Windows offline, it won’t have all the latest drivers or updates.
    – To fix that later:
    • Download updates and drivers on another PC
    • Copy them to a USB drive
    • Install them manually on your offline machine
    • Microsoft has also acknowledged this process and shared its official method for installing Windows 11 without an internet connection if you want an alternative from the source.

Why Is Installing Windows 11 Without Internet an Issue?

Windows 11’s setup process is designed to push users into connecting online right away. It wants you to sign in with a Microsoft account, check for updates, and complete the setup with an active connection. That’s fine if you’re plugged in, but a problem if:

  • You’re in a location with no Wi-Fi or Ethernet
  • You’re setting up a secure system that needs to stay offline
  • You’re reinstalling Windows on a PC that lost network drivers
  • You just want to skip the Microsoft account part

In fact, Microsoft has made it clear that it prefers users to stay connected during setup, and no longer wants users to install Windows 11 without an internet connection. But the workarounds still exist, and they work well.

Final Thoughts

If you need to install Windows 11 without internet, the setup might block you—but using the OOBE\BYPASSNRO trick lets you skip network setup and use a local account. It’s a reliable way to install Windows offline. Afterward, when you’re online, you may need to manually update Windows. If it doesn’t update automatically, here’s how to force a Windows 11 update for the latest features and security patches.

Don’t forget to update manually afterward to keep your system running smoothly.

FAQ

What If You Want to Install Windows 11 on Unsupported Hardware?

If you’re trying this process on an older machine that doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, check out this guide on installing Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported PCs. It shows how to get around the hardware blocks and still get the latest version running.

Can I install Windows 11 without an internet connection?

Yes. You can create a bootable USB and use a built-in bypass trick to install Windows 11 fully offline.

How do I reinstall Windows 11 without internet?

Use the same method: download the ISO on another computer, make a USB installer, and use the bypass command.

Can I run Windows 11 offline after installing?

Yes. Windows 11 works just fine offline, though features like updates and the Microsoft Store will be unavailable.

Can I update Windows 11 without internet?

Not directly. You’ll need to download updates and drivers on another PC and install them manually.

How long does it take to install Windows 11?

Installation usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes depending on your PC’s speed.

Diana Todea

Diana Todea Shield

With a keen interest in online privacy, she is going all out in making sure we share practical and up-to-date methods to stay safe in the digital space. She’s got a cybersecurity certification from Infosec and a data privacy specialization from UCI.

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