Installing Windows 11 without using the Internet can get tricky yet very achievable. Through that, I also discovered many situations when users would like to install Windows 11 offline, maybe because they could not access any internet connection or to avoid the online setup steps involved. Here, I'll guide you on installing Windows 11 without connecting it to the Internet and even show the bypassing of the network step. Hence, your system gets up and running in no time. Let's dive into the steps!
Why You May Want to Install Windows 11 Without an Internet Connection
There are a couple of reasons as to why you would want to install Windows 11 without access to the Internet:
1. Lack of Internet Connection: In some areas or when setting up your PC in a place without stable internet access, you may need to install Windows offline.
2. Faster Installation: In instances where one would not want to set up a network and other time-consuming online processes, an offline installation may hasten the setup process.
3. Security Concerns: Some would want to install it offline to reduce the chances of security risks like malware or unauthorized access.
4. Privacy: At installation, you can skip auto data syncs, Microsoft account sign-in, and all the other data collection processes associated with online processes.
Whatever the reason, offline installation of Windows 11 is very possible if done correctly. Let's see how it is done.
How to Install Windows 11 Without Internet: A Step-by-Step Guide
While Windows 11 usually requires internet connectivity to complete the setup process, it is easy to skip the network setup and install the system without using the internet connection. The following steps will guide you through this process.
Step 1: Create Your Installation Media
These steps can be done with the aid of creation media, which could be used to install Windows 11 on your device. In addition, the creation media are created using either the Windows Media Creation Tool or third-party resources like Rufus. Here is how:
Windows 11 ISO Download:
1. download the Windows 11 ISO from the official Microsoft site.
2. Bootable USB Creation:. Insert a USB flash drive- at least 8GB in space.
3. Prepare the bootable USB stick using Media Creation Tool or any third-party application like Rufus.
The USB Drive is prepared for boot—provided your system has UEFI mode. Since you have already prepared your bootable USB, you can proceed with the installation steps.
Step 2: Boot from USB Drive
The catch is that to install Windows 11 offline, you must boot your PC from the newly created bootable USB. Here's how you do this:
1 . Insert the Bootable USB into the device you look forward to installing Windows 11.
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI Settings: Just after rebooting, press the key to access the BIOS/UEFI settings; it could be F2, F10, or DEL, depending on the motherboard.
3. Select Boot Order: Find and highlight the heading Boot Order or Boot Priority in the menu; select a USB drive to boot as your priority in booting the computer.
4 Save and Exit: Save the settings in BIOS/UEFI and exit it. From this point forward, the computer will be able to boot off of the USB.
Step 3: Run Installation Process
Once your system boots from the USB drive, Windows 11 installation will start. Follow the onscreen instructions to select your language, time zone, and keyboard preference.
Step 4: Skip Network Setup During Installation
While installing, when it asks for Network Setup, it asks to connect with Wi-Fi or Ethernet. For installing Windows 11 without using the Internet, follow these steps to skip the network setup:
1. Wait for Network Setup to Appear: When you reach that point during the installation where it asks you to connect to a network, wait for a couple of seconds until you see the option to connect to a network appear.
2. Apply "Skip" or "I don't have internet" Option:
Look for an option saying, "I don't have internet" or "Skip for now." Microsoft has added this option to enable users to continue with the installation process without having access to the Internet.
3. Proceed with the Creation of a Local Account:
Once you select the skip internet option, you will be redirected toward creating a local account instead of signing in with a Microsoft account.
Follow the onscreen prompts to set up a local user account: create a username and password, or leave out the password if you want one.
Step 5: Finish the Installation
Once network setup has been skipped, the remaining prompts to complete the installation will be followed: select your region, acknowledge the license agreement, and change the privacy settings.
You can now install Windows 11 at this stage without accessing the Internet.
Troubleshooting Tips for Installing Windows 11 Without Internet
While most of the offline installations of Windows 11 occur smoothly, a few issues may arise. Here are some tips for overcoming such common problems:
Network Drivers Not Present: Sometimes, when some system requires network drivers, and they are not present in the installation media, the user has to download and install them separately afterward.
Non-Skippable Network Setup: If you don't have an "I don't have internet" option, then it might be a problem with your installation media or your device's settings. Make sure that the media was created properly and that your device's BIOS is updated.
Windows Updates: You cannot get even a single Windows update without an Internet connection. You must have connected to the Internet and downloaded the update, drivers, and Security patches.
Why Use WPS Office After Installing Windows 11?
Once Windows 11 is installed on your device, you'll need a reliable suite of office tools to maximize productivity. WPS Office is perfect for individuals and businesses who want seamless document creation, editing, and collaboration.
Here’s why WPS Office is the ideal companion for Windows 11:
1. Complete Office Suite: WPS Office offers an all-in-one solution, including a word processor (Writer), spreadsheet tool (Spreadsheets), and presentation software (Presentation).
2. Compatibility: WPS Office easily opens, edits, and shares all Microsoft Office file formats.
3. Cloud Integration: Even though you install the offline version of Windows 11, the WPS Office integrates well once you go online for file synchronization and backup.
4. AI-powered Tools: WPS Office includes a package of AI-powered tools that ensure grammar checks, style suggestions, and content enhancements, making it an intelligent method of optimizing documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Windows 11 be installed offline with no internet connection?
Yes, you can install Windows 11 without using the Internet. The trick is to skip the network setup during installation; hence, this would involve either an "I don't have the internet" option or "Skip for now" during the installation process.
2. What if I could not skip it while installing the OS?
That requires you to ensure your installation media is created correctly and allows you to install offline with the correct BIOS settings. You may want to try Rufus or any other installation tool again to make this bootable media.
3. Can I make a local account if I install Windows 11 without the Internet?
Yes, it is possible to create a local account if one skips network setup during installation; this would allow you to sign in without a Microsoft account. You can use Windows 11 in such cases.
Summary
You can install Windows 11 without using the Internet, and following appropriate steps will be constructive in skipping the network setup during installation. You can have perfect, fully running Windows 11 without any hassle by making a bootable USB, choosing the offline option, and finishing the setup with a local account. Once your system is ready, you should try WPS Office for all your document needs: creating, editing, and managing files; WPS Office has it all for you.
