OOBE BypassNRO Not Working on Windows 11? Here Is How to Fix It

Quick Answer

• If oobe\bypassnro does nothing, the command may have been removed from your Windows 11 build, or you may be missing a step.
• Reports differ: one forum post says it was removed in 26H2 build 26300.8289, while other users say it still works on build 26300.9711.
• The registry version of BypassNRO, followed by a restart, was reported to work on Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2.
• Another reported fix is the ms-cxh://LOCALONLY command in the setup developer console.
• A Rufus USB with both account options ticked also worked in testing.

You pressed Shift+F10, typed oobe\bypassnro, and the “I don’t have internet” button never appeared. You are not alone. Microsoft has been closing these shortcuts. This guide explains why it fails and what to try next. If you want the full set of local account methods, read our main guide on how to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account.

Why oobe bypassnro stops working

There are two main reasons.

1. The command was removed or blocked. Pureinfotech says the direct OOBE\BYPASSNRO command can no longer be used, though the registry method still works. An ElevenForum thread goes further and says Microsoft removed the script in Windows 11 26H2 build 26300.8289. But other users in the same thread report the command is still there on build 26300.9711. So the status depends on your exact build, and the reports conflict.

2. A step was missed. The command only works if you run it in the right place and finish the process. We cover the common mistakes below.

Microsoft has also said Windows 11 setup needs an internet connection and a Microsoft account. Windows Latest tested this in October 2025. None of these workarounds are supported by Microsoft, so they can stop working at any time.

Quick checklist before you try other fixes

• You are on the first setup screens (region or network screen), not already signed in.
• The Command Prompt opened with Shift+F10. On some laptops, use Fn+Shift+F10.
• You typed the command exactly, with the backslash: oobe\bypassnro.
• You let the PC restart after the command, and setup began again.
• On the next screen you chose I don’t have internet, then Continue with limited setup.
• If the button still does not show, disconnect Wi-Fi or unplug the network cable and try again.

Fix 1: Use the registry version of BypassNRO

Pureinfotech reports this works on Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 even when the plain command fails.

1. On the setup screen, press Shift+F10 to open Command Prompt.
2. Run: reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
3. Run: shutdown /r /t 0 to restart.
4. When setup starts again, disconnect from the internet, choose I don’t have internet, then Continue with limited setup.

Fix 2: Use the developer console command

This is reported to work on 24H2 and 25H2.

1. On the screen that asks you to sign in, press Ctrl+Shift+J.
2. Type WinJS.Application.restart("ms-cxh://LOCALONLY") and press Enter.
3. Setup restarts and shows the local account screen.

Fix 3: Try the local-only shortcut

Some ElevenForum users suggest pressing Shift+F10 and typing start ms-cxh:localonly. One user says it let them skip setup, and another says it worked where oobe\bypassnro did not on a Windows 10 virtual machine. This is a user report, not a tested guarantee, so treat it as a backup.

Fix 4: Make a Rufus USB with both options ticked

If you install from a USB drive, Rufus can remove the account requirement during creation.

1. In Rufus, tick both “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account” and “Create a local account with username.”
2. Finish making the USB and install Windows from it.

Pureinfotech says that ticking only the first option failed. It also reports that Ventoy’s bypass option was not working at the time of writing.

Fix 5: Use an unattended answer file

A file named autounattend.xml, made with the Schneegans generator, lets you choose an offline local account before install. Pureinfotech reports this worked on 24H2 and 25H2. Copy the file to the USB root and install as normal.

Fix 6: Domain join (Windows 11 Pro only)

On Windows 11 Pro, choose Set up for work or school, then under sign-in options choose Domain join instead. This creates a local account. It is reported to work on Pro, not Home.

Already installed Windows? Switch later

If Windows is already set up with a Microsoft account, open Settings > Accounts > Your info and choose Sign in with a local account instead. The wording can differ by build.

Should you keep trying these tricks?

Microsoft may remove these workarounds in future updates. One ElevenForum poster expects the script and the registry value to be removed starting in 2027. If setup keeps failing, the simplest option may be to sign in with a Microsoft account first and switch to a local account afterwards. If something else breaks after a large update, see our notes on Windows 11 update issues, and if you need a fresh start, here is how to factory reset Windows 11. Before you reinstall, confirm your PC meets the Windows 11 system requirements.

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