For better or worse, Windows 11 is an operating system that is giving a lot to talk about. Microsoft's new operating system, with which the company wants to succeed the current Windows 10, is much more than a simple facelift, and is that, little by little, this system is taking away freedoms from users, starting with its new minimum requirements (especially the mandatory need to have a TPM 2.0 chip) and continuing with the need, yes or yes, an Internet connection to complete the installation of the edition of Windows 11, both in the Home and Pro versions. Fortunately, just like with TPM 2.0, this requirement can be bypassed.

Nowadays, most computers have a Internet connection almost from the moment it's launched from scratch. The same thing happens when we're about to update the operating system or reinstall it. However, this connectivity we're talking about can sometimes become a problem. This is the case when we're going to install Windows 11 in its Home version on our computer. Let's see how we can bypass this requirement we mentioned regarding internet connectivity.

How to install Windows 11 without Internet

As with the latest versions of Microsoft's operating system, installing it on our computer is quite simple. This is something the company itself takes care of to try to make the process as easy as possible. Therefore, the first thing we do is download Windows 11 from the official Microsoft website via the ISO provided. Next, we burn it to a USB drive and begin the installation process. After completing the first step (copying the data), we reach the second part of the installation, where we must configure the most essential aspects of the operating system.

What we really do with this is choose the language of our Windows, the keyboard layout and, suddenly, we arrive at a window like the following.

As we can see, Windows asks us, yes or yes, have an active Internet connection to continueAnd the option to continue without internet access isn't available. The fastest way to continue is to connect your PC to the internet, either via cable or Wi-Fi. But what if we don't want to, or can't? This is precisely what we'll help you with below.

It's worth mentioning that, initially, the internet requirement for installing this operating system only affects the Home editions of the system, so we'll focus on that. That is, if we try to install a Pro edition, we can continue the installation process without any issues even if we're offline. Even when creating a user account, we can skip the Microsoft Account requirement and continue with a local, offline, or non-connected account.

However, if we are installing Windows 11 and don't have internet access, we can skip this step and continue the process in several different ways.

Visit aka ms/networksetup

If we have a problem with the Internet connection, the Windows installation wizard itself will recommend us to visit a link to try to solve the problem: «aka.ms/networksetup«. As we can deduce from the name, this link will help us configure the connection so we can continue with the installation. It basically contains several recommendations, such as restarting our home router, making sure we're using our Wi-Fi network, that we don't have Airplane Mode enabled on our computer, that we're within range of the network, etc. Of course, we're also recommended to connect via cable in case we have problems with the wireless connection.

But under no circumstances will they help us continue the installation offline. To do so, we must follow other steps.

Close the network connection flow

The first trick to bypass this requirement when installing Windows 11 is to force-close the connection process using the Task Manager. To open it, open a CMD window using the Shift + F10 keyboard shortcut once you're on the screen.Let's connect you to a network" in Windows, and type the command "taskmgr" in this CMD window. It's important to keep in mind that this section we're talking about, the Task Manager, is one of the most important in the operating system.

First, here we find all the Windows processes and running applications in their corresponding entries. This means that we'll often find an extensive list so we can interact with these processes. However, before terminating any of them, we must be very clear about what we're doing, as otherwise, we could negatively impact the system's performance.

In this way, within the aforementioned Task Manager, we will click on "More details" to see the expanded list of processes, and we will look for one called "Network connection flow«.

Well, in this case, and to install Windows 11 without using an internet connection, let's see which entry we need to find and close. Right-click on it and choose "End Task."

After that, we'll just have to return to the Windows installation wizard and continue as normal. You can also create an offline account without having to go through the hassle of a Microsoft account. All we've done here is terminate the system's own process, which controls the flow of data using the internet connection. This way, you'll no longer be able to access all of this, and we'll achieve our goal.

However, this method we're discussing, ending the corresponding process from the system task manager, will cause some problems, at least initially. Once the system installation process is complete using this method, since you don't have an active internet connection, some icons won't appear as we're used to. The main reason for this is that, since you don't have an active internet connection, they haven't been downloaded yet and aren't part of Windows 11.

This is quite common if we use the task manager trick we just mentioned. But we shouldn't worry, as this could even extend to some pre-installed applications in the operating system, meaning they won't work properly in principle. Obviously, to access all of this and avoid these shortcomings we've mentioned, we would need to connect the computer to the internet for all of these software components to complete the download.

*Depending on the version of Windows 11 you're trying to install, this method may not work. And as of 24H2, the Internet Streaming process no longer exists.

Terminate the Internet service

Another faster way to continue the installation process is to force-quit the process without having to search within the Windows Task Manager. To do this, once you are on the "We're going to connect you to a network«, simply press the keyboard shortcut Alt + F4 to force this closure.

By doing so, we will automatically exit the network selection window, and we will be able to continue installing the operating system using a local account, offline.

Due to its simplicity, if this trick doesn't work (as Microsoft is likely to cover it up sooner or later), we recommend opting for the previous method. This is a process built into the operating system itself that is unlikely to be removed in the future, so we shouldn't have any problems using it.

*Depending on the version of Windows 11 you are trying to install, this method may not work.

oobe bypassnro

You may reach a point in the Windows 11 initial setup wizard where you're asked to connect to the internet. In theory, you should be able to continue without connecting, but Microsoft is making it increasingly difficult to allow this. So, let's see how to disable this requirement.

Once we reach the page asking us to connect to a network, we'll use the Shift + F10 keyboard shortcut to open a CMD console. Inside it, we'll run the following command:oobe/bypassnro

*The slash is a counterslash of the one that comes to the left of the 1 and is accessible by first pressing the Alt key.

The computer will restart automatically, and we'll have to start the initial system setup again. The difference is that now, when we get to the Internet connection section, we'll see the "I don't have Internet" option at the bottom. Clicking on it allows us to continue offline and, most importantly, without creating a Microsoft account.

Install Windows 11 without a Microsoft Account

It may happen that we have an Internet connection (either wired or Wi-Fi), and we want to be able to continue with the installation, but without using a Microsoft account. That is, create a local account, or an offline account. However, once the installation wizard has detected an internet connection, even if we disconnect it later, there's nothing we can do.

In the Pro edition of Windows 11, as in Windows 10, we have the option to easily skip this process and create the account offline with just a couple of mouse clicks. But in the Home edition, things get much more complicated. Once we get to the screen to create a user account, if there's internet access, we'll only see this option:

If we want to continue without using a Microsoft Account, the first thing we must do is click on "Sign in with a security key", and once we see the new configuration screen, we'll go back to the login screen. Now, we disconnect the Internet, either by turning off the computer's Wi-Fi or by removing the cable from the PC. Once the cable is disconnected, we'll click on "Sign in with a security key" again and we'll see how, as if by magic, Windows 11 Home now allows us to create an offline account.

Now all we have to do is enter the username we want, the password we want to protect our PC with, and follow the wizard to the end.

Unfortunately, Microsoft is making it increasingly difficult. And we've tried install Windows 11 24H2 without Internet, finding things have become much more complicated. Microsoft is making it increasingly difficult (even in the Pro edition) to bypass the operating system's restrictions when installing it without an account.

The first thing we recommend is that, if possible, it's best to create a USB installation with Rufus, as this program does work when bypassing the internet and Microsoft account requirements. If you don't want to complicate things further, it's the easiest and simplest way to start the operating system without internet. This method, by making changes directly in the installer, works without problems, and we hope it will continue to work in the future.

But, if you don't want to rely on Rufus, and want a legal, unmodified Windows 11, then all you have to do is download it directly from the Microsoft website, burn it to a USB using the company's own tool, and proceed with the installation normally.

Install Windows 11 without an account with bypassnro

First, we need to be connected to the Internet, otherwise we won't be able to continue. But when it's time to log in, what we'll do is activate airplane mode Windows, and use bypassnro. The difference with the methods we've seen before is that Microsoft has now removed this command from the Windows installation, so you have to go a little further to use it.

Although we can't run it from CMD like before, what we need to do is run the "regedit" command within the CMD window. This command will open the Windows Registry Editor, where we now need to configure the bypass.

Once inside the editor, we will simply go to the following directory:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/OOBE

We right-click on the right panel and select the BYPASSNRO value, if it does not exist we create it as a DWORD Value (32 bits), and assign its value to 1.

After restarting the PC and starting the installation, we have fixed the crash. We look at the option again I don't have internet, just like when using the old Command Prompt script method. This way, we can continue as normal, and when we need to log in, the window to create a Local Account will appear directly.

This method will eventually stop working. But as long as it's still usable, we can take advantage of it.

Create a local account in Windows 11 with a CMD command

In addition to the previous method, there's a magic CMD command that will allow us to enable the ability to create a local account in Windows. This method doesn't eliminate the internet requirement, but it will allow us to complete the installation without having to log in with our personal account to use the PC.

To do this, we'll start the installation normally. At the beginning, when we're in the installation language selection section, we need to open a CMD console (remember, the keyboard shortcut is Shift + F10) and run this command in this MS-DOS window, as is:start ms-cxh:localonly

Running this command will bring up a Windows 10-like interface for specifying the local account username and password. Enter the details (the password is optional), and that's it. There's no reboot required, and it's much faster.

Microsoft will probably block it sooner or later, like everything else. But while it lasts, we can take advantage of it.

no@thankyou.com ya@a.com, two tricks that no longer work

Another way, if we have internet access, to create a local account in Windows 11 is to enter a fake account. That is, when we get to the login section, where it asks for our username and password, we'll enter an existing email address, but a random password that isn't correct. If the login fails, we can continue with the account creation process, but this time, create a local account.

With the release of Windows 11 22H2, the 2022 system update, Microsoft has made it significantly more difficult to create a local account on your PC. However, there is a method that will allow us to continue creating local accounts, even when connected to the internet.

To do this, simply enter the following email address in the login section:no@thankyou.com

When prompted for a password, simply enter any password. Windows will tell you that too many passwords were entered incorrectly, and that the email account has been blocked. Simply continue, and you'll be able to continue with the account creation wizard offline.

As Windows 11 has received updates, Microsoft has made it more difficult to install this version of the operating system without a Microsoft account. If using the email no@thankyou.com doesn't work, we can use another account that also works to bypass this restriction. We're talking about the account a@a.com.

As with no@thankyou.com, once we enter this email, the installation process will display an error and allow us to continue with the installation process without any problem, inviting us to create a local user account with the name we want along with a password to protect access to the device.

Currently, in the middle of 2025, these two email accounts, which have saved our lives on so many occasions, have stopped working. If we try to install Windows 11 24H2 using this method, we'll notice that the installation wizard gives us an error when trying to log in, but it doesn't skip the login step. Therefore, this method is no longer valid from 24H2 onwards.

Create a custom ISO

The methods we've detailed in the previous points allow us to bypass the internet requirement when we're either running an already installed Windows or if we've installed it from an installation media created using an original ISO. However, this doesn't always have to be the case. There's a tool, called Rufus, which allows us to create a custom installation media, eliminating these types of requirements for running the operating system.

Rufus is a completely free tool that allows us to create installation USB drives for all types of operating systems. It's, broadly speaking, an ISO image burner that, instead of burning them to a CD or DVD, allows us to burn them directly to a flash drive. We can also use it to customize the desired format for the drive and also download the latest versions of operating systems from within the program.

When we load a Windows 11 ISO, in addition to all the options it offers, it allows us to customize the Windows user experience.

When you go to burn the image to the USB, you'll see a window like the one you just saw. This window allows you to remove the system's most controversial requirements or features so you can install it without restrictions or limitations. For example, you can remove the 4GB RAM or TPM 2.0 requirements, as well as the requirement to have a Microsoft account online when installing the system. You can also automate certain tasks, such as creating a user account, setting regional settings, disabling all data collection, or disabling BitLocker so it doesn't encrypt your hard drive.

All of these changes are made directly to the installer's internal configuration, so essential system files are not modified, preventing errors and long-term problems. With the installation media already created, we simply need to boot the computer with the USB and we'll see how, instead of prompting us to use a Microsoft account, Windows 11 prompts us to directly create a local account where we must set the username and password (if we haven't automated it).

Rufus is a free application that we can download through its website, by clicking on this link.

Why does Windows need the Internet?

If we're installing an operating system from scratch, why would we need an internet connection? After all, the main purpose is to copy the operating system files, perform an initial system setup, and get it up and running. But Microsoft wants to take Windows 11 installation a step further.

The first reason why Windows needs to have this Internet connection is because, during installation, the system must download programs and applications So that they're available as soon as the installation is complete. If we don't have an internet connection, these apps won't be available until they can be downloaded. This isn't usually a problem, as apps that aren't installed are part of Windows 11 bloatware.

Another reason why we need to have Internet to finish the installation of the operating system is because, especially in the Home edition, It is necessary to create a Microsoft Account, that is, create an account using an Outlook email account and a password so that our operating system can function normally and have access to all Microsoft services (such as OneDrive or Office).

Finally, during installation, Windows takes the opportunity to search and download some critical updates and some drivers necessary to avoid problems once the operating system installation is complete. Without the Internet, the process could still be completed without problems, but some system features may not function properly.

What happens if you connect to the Internet after installation?

When you install Windows 11 the way we've explained, the system will behave differently when you connect to the network for the first time. Some changes may be beneficial to the system's operation, but others could disrupt its entire operation. Let's take a look at the most significant effects of performing this action.

• System activation: Windows will immediately attempt to validate your operating system license. This means that if for any reason you haven't entered a valid key to install it, the system will detect it and prompt you to activate it.
• Automatic Updates- Windows Update will check for and install all official Windows 11 updates. This will include any security patches, drivers, or new features that have been rolled out over time. All of these actions could improve our operating system performance, but they can also modify offline features that we may have left unconfigured.
• Downloading drivers: The system will automatically search for the necessary drivers for all possible hardware on your computer. This includes those for your graphics card, network card, and peripherals, which could improve compatibility and performance.
• Cloud Sync: If at any point we decide to add a Microsoft accountThe system will be responsible for synchronizing any settings, passwords, or configured options with OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud service. It will also update pre-installed apps from the Microsoft Store.
• Privacy changes and telemetry: Windows will automatically send data about our system to Microsoft. This can affect our privacy if we don't properly configure "Privacy and security" in the Windows "Settings" section (Win + I).

In short, we can say that if we decide to connect Windows 11 to the internet after installation, it can mean improved security and compatibility, but also unexpected changes and privacy issues.

Advantages of installing Windows 11 without an internet connection

Installing Windows 11 as we've explained throughout this article has several advantages, especially in terms of a cleaner, more private, and more controlled experience from the very beginning.

The most important of all, we could say, is avoiding the mandatory use of a Microsoft account. Therefore, you're not forced to link to any cloud service. This means all your personal data is exempt from being synced online. This provides greater personal isolation from Microsoft networks.

Another advantage is that you can directly prevent Windows from downloading and installing updates for pre-installed applications or any bloatware. In fact, if you connect your PC to the internet from the very beginning with your Microsoft account, these types of applications, which are of no use to us, will begin installing and updating. Windows itself includes games, streaming services, and promotional apps that take up our space and, ultimately, are of no use to us.

And we're not just talking about updates to installed applications; Windows also directly updates the version of its operating system itself with an online account. This causes it to begin downloading patches and drivers in the background throughout the operating system installation process. And, ultimately, it can cause errors or lead us directly to Windows updates riddled with bugs yet to be ironed out by Microsoft itself.

Finally, if you're working within a company or any educational institution, this offline method will allow us to configure a large number of computers much more quickly and independently. This, from the outset, allows us to have a more controlled and secure environment for all users.