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10 Tech How-To

Install Windows 11 23H2 Without Internet or Microsoft Account

Guide 10-30753 · Updated · Step by step

Yes, you can install Windows 11 23H2 without an internet connection and without a Microsoft account, but you must use a local account and work around the setup requirements. The official setup normally demands internet and a Microsoft account for the Home edition, but there are built-in and command-line methods to bypass both.

Why Microsoft Requires Internet and an Account

Windows 11 Home and Pro setup expects an internet connection and a Microsoft account for several reasons. Microsoft wants to sync settings across devices, enable OneDrive backups, and make it easier to recover your account if you forget your password. The setup also checks for updates during installation, which requires a network. For most users this is convenient, but it can be a problem if you have no internet, prefer privacy, or are setting up a computer for a child or a shared kiosk.

The good news is that Microsoft does not actually require these for the operating system to function. You can create a local account that exists only on that PC, and you can install without any network connection. The workarounds are simple, but they differ slightly depending on which edition of Windows 11 you have.

What You Need Before You Start

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

  • A Windows 11 23H2 installation USB drive or ISO file. You can create this on another computer using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool or by downloading the ISO directly.
  • A PC that meets Windows 11’s minimum hardware requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot capable, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage).
  • If you are using a USB drive, make sure it is at least 8GB and empty.
  • If you plan to bypass the TPM/CPU check, you will need to edit the registry during setup (detailed below).

You do not need an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi adapter for this method. In fact, disconnecting from the network makes the process easier because setup will not try to force you to connect.

Method 1: Disconnect from the Internet and Use Shift+F10

This is the simplest method for most users. It works on Windows 11 Home and Pro, and it does not require any special tools.

  1. Boot from your Windows 11 installation USB drive.
  2. When you reach the screen that asks you to connect to a network, do not connect. If you have an Ethernet cable plugged in, unplug it. If you are on Wi-Fi, do not select a network.
  3. Press Shift+F10 on your keyboard. This opens a Command Prompt window.
  4. Type oobe\bypassnro and press Enter. The computer will restart, and setup will continue.
  5. After the restart, you will see a screen that says “How would you like to set up this device?” with options for “Set up for personal use” and “Set up for work or school”. Choose “Set up for personal use”.
  6. On the next screen, you will see a button that says “Domain join instead”. Click it. This is the official way to create a local account.
  7. Enter a username, password (optional), and security questions. That’s it – you now have a local account.

If the oobe\bypassnro command does not work (it was removed in some later builds of 23H2), you can use the alternative method below.

Method 2: Use the Registry Editor to Bypass the Network Requirement

If the Shift+F10 trick does not work, you can edit the registry during setup. This method also works on all editions.

  1. Boot from your installation media and start setup as usual.
  2. When you reach the network connection screen, press Shift+F10 to open Command Prompt.
  3. Type regedit and press Enter.
  4. In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE.
  5. Right-click on the OOBE key, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  6. Name it BypassNRO and set its value to 1.
  7. Close the Registry Editor, then type exit in the Command Prompt and press Enter.
  8. You will be returned to the setup screen. Click the back arrow, then click forward again. You should now see an option to “I don’t have internet” or a button to create a local account.

This registry edit tells Windows to skip the network requirement entirely. It is safe and does not affect the final system.

Method 3: Use the Command Prompt to Create a Local Account

If you are already in the setup and you have managed to get past the network screen but are stuck at the Microsoft account sign-in, you can use Command Prompt to create a local account directly.

  1. At the Microsoft account sign-in screen, press Shift+F10 to open Command Prompt.
  2. Type net user username password /add and press Enter. Replace “username” and “password” with your desired credentials.
  3. Type net localgroup administrators username /add and press Enter. This makes the new account an administrator.
  4. Close Command Prompt and continue with setup. You may need to restart the PC.

This method is a bit more technical, but it works if you are comfortable with command-line commands.

What If You Have Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise?

If you are installing Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you have an even easier option. During setup, when you reach the Microsoft account sign-in screen, look for a link that says “Sign-in options” or “Domain join instead”. Clicking “Domain join instead” will let you create a local account without any command-line tricks. This is because Microsoft only forces the Microsoft account requirement on the Home edition. For Pro and above, the local account option is still officially available.

What About Bypassing TPM and CPU Checks?

If your PC does not meet the strict hardware requirements (like TPM 2.0 or a supported CPU), you can still install Windows 11 23H2, but you must bypass those checks during setup. The process is similar to the network bypass.

  1. At the first setup screen (where you choose language), press Shift+F10 to open Command Prompt.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter.
  3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup.
  4. Right-click on the Setup key, select New > Key, and name it LabConfig.
  5. Inside LabConfig, create the following DWORD values, all set to 1:
    • BypassTPMCheck
    • BypassSecureBootCheck
    • BypassRAMCheck
    • BypassCPUCheck
    • BypassStorageCheck
  6. Close the Registry Editor and exit Command Prompt. Continue with setup – the checks will be skipped.

This method is widely used, but note that Microsoft does not officially support running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. You may not receive updates, and the system might be less stable. Use it only if you understand the risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I miss out on features if I use a local account?

No. You can use all core features of Windows 11, including the Start menu, apps, and settings. You will not have OneDrive sync, cross-device settings, or the Microsoft Store’s automatic sign-in, but you can still use the Store by signing in later if you want. You can also switch to a Microsoft account at any time after installation.

Can I install Windows 11 23H2 without a USB drive?

Yes, you can mount the ISO file directly in Windows 10 or 11 and run setup.exe from there. However, if you are doing a clean install on a blank hard drive, you will need a bootable USB or DVD.

What if I already have Windows 10 and want to upgrade without internet?

If you are upgrading from Windows 10, you can run the setup from the ISO while offline. The upgrade process does not require a Microsoft account – it keeps your existing local account. Just make sure your Windows 10 installation is activated and you have a valid license.

Is it legal to bypass the Microsoft account requirement?

Yes. Microsoft does not prohibit creating a local account. The bypass methods are simply workarounds to access an option that Microsoft has hidden in the setup flow. You are not cracking or pirating anything – you are using the operating system as intended, just with a local account.

Will I get Windows updates if I use a local account?

Yes. Windows Update works the same regardless of whether you use a local or Microsoft account. You will receive security and feature updates as long as your hardware is supported.

What if I accidentally connected to the internet during setup?

If you already connected, you can disconnect and restart the setup. The bypass commands still work even if you have connected, but it is easier to do it before you connect. If you are already past the network screen, you can use the registry method or the net user command to create a local account.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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