Bypass Wi-Fi Setup: A Guide for Faster Windows Installation

In this guide, we will show you how to skip WiFi while installing Windows. Follow these simple steps to speed up the process and get your system running faster than ever.

Here is a quick step guide to skip WiFi while installing Windows:

• Press Shift + F10 during setup to open Command Prompt. Type OOBE\BYPASSNRO and hit Enter. Your PC will restart, showing the “I don’t have internet” option.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc during setup to open Task Manager. Locate “Network Connection Flow,” right-click it, and select “End Task” to bypass the Wi-Fi setup screen.

Continue read the full blog as this is just an overview of steps further in the blog, we have mentioned more methods with step-by-step instructions to skip WiFi while installing Windows.

Why skip WIFI while installing windows ?

Skipping Wi-Fi during installation can be beneficial for several reasons:

• Faster Installation: Firstly, bypassing the Wi-Fi setup can significantly reduce installation time, especially useful for slow connections or multiple devices.

• Offline Installation: Secondly, if you lack internet access or prefer offline installation, skipping Wi-Fi allows you to use local media like a USB drive or DVD.

• Troubleshooting Issues: Moreover, Wi-Fi connectivity problems can disrupt installation. Skipping Wi-Fi helps you troubleshoot these issues more easily.

• Customizing Settings: Furthermore, skipping Wi-Fi gives you greater control over the installation, allowing for customization without relying on online services.

• Privacy Concerns: Finally, many users prefer to install Windows offline to enhance privacy and security, minimizing personal data collection during the process.

Also Check: Why doesn’t the USB drive show up in Windows 10 ?

How to skip WIFI while installing Windows ?

In this section, we will explore effective methods to skip Wi-Fi during Windows installation, ensuring a faster and more efficient setup.

Method 1: Command Prompt

• Start Windows Installation: First, begin the Windows installation process as usual.

• Open Command Prompt: Next, when you reach the Wi-Fi setup screen, press Shift + F10. This will open the Command Prompt.

• Enter Bypass Command: Then, type the following command and press Enter: OOBE\BYPASSNRO

• Restart Your PC: Finally, your PC will restart automatically. After the restart, you will see an option that says “I don’t have internet.” Select this option to continue the installation without connecting to Wi-Fi.

Method 2: Using the “I Don’t Have Internet” Option

Furthermore, Windows 10 and 11 offer an option to skip network setup entirely during installation. Here’s the step-by-step:

• Start Installation: Firstly, boot from the Windows installation media and begin the installation process.

• Skip Wi-Fi Connection: Secondly, when you reach the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen, look for the “I don’t have internet” option at the bottom and click on it.

• Continue Without Internet: Finally, Windows will then prompt you to set up a local account instead. Complete the setup process without connecting to the internet.

Method 3: Task Manager

• Start Windows Installation: First, begin the installation process.

• Open Task Manager: Then, when you reach the Wi-Fi setup screen, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

• End Network Connection Flow: Subsequently, in the Task Manager window, look for a process named “Network Connection Flow.” Right-click on it and select “End Task.”

• Continue Installation: Lastly, after ending the task, the setup should allow you to proceed without connecting to Wi-Fi.

Method 4: Use a Local Account

• Start Windows Installation: Initially, begin the installation process.

• Reach the Account Setup Screen: Subsequently, when prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account, look for an option that says “Offline account” or “Limited experience.” This option may be located at the bottom of the screen.

• Select Offline Account: After that, click on “Offline account.” You may need to confirm that you want to proceed without a Microsoft account.

• Create a Local Account: Finally, follow the prompts to create a local user account. This method allows you to skip the Wi-Fi setup.

Method 5: Disconnect Ethernet Cable

• Start Windows Installation: Firstly, begin the installation process.

• Disconnect Ethernet Cable: Secondly, if you are using a wired connection, simply unplug the Ethernet cable from your device.

• Proceed with Installation: Lastly, when you reach the Wi-Fi setup screen, you should see an option to continue without connecting to the internet.

Method 6: Use a Bootable USB Drive

• Create a Bootable USB: To start, use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows installation files.

• Start Installation: Next, boot your PC from the USB drive.

• Skip Wi-Fi Setup: Finally, follow the installation prompts. When you reach the Wi-Fi setup screen, you can choose to skip it by selecting the appropriate option.  

Also Check: How to make a bootable Windows 11 USB ?

Troubleshooting Network Setup Issues

Sometimes, even when following the steps above, you may encounter issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Check Network Cables: First, ensure your Ethernet cable is properly connected.

• Restart Installation: Next, try restarting the installation process if you encounter persistent issues.

• Use a Different Network: Finally, if possible, switch to a different Ethernet network to see if it resolves the problem.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

Scenario 1: No Ethernet Port on Device

Furthermore, if your device lacks an Ethernet port, consider these solutions:

• Use a USB to Ethernet Adapter: First, these adapters allow you to connect an Ethernet cable to a USB port.

• Proceed with Command Prompt Method: Alternatively, use the Command Prompt method to disable the Wi-Fi adapter during installation.

Scenario 2: Need to Connect to Wi-Fi Later

Additionally, you might want to connect to Wi-Fi after installation. Here’s how:

• Open Network Settings: Initially, once the installation is complete, open Network & Internet settings from the Start Menu.

• Connect to Wi-Fi: Subsequently, select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password to connect.

\Also Check: How to open Command Prompt (CMD) in Windows ?

Conclusion

In conclusion, skipping Wi-Fi during Windows installation is an effective way to streamline your setup, whether for privacy, offline work, or a faster process.

Moreover, by choosing to skip WiFi during the installing Windows, you can avoid unnecessary updates and distractions, allowing for a more focused and efficient setup experience.

Furthermore, from using Command Prompt commands to utilizing Task Manager, we’ve covered multiple approaches that can help you bypass the Wi-Fi setup screen.

Additionally, remember, you can always connect to the internet after completing your Windows installation.

Finally, the methods we have discussed are particularly useful for bulk installations, situations with limited internet access, or when you prefer to configure your network settings at your own pace.

Source: [ howtogeek, microsoft, askwoody, makeuseof ]

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