Windows 11 – OOBE skip internet check

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We started to rollout Windows 11 for a customer and I want to share, how to skip the connection check while setting Windows 11 machine for the first time.

The Windows 11 setup wont let you do your initial setting offline and requires internet connection (I have a really strong feeling that somebody in Microsoft just lost his/her mind when he/she introduced this “innovation”, its not about security, its about forcing users to share their data).

If you get to the screen, where connection is required, press SHIFT+F10 and Command Prompt will open.

Type OOBE\BYPASSNRO and press ENTER. The process will begin again and this time, it will show “I dont have an internet access” button.

Hope this will help somebody, who is struggling.

Dell Latitude 3420, Intel Core i7 @ 2.8 GHz, 16GB RAM, W10 22H2 Enterprise

HAL3000, AMD Athlon 200GE @ 3,4 GHz, 8GB RAM, Fedora 29

PRUSA i3 MK3S+

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WSgarnh, WSraysig, windbg, zat_so, Cybertooth, WSdabble, TechTango, steeviebops, RetiredGeek, John, joep517

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OMG you’re a life saver! This works!

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It didn’t work. It said OOBE wasn’t a command

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That’s because you added a space after OOBE or used a forward slash. Type it exactly as shown above.

The command is actually “look in the OOBE folder for a file called BYPASSNRO and run it. It only works from the “Windows\System32” folder, which is where you are dumped when you open the Command Prompt via Shift F10.

cheers, Paul

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windbg

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You can simply disconnect your ethernet cable on the computer you’re updating.

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Fn-Shift-F10 is DISABLED on my install… is there a new pass-thru….?

CMD is unallow Microsoft program hahahaaha

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use fake email address  “no@thankyou.com” with any password.

Susan Bradley wrote:

I put in no@thankyou.com with any password. It says the account was locked and for me to try again. I get that screen. I hit try again – again the try again button came up. I did it three times and it went on with the install with a local account/no password. It still works with the no@thankyou.com trick. Windows 11 home .

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I just read that Microsoft has disabled the fake e-mail bypass trick. They are attempting to force everyone to have a Microsoft account whether you want it or not. The same story says that the oobe\bypassnro trick should still work. I have not tested it, so I cannot vouch for it either way. That’s just what I heard. (Source: Computer World)

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Got a link?

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Possibly based on this from Windows Central about 24H2:

Microsoft might have blocked a sneaky bypass that let you setup Windows 11 without a Microsoft Account

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Cybertooth

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OldGuyForum wrote:

You can simply disconnect your ethernet cable on the computer you’re updating.

Just last night I was wondering how the “skip Internet check” process would work in newer laptops that don’t have Ethernet ports, but connect only via wireless: At some point, the owner setting up their new machine will have to enter the Wi-Fi network password to register and activate Windows. Can such new owner ignore Wi-Fi password prompts and continue on their merry way to finish setting up their new Windows machine?

At least there still seems to be the “no@thankyou.com” route.

 

Keep Running Windows 7 Safely for Years to Come  
Make Windows 10 look and work like Windows 7

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Most laptops have an “airplane mode” key which will disconnect WiFi. Turning off “airplane mode” reconnects WiFi.

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Cybertooth

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There is no working. Ethernet disconnected, oobe bypass done, but you can’t see I don’t have internet. You can’t pass windows installation without Internet anymore….

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That is the alleged purpose of the oobe\bypassnro command. It adds an option to that Internet connection screen that lets you skip the Internet connection.

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I had occasion to set up a brand-new HP laptop for our chess club today. We had no desire to set up a Microsoft Account on it.

The laptop lacks an Ethernet port, so it can only connect to the Internet via WiFi. Disabling wireless (setting Airplane Mode) did not work: the OOBE process would not continue if wireless was disabled.

After re-enabling wireless, we were offered no way in the GUI to decline proceeding without setting up a Microsoft Account. It merely showed a list of available wireless networks and asked that we select one.

However, the Shift+F10 and OOBE\BYPASSNRO method did do the trick and after a reboot we were allowed to continue with a local account.

We did not get to the no@thankyou.com stage, which would have been our final fallback position had the Shift+F10 option also failed.

 

Keep Running Windows 7 Safely for Years to Come  
Make Windows 10 look and work like Windows 7

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windbg, Phil F

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I just tried this on a friends Lenovo IdeaPad that wouldn’t boot. After all else failed I booted from a fresh USB with Win 11 23H2 and the bypass trick worked like a charm.

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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well hellsbells and holy hallelujah this works. i hadnt been able to start my hp laptop in an eon. nothing else i tried helped. rock on with ya bad self.

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ctrl+shift+F3 bypasses OOBE and logs in using the builtin Administrator account

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Seems the old tricks have been blocked.

I happen to have installed a new pc with Windows 11 last week. The usual tricks to bypass a Microsoft account didn’t work, so I disabled LAN and Wifi in the BIOS and then I could create a local account.

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windbg, bbearren

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SHIFT+F10 did not work for me. I have to connect to the Internet. Sorry I did see and try the other options recommended here until now.

The Microsoft Account Bypass didn’t work, as noted in 2678102 & 2678178. (I tried a number of times, there has been a change. After the “Oops, something went wrong” it does not let you set up a local account. Instead it ask to setup a Microsoft Account.)

What I did instead, was near the beginning of the Microsoft Account Bypass, don’t “Set up for personal use” but “Set up for work or school”. Then follow the follow the instructions for doing a Local Account setup. Not fully sure if this is it or the fact I tried so many times but I have Windows 11 Local Accounts only.

This was on a Dell, Windows 11 Pro.

Maybe this will helps someone.

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IT Manager Geek

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Cybertooth wrote:

I had occasion to set up a brand-new HP laptop for our chess club today. We had no desire to set up a Microsoft Account on it.

The laptop lacks an Ethernet port, so it can only connect to the Internet via WiFi. Disabling wireless (setting Airplane Mode) did not work: the OOBE process would not continue if wireless was disabled.

After re-enabling wireless, we were offered no way in the GUI to decline proceeding without setting up a Microsoft Account. It merely showed a list of available wireless networks and asked that we select one.

However, the Shift+F10 and OOBE\BYPASSNRO method did do the trick and after a reboot we were allowed to continue with a local account.

We did not get to the no@thankyou.com stage, which would have been our final fallback position had the Shift+F10 option also failed.

 

I set up another brand-new Windows 11 Home laptop today, for a friend.

Unfortunately, as it was also a social setting, I missed the exact recommended moment for using the Shift+F10 and OOBE\BYPASSNRO method. The laptop got connected to Wi-Fi and the downloading of Windows updates began automatically. Doing Shift+F10 and OOBE\BYPASSNRO at this point did reboot the computer, but it didn’t enable us to avoid the Microsoft Account sign-in step.

The no@thankyou.com or a@a.com method didn’t work either. I was starting to consider making the suggestion to nuke the Windows installation for Linux, when I got the idea to turn off the Wi-Fi. So I hit the power button to shut down the laptop, had the Wi-Fi turned off, and then rebooted. This time, Setup proceeded to ask for a name for the computer and a password, and we skipped the password part.

The PC then finished booting into the Windows Desktop and we were in a local Administrator account–exactly what we’d been shooting for. So while there was no visual indication that this is what was going to happen, it did happen.

I can’t be sure that the Shift+F10 and OOBE\BYPASSNRO method still does or no longer does work, since we didn’t apply it at the precise point in the process. But it’s good to know that, despite this, users installing Windows 11 can turn off Wi-Fi to get past the MSA demands.

Bottom line: While you still need to have the computer connected to the Internet to get the initial setup process going, later on you can still disconnect from the Internet to get around the MSA stuff.

 

Keep Running Windows 7 Safely for Years to Come  
Make Windows 10 look and work like Windows 7

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Cybertooth wrote:

Unfortunately, as it was also a social setting, I missed the exact recommended moment for using the Shift+F10 and OOBE\BYPASSNRO method. The laptop got connected to Wi-Fi and the downloading of Windows updates began automatically. Doing Shift+F10 and OOBE\BYPASSNRO at this point did reboot the computer, but it didn’t enable us to avoid the Microsoft Account sign-in step.

I have been working on a couple of my computers, setting up Win11, and trying to figure out a few problems I’ve had upgrading. (No problem with clean installs.)

I setup one machine with a local account by selecting Enterprise and disconnecting from the Internet. I think I did the same as you with OOBE/BYPASSNRO.

But, this is the solution I recommend using. If you download the iso and make a usb disk with Rufus, it gives you the option to make a local account (amongst a few other goodies). You don’t have to do a thing. It sets up the local account perfectly. I used this on a second machine.

I just checked off all the boxes except the regional setting:

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Paul T

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https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-from-a-local-account-to-a-microsoft-account-395203bf-9f1b-eb24-b042-5b8dae6c1d20

You can use the Settings app to switch your Microsoft account to a local account.

Important: Microsoft recommends using a Microsoft account, not a local account, when signing in to Windows. Using a Microsoft account in Windows allows for seamless integration of Microsoft services, enhanced security, and sync across devices, unlike a local account.

In the Settings app on your Windows device, select Accounts > Your info, or use the following shortcut:

Your info

Select Sign in with a local account instead. You’ll see this link only if you’re using a Microsoft account

Type the username, password, and password hint. The username must be different than any others on the device

Select Next, then select Sign out and finish. Sign back in with your new local account”

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“You can use the Settings app to switch your Microsoft account to a local account.”

Microsoft has removed the section of switching Microsoft account to a local account

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-from-a-local-account-to-a-microsoft-account-395203bf-9f1b-eb24-b042-5b8dae6c1d20

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TechTango, Cybertooth

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Alex5723 wrote:

Microsoft has removed the section of switching Microsoft account to a local account

Well, as of just a few minutes ago, it was there, right below the option to change from a Local account to a Microsoft account, so Microsoft must have (yet again!) changed their mind(s). Same link as you posted.

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Still there for me using FF128 4:26 CDT 7/21/2024

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Bob99

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I have a Lenovo laptop due to arrive today.  I do not want to set it up with a Microsoft account but after reading this thread it seems that the recommended way is to use Rufus with a Windows 11 .iso. That wipes the existing hard drive, replacing its content with a new Windows 11 installation right?  Doesn’t that negate warranties and tech support via the OEM Lenovo utilities?

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Peobody wrote:

I have a Lenovo laptop due to arrive today. I do not want to set it up with a Microsoft account but after reading this thread it seems that the recommended way is to use Rufus with a Windows 11 .iso.

Choose the “Work or school” option during the OOBE, then follow those prompts and you can setup with a local account.  This post, third paragraph.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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Peobody

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Pro only.

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OOBE worked.  I never saw a “work or school” option though.  I am astounded at how difficult it is to create and use just local accounts.  Even Edge is aggravatingly difficult to get past the MS account related screens.  Updates are downloading now.  Priority one will then be to get a different browser installed and then try to limit Edge as much as possible.

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How do I enable it again. Afterwards I can’t use ethernet anymore. It only allows wifi and I’m using a pc with no wifi access.

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How are you meant to read this if you don’t have a phone or something, if you havee no internet and you are stuck in the oobe?

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The best thing to have to fix a computer is another computer.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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wavy, windbg

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Susan Bradley wrote:

The best thing to have to fix a computer is another computer.

In my experience, that’s the next best thing.  The best thing is using dual boot; even better, the same OS build.

And my #1 tip for those of us who dual boot, include the EFI partition in your backup regimen.  Black screen/boot failure can be miraculously cured by booting recovery media (in my case TBWinRE USB) and restoring the known-good EFI partition.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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windbg

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bbearren wrote:

In my experience, that’s the next best thing.  The best thing is using dual boot; even better, the same OS build.

How do you fix one half while referring to the other half?

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Susan Bradley wrote:

The best thing to have to fix a computer is another computer.

Ain’t that the truth.

Transitioning from Win7 to Win10 I recall feeling like Microsoft had tied one hand behind my back by how it moved, changed, and hid things.  I’m feeling the same with the Win10 to Win11 transition.  My Win10 laptop sits beside the Win11 as the research device for how I can, or can’t, change behaviors in Win11.  I have yet to find the USB power management settings to see if something there is causing USB mouse movement to not wakeup the PC.

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YOU ARE A GENIUS – THANK YOU

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September 2024. OOBE still works. Just instead of typing the command type “cd oobe” and then you should able to see the bypassnro.cmd if you list the files using dir command. Run that

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Sumo wrote:

September 2024. OOBE still works. Just instead of typing the command type “cd oobe” and then you should able to see the bypassnro.cmd if you list the files using dir command. Run that

Bless your soul. Just recently posted too.

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Timely wrote:

Sumo wrote:

September 2024. OOBE still works. Just instead of typing the command type “cd oobe” and then you should able to see the bypassnro.cmd if you list the files using dir command. Run that

Bless your soul. Just recently posted too.

Just tried it by doing : cd oobe
then dir to see if there is a bypassnro.cmd inside and yes it is there.
while still being in the oobe path i typed : start bypassnro.cmd.
Seems to work but when the pc restart and comes back to the microsoft account part the “i don’t have internet” still don’t appear and i can’t use an offline account.
I did all that with no wi-fi connexion or ethernet cable plugged in.
Any queue ? Maybe i’m doing it wrong.

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otsdd wrote:

i typed : start bypassnro.cmd

The instructions above do not have “start” in them.
Try bypassnro on its own.

cheers, Paul

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Thank you

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1. force-ably boot to recovery
2. drill down to advance and finally to command prompt
3. from command prompt run regedit
4. under HKLM load hive for software from drive:\windows\system32\config\softwware
5. call it _Software
6. in _software loaded hive brows to Microsoft\windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE\
7. add new REG_DWORD “BypassNRO”
8. set its Value to 1
9. select the root of the loaded hive _software
10. unload the hive
11. exit regedit
12. exit command prompt
13. continue loading windows 11

note if you already connected the computer to the wifi – shut it off as it will connect back to it automatically

with no wifi it will give you the option to set with out wifi

forgot to mention – this should work if SHIFT-F10 is disabled (Like in S-MODE Win Home_)

Moderator Edit: to add last line that was forgotten.

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