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Windows 11’s first-run setup is called the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE). If you are stuck at its network screen, first try Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or—on a device with an active SIM—cellular data. Microsoft says Windows 11 Home requires an internet connection to complete OOBE, so an offline bypass is not a dependable option for every PC. The screens and their order vary by device and setup conditions.
Find out which part of setup is blocking you
OOBE is the series of first-run screens for choices such as language, region, keyboard, connectivity, account, and privacy. The exact screens and sequence can vary, and the PC may restart during setup. Identify the screen in front of you before trying a workaround: a network problem, account sign-in, restart or update, and work-or-school enrollment are different issues. Microsoft’s OOBE overview describes the flow and its variability.
If you are stuck at the network screen, try a connection first
Use whichever supported connection is available. Microsoft’s OOBE guidance says an internet-connected wired connection can cause Windows to skip the network page. Wi-Fi is another option; an LTE-capable PC with an active SIM may also be able to use cellular data during setup. See Microsoft’s OOBE screen details.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors- Wi-Fi: Select the available network and enter its password. If the network is absent, check that the router is working and that the PC is within range.
- Ethernet: Connect the PC to a router or modem with an Ethernet cable if both have compatible ports. If the PC lacks an Ethernet port, a compatible adapter may be needed. This is a way to get online, not a way around edition or account requirements.
- Cellular: If the PC supports LTE and has an active SIM and service, check whether cellular connectivity is available in setup.
If the connection fails, check the network or router and try another available connection. For Windows 11 Home, Microsoft states that internet connectivity is required to complete OOBE; do not assume setup will finish offline.
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- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
What about the Shift+F10 and OOBEBYPASSNRO workaround?
A Microsoft Q&A response dated January 15, 2025 describes pressing Shift+F10 during setup and entering OOBEBYPASSNRO to expose an offline option. This is version-dependent, community-described guidance—not a guarantee that the command works on every current Windows 11 build. The official OOBE documentation cited here does not establish that it is universally available. If it does not work, use an internet connection or contact the PC’s administrator if the device is managed.
Source: Microsoft Q&A, answer dated January 15, 2025.
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For a work or school PC, do not bypass enrollment
A device showing an organization sign-in or enrollment screen may be configured for Windows Autopilot or another managed setup. Follow your organization’s instructions or ask its IT administrator rather than trying to skip enrollment. Autopilot relies on internet services and may require specific network access; on a restrictive network, setup may fail until the required access is available. Microsoft documents these dependencies in its Windows Autopilot requirements.
Why IT deployment instructions are different
Microsoft documents answer-file and deployment settings, including HideWirelessSetupInOOBE, that administrators and OEMs can use to configure or hide parts of OOBE. These are deployment options for managed device preparation, not a general consumer procedure for completing a new PC setup offline. Microsoft also documents that a machine with wired internet can skip the network page: HideWirelessSetupInOOBE.
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- OEM IS TO BE INSTALLED ON A NEW PC with no prior version of Windows installed and cannot be transferred to another machine.
- OEM DOES NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT | To acquire product with Microsoft support, obtain the full packaged “Retail” version.
- PRODUCT SHIPS IN PLAIN ENVELOPE | Activation key is located under scratch-off area on label.
- GENUINE WINDOWS SOFTWARE IS BRANDED BY MIRCOSOFT ONLY.
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