If you start Windows 11 setup without an internet connection, you may get stuck on the " Let's connect you to a network screen" with a grayed out Next button and the following message:
You need an internet connection to continue setting up your device. Once connected, you'll get the latest features and security updates.
You need an internet connection to continue setting up your Windows 11 device
As you can see in the screenshot, the "Next" button is greyed out, and there's no obvious way to get around this screen. This will also prevent you from creating a local user account and using your device without a Microsoft account if you don't have an internet connection.
However, there is a way to bypass the internet requirement during Windows 11 22H2 installation.
Run the OOBE BypassNRO command
To bypass the internet requirement and use Windows 11 with a local user account, follow these steps:
- Start Windows 11 Settings.
- When you see the "Let's use the grayed out Next" button to connect you to the network screen, press Shift+F10 . This will launch Command Prompt.
- Now run the following command at the command prompt:
oobe\BypassNRO
Run the OOBE BypassNRO command to bypass network requirements during Windows 11 installation
- After executing this command, the system will reboot. Alternatively, you can run the following command instead:
reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /fshutdown /r /t 0
After the system restarts, you will need to select your region and keyboard layout again. But this time, on the " Let's connect you to a network " screen, you'll see a new "I don't have Internet " option. See screenshot below.
windows 11 installer i don't have internet
If you're installing Windows Enterprise, you'll get this option by default, so no workaround is needed.
- Just click on the " I don't have internet " option and then click on the " Continue to limited setup" option as shown below:
Windows 11 installer continues to use limited settings
- Create a local user account. Setup will continue.
Windows 11 installer creates local user
The screenshot below shows that I was able to run Windows 11 22H2 with a local user without an internet connection.
Windows 11 running with local user and no internet connection
Windows 11 running with local user and no internet connection
in conclusion
You just learned how to bypass the internet connection requirement during Windows 11 setup. Please share your thoughts on Microsoft's increasing pressure to force Windows to create a Microsoft Account.