Windows 11 Pro for Workstations installation - stuck at "Checking the connection to the Microsoft"

Al_user_al · Jan 19, 2024

I'm trying to install Windows 11 Pro for Workstations v22631.3007 bypassing the setup of a Microsoft account and any Internet connections during this process.

Several days ago (with the help of the forum) I was able to do this for Windows 11 Home edition: I deleted OOBENetworkCaptivePortal and OOBENetworkConnectionFlow and created an unattended local account (all these tricks were made because OOBE\BYPASSNRO didn't work).

Now, if I do the similar setup, i.e., delete these two components and adding local user, I'm getting stuck at "Checking the connection to the Microsoft" after the Keyboard layout choice. And nothing happens...

Are there any ways of bypassing this problem? Thanks in advance.

pseymour · Jan 19, 2024

I always disable the network interfaces, and the BypassNRO method works every time. I don't have to do the other OOBE stuff.

If it's a physical machine, disable the network interfaces in the UEFI or BIOS settings. If it's virtual, disable the network interface or, better yet, don't add one until after Windows is installed.

I just tried this with current 11 Pro for Workstations media, and it works.

garlin · Jan 19, 2024

This is a NTLite-specific question, since removing Windows components from the image doesn't fall under ElevenForum's charter.

Just now, I tried to recreate this on 23H2 Pro for Workstations, with OOBENetwork* removed and no unattended file, and Setup didn't get stuck on "Checking the connection" for me.
Please feel to ask for more help on the NTLite community forum.

Al_user_al · Jan 20, 2024

garlin said:
This is a NTLite-specific question, since removing Windows components from the image doesn't fall under ElevenForum's charter.

Just now, I tried to recreate this on 23H2 Pro for Workstations, with OOBENetwork* removed and no unattended file, and Setup didn't get stuck on "Checking the connection" for me.
Please feel to ask for more help on the NTLite community forum.

Thanks for trying yourself too! Then looks like I should try to follow exactly the steps you did and ask a question on NTLite in parallel to know what causes this windows to appear at OOBE. Btw, don't you know which component triggers it?

Al_user_al · Jan 20, 2024

garlin said:
This is a NTLite-specific question, since removing Windows components from the image doesn't fall under ElevenForum's charter.

Just now, I tried to recreate this on 23H2 Pro for Workstations, with OOBENetwork* removed and no unattended file, and Setup didn't get stuck on "Checking the connection" for me.
Please feel to ask for more help on the NTLite community forum.

Yes, tried your way (just deleted the components and no unattended file), and still get the same window after keyboard layout choice, I.e., “Checking the connection to Microsoft…”

Can Dell drivers that I add cause this?

Berton · Jan 20, 2024

Just a thought, I've always taken Workstation to mean the computer is connecting to something else such as a machine or a Network, would wonder if it's a Network that isn't connecting to the Internet is causing the message.

ThrashZone · Jan 20, 2024

Hi,
Rufus works the best prepping the 11 iso for install
Jump as many win-11 requirement huddles as you want to.

Al_user_al · Jan 20, 2024

ThrashZone said:
Hi,
Rufus works the best prepping the 11 iso for install
Jump as many win-11 requirement huddles as you want to.

Hi!
I used Rufus to create a bootable usb Stick from the iso created with NTLite. But haven’t seen something related to this step…

ThrashZone · Jan 20, 2024

Hi,
If you want to strip an os just browse and use this on a regular iso
Keeping in mind all this is supposed to be done on the hidden admin account.

Windows 11 Tweaks for GPU Benchmark

Updated for 24H2 Install without Internet When it prompts you to go online, press Shift+F10 and type "OOBE\BYPASSNRO" (that's an o not a zero at the end). After the automatic reboot you can install without network Install on systems without TPM, UEFI or other requirements...

www.techpowerup.com

Al_user_al · Jan 20, 2024

ThrashZone said:
Hi,
If you want to strip an os just browse and use this on a regular iso
Keeping in mind all this is supposed to be done on the hidden admin account.

Windows 11 Tweaks for GPU Benchmark

Updated for 24H2 Install without Internet When it prompts you to go online, press Shift+F10 and type "OOBE\BYPASSNRO" (that's an o not a zero at the end). After the automatic reboot you can install without network Install on systems without TPM, UEFI or other requirements...

www.techpowerup.com

Hi,
You mean to download the general online version which should work later on?
Because I tried bypassnro, and it just loops to the same page after reboot.

ThrashZone · Jan 20, 2024

Yes.
You can use this if you're scared of ms website
UUP Dump: Download Windows 11 Insider ISO File for Any Build

Al_user_al · Jan 20, 2024

ThrashZone said:
Yes.
You can use this if you're scared of ms website
UUP Dump: Download Windows 11 Insider ISO File for Any Build

Okay, but what do you mean that all this should be done on a hidden admin account?

And if I go with UUPD steps, would I need to delete specific OOBE network components in addition OR to use BYPASSNRO?

ThrashZone · Jan 20, 2024

Al_user_al said:
Okay, but what do you mean that all this should be done on a hidden admin account?

And if I go with UUPD steps, would I need to delete specific OOBE network components in addition OR to use BYPASSNRO?

Once rufus shows your usb device and the 11 iso and you choose Start, a popup will show all the bypass options available if you're using the newest rufus version.

After just use this

Enable or Disable Built-in Administrator Account in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable the built-in Administrator account in Windows 11. Windows 11 includes a hidden built-in Administrator account that serves as the local system administrator with elevated rights by default without needing Run as administrator or UAC (User...

www.elevenforum.com

Although the script does this in cmd automatically

Windows 11 Tweaks for GPU Benchmark

Updated for 24H2 Install without Internet When it prompts you to go online, press Shift+F10 and type "OOBE\BYPASSNRO" (that's an o not a zero at the end). After the automatic reboot you can install without network Install on systems without TPM, UEFI or other requirements...

www.techpowerup.com

Al_user_al · Jan 20, 2024

ThrashZone said:
Once rufus shows your usb device and the 11 iso and you choose Start, a popup will show all the bypass options available if you're using the newest rufus version.

View attachment 84643
After just use this

Enable or Disable Built-in Administrator Account in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable the built-in Administrator account in Windows 11. Windows 11 includes a hidden built-in Administrator account that serves as the local system administrator with elevated rights by default without needing Run as administrator or UAC (User...

www.elevenforum.com

Do you mean to use the 5th option provided under the link, I.e., to use it at boot? Otherwise, after installation I get OOBE screen with set up pages.

ThrashZone · Jan 20, 2024

Hi,
Hell use them all lol

Windows 11 Pro for Workstations installation - stuck at "Checking the connection to the Microsoft"

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