How to Use the Built-In “OOBE\BYPASSNRO” Command to Install Windows 11 Without Internet Access
Microsoft has increasingly emphasized cloud-connected setup flows in Windows 11, including prompts that guide users toward signing in with a Microsoft Account. While this works well for most consumer scenarios, many IT professionals, technicians, and power users still need the flexibility to install Windows 11 offline. Whether you are provisioning devices in a secure environment, performing lab testing, or working in a location without network availability, the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command is the most reliable built-in method to bypass the network requirement.
This blog post explains what the command does, how to use it, and why it remains an important capability for controlled or offline deployment workflows.
What Is OOBE\BYPASSNRO?
OOBE refers to the Windows Out-of-Box Experience, the interactive setup process you encounter after booting a system for the first time or after installing the operating system.
The BYPASSNRO switch instructs OOBE to restart with the “network requirement override” enabled. In practical terms, this means the system will allow you to proceed with the installation without connecting to the internet and will expose the option to configure a local account.
Importantly, this is a first-party Microsoft-provided mechanism, not a hack or unsupported modification. It is intended for IT administrators, technicians, and scenarios where connectivity is unavailable or undesirable during initial setup.
When You Should Use This Method
The OOBE\BYPASSNRO command is helpful in several legitimate deployment contexts:
- Installing Windows 11 in an air-gapped or secure facility
- Preparing devices for offline imaging or custom provisioning
- Running test environments that require local-only accounts
- Deploying hardware in locations without reliable connectivity
- Avoiding cloud login requirements during the initial configuration stage
If you need a controlled setup experience without mandatory network configuration, this method is straightforward and reliable.
Step-by-Step: How to Use OOBE\BYPASSNRO
Follow the steps below during a Windows 11 installation or OOBE sequence.
1. Boot into Windows 11 Setup
Start your installation from USB or other installation media and proceed through the initial screens (region, keyboard, etc.) until you reach the network connection page.
2. Open the Command Prompt
Press the following key combination:
This opens a command prompt window on top of the setup interface.
3. Run the Bypass Command
Type the command exactly as shown:
Press Enter.
4. Allow the System to Restart
The system will automatically reboot and re-enter the Windows Out-of-Box Experience with the network requirement override applied.
5. Complete Setup Offline
You will now see a new option such as:
- Continue with limited setup
- I don’t have internet
This enables you to proceed through the rest of the setup process, including creating a local user account, without requiring an internet connection.
What Happens After Installation?
Once you reach the Windows desktop, the system operates normally. You may connect to the internet at any time to:
- Install Windows updates
- Access Microsoft Store
- Activate Microsoft services
- Switch to a Microsoft account, if desired
Using OOBE\BYPASSNRO does not restrict functionality or alter Windows behavior after installation.
Best Practices for IT Administrators and Power Users
While the command is extremely useful for one-off installations, organizations performing large-scale deployments should consider:
- Creating standardized deployment images
- Using answer files (unattend.xml) to automate offline setup
- Leveraging MDT or Configuration Manager for controlled rollouts
- Applying provisioning packages when needed
OOBE\BYPASSNRO is an essential tool for technicians, but structured deployment strategies offer better repeatability in enterprise environments.
Conclusion
The OOBE\BYPASSNRO command remains one of the most effective and fully supported ways to install Windows 11 without an internet connection. It enables users and IT professionals to maintain control over the setup process, especially in environments where network access is restricted or unavailable.
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