Issues with setting up Windows 11 on a freshly assembled system.
Issues with setting up Windows 11 on a freshly assembled system.
I set up a new PC and am trying to install Windows 11 using the USB drive that contains the installation tool. Everything seems fine until the network connection prompt appears. No wireless networks are detected, and the next option is grayed out, preventing progress. I suspect there might be no network drivers installed, which is why I'm stuck. Any suggestions?
Visit the setup page for Windows 11 version 22h2 without an internet connection.
There’s a “no device” option that works great for skipping various tasks. It’s useful enough to press even when you do have a device. Edited February 3, 2023 by Bombastinator
I've noticed that for a fresh or new Windows setup, it's best to turn off all Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections before starting. Disconnect any internet access completely until the installation begins. At that stage, when the install asks to connect, you can skip it entirely. Another approach is to avoid registration or authentication prompts during installation and choose the option that says you don't have a key. This lets you finish the setup without interference, and once done, you can re-enable internet access to complete any remaining tasks.
You followed the steps to resolve the network setup issue. Using the command prompt helped you bypass the initial screen. However, relying on frequent command prompts might affect stability during installation. Ensure drivers are correctly installed and consider checking for any hidden settings changes afterward.
For future use, press the keyboard shortcut whenever needed: CTRL+SHIFT+F3. This will prompt Windows to create a temporary desktop setup for installing drivers and programs that should be shared among users. On this screen, you'll see a dialog titled "System Preparation Tool." This will take you out of the temporary session, just like restarting normally returns you to the main setup screen. After closing it, simply press Win+R, type "sysprep," or restart the system if needed. The temporary session will vanish completely. If you close it accidentally, open Win+R and enter "sysprep" to reset it. On the temporary desktop, update Windows and install all necessary drivers—chipset, graphics, audio, keyboard/mouse, webcam, etc. You can restart whenever you like. Once finished, click the "OK" button in the dialog. All data will be erased, including browser activity and downloaded files (unless saved elsewhere). You'll return to the standard Windows setup screen.
Interesting note: This method is used by major brands like Dell, HP, and Acer to prepare computers.
Tip: If you enter Audit Mode in Windows NT 4.0 (1996), you'll land back at the login screen asking for a password—because Audit Mode doesn’t support Fast Startup, which was added later. Just restart the system to continue.