You can set up Windows 11 without internet, but the process depends on whether you have a Microsoft account or a local account

Windows 11 will push you toward signing in with a Microsoft account during setup, but you can create a local account instead and skip the internet requirement entirely. A local account works only on that one computer — you won't sync settings across devices or access OneDrive — but it gets Windows running and usable right away. The setup process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and requires only a keyboard and monitor.

If you do have internet available later, you can add a Microsoft account to your local account without reinstalling Windows. This guide covers the offline path from start to finish, including the specific key presses that let you bypass Microsoft's account screens.

Key Takeaways

  • During Windows 11 setup, you can press Shift+F10 to open Command Prompt and disconnect from any network, forcing the local account option to appear.
  • A local account lets you use Windows fully but won't sync your settings, photos, or files across multiple devices.
  • You need only a keyboard, monitor, and the Windows 11 installation media — no internet connection is required for the initial setup.
  • After setup is complete, you can connect to internet and add a Microsoft account to your local account without losing your files or settings.
  • Windows 11 will periodically remind you to sign in with a Microsoft account, but these reminders do not prevent you from using your computer.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin: a computer with Windows 11 installation media (a USB drive or DVD with Windows 11 on it), a keyboard, a monitor or display, and a power cable. You do not need an internet connection, a mouse (though one makes things easier), or a Microsoft account.

If you don't have Windows 11 installation media yet, you'll need to create it on a different computer that does have internet. Use the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website on any computer with internet access, follow the prompts to write Windows 11 to a USB drive, then bring that drive to the computer you want to set up.

Insert the installation media and start the setup

Plug the USB drive or DVD into your computer and turn it on. The computer should boot from the installation media automatically — you'll see the Windows logo and then a "Windows Setup" screen asking you to choose your language and keyboard layout. Select your language and keyboard type, then click Next.

On the next screen, click Install Now. Windows will load files and show you the license terms. Read through them (or don't), check the box that says you accept the license terms, and click Next again. The setup will ask where you want to install Windows — select your main hard drive and click Next. Windows will now copy files and install, which takes 5 to 10 minutes. Your computer will restart several times; this is normal.

Disconnect from the network when the account screen appears

After the files finish installing, Windows will restart and show you a screen asking you to connect to a network. This is the critical step: do not connect to Wi-Fi or ethernet, even if the option is available. If your computer is already connected to a network, you need to disconnect it now.

Once you're certain there's no network connection, Windows will eventually show you a screen that says "Let's connect you to a network" with a Next button. At this point, press Shift+F10 on your keyboard. A black Command Prompt window will open. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter. This command tells Windows you've disconnected from the network. Close the Command Prompt window by typing exit and pressing Enter.

Click Next on the network screen. Windows will try to connect, fail, and then offer you the option to "Continue with limited setup" or "Set up for personal use." Click Continue with limited setup. This is the path that lets you create a local account without a Microsoft account.

Create your local account

Windows will now ask you to create an account. You'll see a field for "Who's going to use this PC?" — type in any name you want for your account. This can be your name, a nickname, or anything else. Click Next.

The next screen asks for a password. You can leave this blank and click Next without entering anything, which means you won't need a password to log in. If you want a password for security, type one in, click Next, and then re-enter it to confirm. Either way, click Next to continue.

Windows will ask a few privacy questions about whether you want to share diagnostic data and activity history. You can answer however you prefer — these don't affect whether your account works. Click Next after each one. Windows will then finish setup, apply some final settings, and show you the desktop. This takes another 5 to 10 minutes.

Complete setup and log in

Once you see the Windows 11 desktop with the taskbar at the bottom, setup is complete. Your local account is now active and you can use Windows normally — open apps, create files, install programs, and change settings. Everything works the same as it would with a Microsoft account, except your settings and files won't sync to other devices.

Windows may show you notifications asking you to sign in with a Microsoft account or to connect to the internet. You can dismiss these by clicking the X or just ignoring them. They won't prevent you from using your computer.

Add internet and a Microsoft account later (optional)

If you get internet access later and want to add a Microsoft account to your computer, you don't need to reinstall Windows. Open Settings (right-click the Start button and select it, or press Windows key + I). Go to Accounts on the left, then click Your info. Click Sign in with a Microsoft account instead, enter your Microsoft email and password, and follow the prompts. Your local account files and settings will stay exactly as they are.

If you don't have a Microsoft account, you can create one for free at outlook.com or microsoft.com before you start this process. You'll need an email address and a password.

Troubleshooting common problems

If Windows keeps asking you to connect to the network and won't let you continue, make sure you actually disconnected. Unplug the ethernet cable if one is plugged in, or turn off Wi-Fi in your computer's settings. Then try the Shift+F10 command again and follow the steps above.

If you see a screen that says "This PC can't run Windows 11" or shows an error about your hardware, your computer may not meet Windows 11's system requirements. Windows 11 requires a processor from roughly 2017 or newer, at least 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage. If your computer is older, you may need to use Windows 10 instead, which has a simpler offline setup process.

If you forget your password and didn't write it down, you can reset it by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and clicking Password > Change. Windows will ask you to enter your current password first, so if you've truly forgotten it, you'll need to reinstall Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a product key to set up Windows 11 without internet?

No. Windows 11 will install and run without a product key. You may see a watermark on your desktop saying "Activate Windows," but this doesn't prevent you from using any features. If you have a product key later, you can enter it in Settings > System > Activation to remove the watermark.

Can I use a mouse during setup if I don't have one right now?

Yes. Setup works entirely with a keyboard. Use Tab to move between fields, Enter to click buttons, and arrow keys to select options. Once Windows is installed, you can plug in a mouse and it will work immediately.

What's the difference between a local account and a Microsoft account?

A local account only exists on that one computer. A Microsoft account syncs your settings, photos, and files to Microsoft's servers, so you can access them on other devices. For offline setup, a local account is simpler and doesn't require internet.

Will I lose my files if I add a Microsoft account later?

No. Adding a Microsoft account to your local account doesn't delete anything. Your files, programs, and settings stay exactly where they are. The Microsoft account just adds the ability to sync across devices.

What if my computer is already running an older version of Windows?

You can still install Windows 11 from a USB drive without internet by following these same steps. The installer will wipe the old Windows and replace it with Windows 11. Make sure you back up any files you want to keep before you start.