Setup Windows 11 without internet

​While an internet connection is the standard method for installing Windows 11, there may be situations where you need to set it up offline. Perhaps you’re installing on a machine without a network card, or maybe you’re working with a limited internet connection and want to avoid downloading large updates during setup. Whatever the reason, it’s still possible to get Windows 11 up and running without going online.

However, it’s important to understand that setting up Windows 11 offline requires a slightly different approach compared to the standard online method. Notably, Windows 11 Home Edition by default requires an internet connection to complete the setup process. This guide will explore me​thods for both Windows 11 Pro and Home editions, allowing you to install the OS even without an internet connection.

Preparation: Creating a Bootable USB Drive

The first step involves creating a bootable USB drive containing the Windows 11 installation media. You’ll need a USB drive with at least 8GB of free space and either the official Microsoft Media Creation Tool or a third-party tool like Rufus.

1. Download the Media Creation Tool: Head to the Microsoft website and download the Media Creation Tool for Windows 11 [Download Windows 11].
2. Run the Media Creation Tool: Double-click the downloaded tool and accept the license terms.
3. Create Installation Media: Choose “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)” on the first screen. Click “Next” to proceed.
4. Select Language, Edition, and Architecture: Choose the desired language, Windows 11 edition (Pro or Home), and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) that matches your system. Ensure these options are compatible with your machine. Click “Next” to continue.
5. Select USB Drive: Select the USB drive you want to use from the list and click “Next.” Be aware that this process will erase all data on the chosen drive.
6. Download and Create Media: The tool will download the Windows 11 installation files and create a bootable USB drive. This process can take some time depending on your internet speed.

Alternatively, using Rufus:

1. Download Rufus: Download the latest version of Rufus from their website [Rufus download].
2. Run Rufus: Launch Rufus and select your USB drive from the “Device” dropdown menu.
3. Select Boot Selection: Click the “SELECT” button next to “Boot selection” and choose the downloaded Windows 11 ISO file.
4. Configure Settings: Ensure the following settings in Rufus are selected:
   • Partition scheme: GPT for UEFI systems, MBR for legacy BIOS systems.
   • Target system: UEFI system (if applicable) or BIOS or UEFI system.
   • File system: FAT32 (Default)
5. Start the Process: Click “Start” to begin creating the bootable USB drive. Remember, this will erase all data on the chosen drive.

Bypassing Internet Connection During Setup (Windows 11 Pro)

Once you have your bootable USB drive ready, it’s time to begin the installation process. Here’s how to bypass the internet requirement for Windows 11 Pro:

1. Boot from the USB Drive: Connect the USB drive to your target computer and restart it. During startup, press the key combination (usually F10, F12, or DEL) to enter the BIOS/UEFI menu. The specific key will vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer.
2. Change Boot Priority: In the BIOS/UEFI menu, navigate to the Boot section and set the USB drive as the first boot priority. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI menu.
3. Begin Setup: Your computer will boot from the USB drive and launch the Windows 11 setup process.
4. Select Language and Region: Choose your preferred language, time zone, and keyboard layout.
5. “Let’s connect you to a network” Screen: Here’s where we deviate from the standard setup. Since you don’t have an internet connection, you’ll need to bypass this step. Press Shift + F10 on your keyboard to open a command prompt window.
6. Bypass Network Requirement: In the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

OOBE\BYPASSNRO

7. Restart and Continue Setup: The system will automatically restart. Upon reboot, you’ll be presented with a new option: “I don’t have internet.” Click on this option.
8. Limited Setup: On the next screen, choose “Continue with limited setup.” This allows

Following the steps outlined previously, you’ll have bypassed the internet requirement for Windows 11 setup, applicable to both Pro and Home Editions. Now, we can proceed with creating a local user account and finalizing the installation process.

Local User Account Creation:

1. Limited Setup: After clicking “Co​ntinue with limited setup” in the previous step, you’ll be prompted to create a user account.
2. Enter User Information: Enter a username and password for your local user account. Remember to choose a strong password for enhanced security.
3. Security Questions (Optional): You can optionally set up security questions to help recover your account password in case you forget it.
4. Privacy Settings: Windows 11 will present you with basic privacy settings. You can choose your preferred options for diagnostics and personalized experiences.

Finalizing the Setup:

1. License Agreement: Review and accept the Windows 11 license agreement to proceed.
2. Security Updates (Optional – Offline): While an internet connection is typically required for updates, in an offline scenario, you can choose to postpone updates for now and install them later when you have an internet connection.
3. Privacy Settings (Continued): You may encounter additional privacy settings during this stage. Configure them as per your preference.
4. Wait for Installation: The setup process will begin copying files and configuring your system. This can take some time depending on your hardware specifications.
5. Welcome Screen: Once the installation is complete, you’ll be greeted by the Windows 11 welcome screen.

Post-Setup Considerations (Offline):

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Windows 11 without an internet connection. However, since you haven’t connected to the internet yet, keep the following in mind:

• Limited Functionality: Certain features and functionalities that rely on an internet connection, such as Microsoft Store access, online updates, and cloud services, will be unavailable.
• Driver Installation: The basic drivers might be installed during the setup process, but you might need to download and install additional drivers manually from the manufacturer’s website (assuming you have access to another internet-connected device).
• Security Updates: Without an internet connection, your system won’t receive critical security updates, leaving it vulnerable to potential exploits. It’s highly recommended to connect to the internet as soon as possible to ensure your system is up-to-date.

Connecting to the Internet (Optional):

If you gain access to the internet later, you can connect your system and complete the setup process. Here’s how:

1. Connect to Network: Connect your computer to a wired or wireless network.
2. Windows Update: Open the Settings app and navigate to “Update & Security” to check for and install available updates. This will ensure your system is running the latest security patches and bug fixes.
3. Microsoft Store: With an internet connection, you can now access the Microsoft Store to download and install apps and software.

Windows 11 Home Edition (Alternative Method):

As mentioned earlier, the method above applies to Windows 11 Pro Edition. Windows 11 Home Edition by default requires an internet connection during setup. However, there’s a workaround involving creating a dummy offline Microsoft account. This method requires additional steps and may not be supported in future updates, so proceed with caution. It’s recommended to consult online resources for the latest workaround methods specific to Windows 11 Home Edition offline setup.

By following these steps, you can successfully install Windows 11 on your system, even without an internet connection. Remember, the offline functionality is limited, and connecting to the internet at your earliest convenience is crucial for a fully functional and secure Windows 11 experience.