Since according to AveYo (thanks for this) this is only temporarily integrated into Windows 11 by Microsoft, one can assume that this command will not work for much longer. I truly hope it remains.

oobe\bypassnro

Then you can reactivate the Internet connection and add a password to the account, as well as make all other settings.

Alternative Workaround that should remain feasible, more trouble than the simple above command:

If the Internet is disabled, you start the reinstallation of Windows 11. You get to the window: "Unfortunately you have lost the Internet connection". From here it starts. Replace "User Name" with whatever you wish to use for the account:

Press Shift + F10. The command prompt opens

net.exe user "User Name" /add

net.exe localgroup "Administrators" "User Name" /add

cd OOBE

msoobe.exe && shutdown.exe -r

Windows will now restart and start with the other settings until Windows 11 is installed correctly with a local account.

When logging in, "The user name or password is incorrect" now appears.

Simply press OK and select the right account at the bottom left of screen. You should have one for Administrator and one for whatever name you used as "User Name" above.

Lets hope the simple oobe\bypassnro stays, as I have used both methods, and the first is by far the easiest.

Regards,

[I edited this message to remove the unnecessary content at the top. Please refrain from the personal attacks. - Jason]

Answer from Johnny55 on learn.microsoft.com
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/sysadmin › windows 11 bypass oobe when bypassnro doesn't do the trick
r/sysadmin on Reddit: Windows 11 Bypass OOBE When bypassNRO Doesn't Do the Trick
March 14, 2025 -

Latest and fastest way I found to bypass Windows 11 OOBE, no need to run ipconfig /release or setup a Microsoft account.

EDIT:

Even with the latest Windows 11 updates THIS METHOD IS STILL THE BEST!!

Watch this in action: https://youtu.be/MXrYXH-ueIQ

Use a command prompt to create a local account during OOBE and then skip it completely:

  1. SHIFT + F10 (or SHIFT + FN + F10 on some Dell PC's)

  2. net.exe user 'username' 'password' /add *I recommend entering a password but it is optional*

  3. net.exe localgroup Administrators 'username' /add

  4. cd oobe

  5. msoobe.exe && shutdown.exe -r

Top answer
1 of 4
346

Since according to AveYo (thanks for this) this is only temporarily integrated into Windows 11 by Microsoft, one can assume that this command will not work for much longer. I truly hope it remains.

oobe\bypassnro

Then you can reactivate the Internet connection and add a password to the account, as well as make all other settings.

Alternative Workaround that should remain feasible, more trouble than the simple above command:

If the Internet is disabled, you start the reinstallation of Windows 11. You get to the window: "Unfortunately you have lost the Internet connection". From here it starts. Replace "User Name" with whatever you wish to use for the account:

Press Shift + F10. The command prompt opens

net.exe user "User Name" /add

net.exe localgroup "Administrators" "User Name" /add

cd OOBE

msoobe.exe && shutdown.exe -r

Windows will now restart and start with the other settings until Windows 11 is installed correctly with a local account.

When logging in, "The user name or password is incorrect" now appears.

Simply press OK and select the right account at the bottom left of screen. You should have one for Administrator and one for whatever name you used as "User Name" above.

Lets hope the simple oobe\bypassnro stays, as I have used both methods, and the first is by far the easiest.

Regards,

[I edited this message to remove the unnecessary content at the top. Please refrain from the personal attacks. - Jason]

2 of 4
60

Great piece of info, will save it for future use

Discussions

Suggestion: Write how to OOBE/bypassnro in the quick start guide - General Topics - Framework Community
It’s so backward for an OS to have an internet connection and a Microsoft account to simply startup your own computer. Everyone should know how to bypass it: Disconnect your net connection, Shift+F10, type "OOBE/BYPASSNRO, hit enter, restart. Write it into user’s manual/quick start guide ... More on community.frame.work
🌐 community.frame.work
1
February 4, 2024
How to get through OOBE without making a microsoft account.
If I recall, before I left the precinct, there was a way to get through it without having to pull up the command line. I cannot for the life of me remember it tho. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/GeekSquad
81
170
July 7, 2024
No access to CMD in OOBE on W11?
Shift+F10 still works fine for me on Win11. If you're on a laptop, they love make you have to hit the Function key first, so it might be Fn+Shift+F10. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/Intune
7
1
August 6, 2024
Topic: Windows 11 – OOBE skip internet check @ AskWoody
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... More on askwoody.com
🌐 askwoody.com
🌐
AskWoody
askwoody.com › home › forums › newsletter and homepage topics › how to get through microsoft’s sneaky windows setup
Topic: How to get through Microsoft’s sneaky Windows setup @ AskWoody
My recent install of Windows 11 22H2 only required the following to skip the online account setup: When you reach the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen with the grayed-out Next button: ... This will execute the OOBE BypassNRO command, bypassing the network requirement during Windows 11 setup.
🌐
Microsoft Learn
learn.microsoft.com › en-us › windows-hardware › manufacture › desktop › windows-setup-command-line-options
Windows Setup Command-Line Options | Microsoft Learn
1 month ago - Path to folder that contains a script with the name setupcomplete.cmd. setupcomplete.cmd is copied to $Windows.~BT to be run after OOBE. ... Remarks This option is available starting in Windows 10. Support from WinPE starting in Windows 11, version 24H2.
🌐
Tom's Hardware
tomshardware.com › software › operating systems › windows
How to Install and Log In to Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account | Tom's Hardware
September 30, 2025 - For better or worse, the method of bypassing Windows 11's Microsoft account requirement is changing and so the steps you follow may vary based on which build of Windows you use. For the current release builds of Windows (as of April 2025), you may use the OOBE/BYPASSNRO method. However, for builds 26100 and 26200 and beyond (and eventually the next release build), you must use the start ms-cxh:localonly method, which is similar but requires a different command...
🌐
Eleven Forum
elevenforum.com › windows support forums › installation, updates and activation
(Needs Confirmation) I think Microsoft just disabled bringing up CMD during OOBE phase of Windows installation | Windows 11 Forum
June 28, 2025 - I just tried this with a 26100.4484 ISO image and I too get no command prompt by pressing SHIFT + F10. Note that earlier in setup SHIFT + F10 does work. But as Garlin noted, you can simply use an answer file. NOTE: If you still prefer to do a manual installation of windows, you can still do that.
🌐
IdeasAwakened
ideasawakened.com › post › microsoft-windows-11-local-account-oobe-bypassnro-fails
Workaround for Microsoft blocking BYPASSNRO script to setup a local account in Windows 11 | IdeasAwakened
March 30, 2025 - According to that insider blog ... future Windows 11 releases. If you try the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command in the newest Beta build, you will get the error Command not recognized. Fortunately, you still have some choices to continue the install process without using a Microsoft Account, as detailed below. The BypassNRO script is being removed, but the registry entry will still be supported (at least for now.) At a command prompt, type the ...
Find elsewhere
🌐
Eleven Forum
elevenforum.com › windows support forums › installation, updates and activation
oobe\bypassnro not working this time? | Windows 11 Forum
November 28, 2024 - Replace "User Name" with whatever you wish to use for the account: Press Shift + F10. The command prompt opens net.exe user "User Name" /add net.exe localgroup "Administrators" "User Name" /add cd OOBE msoobe.exe ...
🌐
Eleven Forum
elevenforum.com › windows support forums › general support
Win 11...no oobe | Windows 11 Forum
May 12, 2025 - Typing oobe\bypassnro is working on Windows 11 Pro, not Home. ... I believe Microsoft removed the cmd file. I think you can just add the reg still and reboot for the same effect reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f · Click to expand... BypassNRO doesn't get removed until 25H2 (or if you're on a newer Dev/Insider build). The file is actually "\Windows\System32\OOBE\BypassNRO.cmd". The reg command also works, but looking for the batch file is easier to remember.
🌐
Eleven Forum
elevenforum.com › windows support forums › installation, updates and activation
Brand new lenovo W11.....setting it up....no OOBE function... | Windows 11 Forum
June 22, 2024 - Started lenovo up get to the network screen...I use Shift+Fn+F10 and the CMD screen opens up...... BUT it will not allow me to type anything in at the command prompt..... It appears the Microsoft has cut off this method of setting up a Local Account and forces you into setting up a Microsoft...
🌐
Windows Central
windowscentral.com › microsoft › windows help
Setting up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account | Windows Central
September 24, 2025 - Use the "Shift + F10" keyboard shortcut to open Command Prompt on the first page of the initial setup. Type the following command to disable the internet connection requirement to set up Windows 11 and press Enter: oobe\bypassnro
🌐
Framework Community
community.frame.work › general topics
Suggestion: Write how to OOBE/bypassnro in the quick start guide - General Topics - Framework Community
February 4, 2024 - Everyone should know how to bypass it: Disconnect your net connection, Shift+F10, type "OOBE/BYPASSNRO, hit enter, restart. Write it into user’s manual/quick start guide so every user knows how to do it.
🌐
Eleven Forum
elevenforum.com › windows support forums › installation, updates and activation
Unable to run oobe or msoobe on clean Win 11 install | Windows 11 Forum
April 13, 2023 - If it matters, I'm trying to install ... Custom Install Windows 11 Tutorial says to use oobe \bypassnro or msoobe \bypassnro. If you don't have an Internet connection and none of the above worked for you, then press the Shift + F10 keys to open a command prompt....
🌐
4sysops
4sysops.com › home › blog › articles › install windows 10 / 11 22h2 without microsoft account
Install Windows 10 / 11 22H2 without Microsoft account – 4sysops
July 28, 2023 - Now run the following command at the command prompt: ... After you execute this command, your system will restart. Alternatively, you can run the following commands instead: reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE ...
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/geeksquad › how to get through oobe without making a microsoft account.
r/GeekSquad on Reddit: How to get through OOBE without making a microsoft account.
July 7, 2024 -

Hey not sure if anyone knows this yet or not but me and the boys at our precinct have been doing this for a while might help yalls workflow. Posted a video but put the steps down below.

  1. Click through until you get to the MS sign on page then click one step back.

  2. SHIFT + F10 or Function +SHIFT + F10 to open cmd

  3. Type Start ms-windows-store: press enter

  4. Go as if you are logging into a account then type user and any password can be a single letter. Once it errors out do not click next just exit.

  5. Go back to OOBE and click through as if you were continuing it should error and you can click skip this step.

  6. PARTY BECAUSE YOU BEAT MICROSOFT

🌐
AskWoody
askwoody.com › home › forums › askwoody support › windows › windows 11 › questions about windows 11 › windows 11 – oobe skip internet check
Topic: Windows 11 – OOBE skip internet check @ AskWoody
The Windows 11 setup wont let you ... 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......
🌐
Shopfront
support.onshopfront.com › hc › en-us › articles › 28885890746253-How-to-Bypass-the-Internet-and-Microsoft-Account-Requirement-During-Windows-11-Setup
How to Bypass the Internet and Microsoft Account Requirement During Windows 11 Setup? – Shopfront
To bypass the internet requirement ... screen that will appear is the language selection screen · 2. Press Shift + F10 on the keyboard to launch a command prompt (if this doesn't open the command prompt press Control + Shift ...
Top answer
1 of 4
345

Since according to AveYo (thanks for this) this is only temporarily integrated into Windows 11 by Microsoft, one can assume that this command will not work for much longer. I truly hope it remains.

oobe\bypassnro

Then you can reactivate the Internet connection and add a password to the account, as well as make all other settings.

Alternative Workaround that should remain feasible, more trouble than the simple above command:

If the Internet is disabled, you start the reinstallation of Windows 11. You get to the window: "Unfortunately you have lost the Internet connection". From here it starts. Replace "User Name" with whatever you wish to use for the account:

Press Shift + F10. The command prompt opens

net.exe user "User Name" /add

net.exe localgroup "Administrators" "User Name" /add

cd OOBE

msoobe.exe && shutdown.exe -r

Windows will now restart and start with the other settings until Windows 11 is installed correctly with a local account.

When logging in, "The user name or password is incorrect" now appears.

Simply press OK and select the right account at the bottom left of screen. You should have one for Administrator and one for whatever name you used as "User Name" above.

Lets hope the simple oobe\bypassnro stays, as I have used both methods, and the first is by far the easiest.

Regards,

[I edited this message to remove the unnecessary content at the top. Please refrain from the personal attacks. - Jason]

2 of 4
59

Great piece of info, will save it for future use

🌐
MakeUseOf
makeuseof.com › home › windows › how to install and set up windows 11 without an internet connection
How to Install and Set Up Windows 11 Without an Internet Connection
August 10, 2024 - In the setup screen, select your region and keyboard layout. ... Once in the Let's connect you to a network screen, press Shift + F10 to launch the Command Prompt. ... Now, your system will restart and relaunch the OOBE dialog.