Windows 11 new install-can’t finish because windows wants network connection

Title: Troubleshooting Windows 11 Installation: Resolving the Network Connection Requirement

Introduction

Installing Windows 11 on a new PC can sometimes present unexpected challenges, especially when the setup process stalls at the network connection prompt. Users often encounter a situation where the installer insists on an active internet connection, even though Microsoft’s guidance suggests otherwise. If you find yourself stuck at this stage, don’t worry—this article will walk you through the common causes and effective techniques to complete your Windows 11 installation successfully.

Understanding the Issue

During the Windows 11 setup, users may reach a screen requesting a network connection. While many assume an active internet is mandatory, Microsoft states that it’s possible to complete the installation offline. However, in practice, users have reported that the setup keeps returning to this prompt, preventing finalization of the setup process.

Common Troubleshooting Steps

Verify Microsoft’s Recommendations

Microsoft’s official guidance indicates that a network connection isn’t required to complete Windows 11 installation. To proceed offline, during the setup, look for the option such as “I don’t have internet” or “Skip for now” to bypass the connection requirement.

Using the Network Setup Troubleshooting Guide

Some users follow instructions from the link aka.ms.networksetup, which advises a series of steps involving the Command Prompt:

Open Command Prompt by pressing Shift + F10 during setup or by other means if available.
Type taskmgr to open Task Manager.
Locate the “Network Connection Flow” process.
Right-click it and select “End Task” to close it.
Close all open windows and attempt to continue setup.

While this method can sometimes bypass the network check, it doesn’t always work due to recent updates or different system configurations.

Disabling Network Hardware Temporarily

An alternative approach involves disabling your network adapter:

During setup, if possible, access your system’s BIOS/UEFI.
Disable the onboard network adapter to prevent Windows from detecting a network.
Resume the installation; Windows should recognize the absence of network hardware and allow you to proceed without an internet connection.
Once Windows is installed, re-enable the network adapter.
Using a Local Account

When prompted to setup with a Microsoft account, select the option to use a local account instead. This option often allows you to complete the setup offline more straightforwardly.