OOBE Bypass NRO Not Working on Windows 11? Here’s How to Fix It

The Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) is the setup process you encounter when you first start a new Windows 11 computer or after a clean installation. During this process, Windows typically requires you to connect to the internet and sign in with a Microsoft account. The bypassnro command (Network Out of Box Experience Bypass) is a workaround used to skip the internet connection and Microsoft account sign-in, allowing you to create a local account instead. However, many users have reported that the bypassnro command is not working on Windows 11. This comprehensive guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue.

Why OOBE Bypass NRO Might Not Be Working

Several reasons can cause the bypassnro command to fail:

  • Incorrect Command Execution: The command might be entered incorrectly or executed at the wrong stage of the OOBE process.
  • Disabled Network Adapter: The network adapter might be disabled, preventing the command from executing properly.
  • Updated Windows 11 Versions: Microsoft regularly updates Windows 11, and some updates may disable or modify the functionality of the bypassnro command.
  • BIOS/UEFI Settings: Certain BIOS/UEFI settings can interfere with the OOBE process.
  • Corrupted System Files: Corrupted system files can also prevent the command from working.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here are several methods to troubleshoot and potentially fix the bypassnro command issue on Windows 11:

1. Verify Network Adapter Status

Ensure that your network adapter is enabled.

  • During OOBE: Press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
  • Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter. This opens the Network Connections window.
  • Check if your network adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) is disabled. If it is, right-click on it and select “Enable”.
  • Close the Network Connections window and Command Prompt, then try the bypassnro command again.

2. Re-enter the Bypass NRO Command Correctly

Double-check that you are entering the command correctly and at the correct stage.

  • During OOBE: When prompted to connect to a network, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
  • Type oobe\bypassnro (note the double backslash) and press Enter.
  • The system should restart automatically. If it doesn’t, manually restart your computer.
  • After the restart, the OOBE process should allow you to create a local account.

3. Try the Task Manager Method

If the bypassnro command doesn’t work directly, using Task Manager can sometimes provide an alternative route.

  • During OOBE: Press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
  • Type taskmgr and press Enter to open Task Manager.
  • Click on “More details” if Task Manager opens in simplified mode.
  • Go to “File” > “Run new task”.
  • Type cmd and check the box “Create this task with administrative privileges”. Click “OK”.
  • In the new Command Prompt window, type oobe\bypassnro and press Enter.
  • Restart your computer and check if the OOBE process allows you to create a local account.

4. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

Certain BIOS/UEFI settings might interfere with the OOBE process. Check the following:

  • Boot Order: Ensure that your boot drive is correctly set in the BIOS/UEFI settings.
  • Secure Boot: Temporarily disable Secure Boot, as it can sometimes cause issues with the OOBE process.
  • TPM (Trusted Platform Module): While Windows 11 requires TPM, ensure it is enabled but not causing conflicts. Try disabling it temporarily to see if it resolves the issue, then re-enable it.

To access BIOS/UEFI settings:

  • Restart your computer.
  • Press the designated key during startup (usually Del, F2, F12, or Esc). Refer to your motherboard manufacturer’s documentation for the correct key.
  • Navigate through the BIOS/UEFI settings to check and adjust the settings mentioned above.
  • Save the changes and exit. Your computer will restart.

5. Use Windows PE (Preinstallation Environment)

If the above methods fail, booting into Windows PE and running the command might help.

  • Create a Windows PE USB Drive: You’ll need a bootable USB drive with Windows PE. You can create one using the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK).
  • Boot from the USB Drive: Boot your computer from the Windows PE USB drive.
  • Open Command Prompt: In Windows PE, open Command Prompt.
  • Navigate to the Windows Drive: Identify the drive letter where Windows is installed (usually C: or D:).
  • Run the Bypass Command: Type oobe\bypassnro and press Enter.
  • Restart your computer and boot into Windows. The OOBE process should now allow you to create a local account.

6. Perform a Clean Installation

As a last resort, consider performing a clean installation of Windows 11.

  • Create Bootable Media: Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website and create a bootable USB drive or DVD.
  • Boot from the Media: Boot your computer from the created media.
  • Follow the Installation Steps: During the installation process, select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” to perform a clean installation.
  • Format the Drive: Delete all existing partitions on your system drive and create a new one. This will erase all data on the drive.
  • Complete the Installation: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. During the OOBE process, try the bypassnro command if prompted to connect to the internet. If that still fails, proceed without connecting to the internet, which should allow creating a local account.

Conclusion

While the oobe bypassnro command is a handy way to skip the Microsoft account requirement during the Windows 11 setup, its functionality can be inconsistent. By systematically troubleshooting using the methods outlined above, you can increase your chances of successfully bypassing the online account requirement and creating a local account. Remember to double-check your command syntax, verify your network settings, and consider alternative methods like Windows PE or a clean installation if necessary.