How To Install Windows 10 Without Internet

By Marlo Strydom

Windows 10 typically guides users through installation steps that assume an active internet connection. However, there are practical situations where you might need to install or set up Windows 10 entirely offline. Whether you're in a remote area, dealing with internet connectivity issues, or simply prefer a fully offline setup for privacy or industry-specific reasons, it's completely possible.

What You'll Need

Before starting the installation process, make sure you have the following:

  1. A Windows 10 Installation Media : This can be a USB flash drive or DVD with the Windows 10 installation files.

  2. A Product Key : If you're installing Windows 10 for the first time, you'll need a valid product key.

  3. A Computer or Laptop : Ensure the device meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 10.

  4. Peripheral Devices : A keyboard and mouse are essential for navigating the setup process.

If you don't already have a Windows 10 installation media, you'll need to create one using another computer with internet access. Download the official Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft's website and use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.

Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Windows 10 Offline

Follow these clear steps to perform an offline installation of Windows 10:

Step 1: Prepare the Installation Media

You'll need to create Windows 10 installation media on a USB or DVD.

  • On another computer with internet access, download Microsoft's official Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.

  • Choose "Create installation media" (USB flash drive or ISO file).

  • Follow the prompts to create the USB or DVD.

Please read my other post on how to prepare a USB with Windows for a more detailed guide.

Step 2: Boot from the Installation Media

Insert the USB or DVD into your target computer.

  • Restart your computer and immediately press the boot selection key (common keys are F12, F9, ESC, or DEL).

  • Select the USB or DVD from the boot menu.

Step 3: Installing Windows

Once the Windows installer appears, follow these steps:

  1. Choose Language and Preferences : Select your preferred language, time format, and keyboard layout.

  2. Click "Install Now" : Proceed with installation.

  3. Enter Product Key or Skip : Enter your product key or click "I don't have a product key" to proceed. You can activate later.

  4. Choose Windows Edition : Select the edition corresponding to your license.

  5. Accept Terms and Conditions : Agree to Microsoft's licensing agreement.

  6. Custom Installation : Choose the "Custom: Install Windows only" option.

  7. Select Installation Drive : Pick the drive partition to install Windows. You can format, delete, or create partitions as needed.

  8. Let Windows Install : Installation will take 15-30 minutes depending on hardware.

Step 4: Offline Account Setup

Here's where offline setup is critical:

  • When Windows asks to connect to a network, look carefully for the "I don't have internet" option at the bottom left or right. (If you don't see it immediately, disconnect any network cables or disable Wi-Fi.)

  • Select "Continue with limited setup."

Step 5: Create Local Account

Instead of a Microsoft account, you'll create a local account:

  • Enter a username, password (optional but recommended), and security questions to continue.

  • Follow prompts to finalize basic settings (Cortana preferences, privacy settings).

Windows will finish setting up your offline account and present you with the desktop.

Post-Installation Offline Configuration

Now you've successfully installed Windows 10 offline. But what about updates and drivers?

Installing Drivers Offline

  • Download drivers from another device : On another computer, download relevant drivers from your hardware manufacturer's website.

  • Transfer files using a USB : Copy the driver installation files to your offline computer via USB.

  • Install drivers manually : Double-click the setup files and install each driver individually.

Offline Activation of Windows 10

If you didn't enter your product key during installation:

  • Go to Settings → Update & Security → Activation .

  • Select Change product key and enter your product key to activate offline (telephone activation might be required).

Installing Software Without Internet

If you need additional software, download the installation files on another computer and transfer them to your offline system. Popular offline applications include:

  • Microsoft Office (offline installer)

  • VLC Media Player

  • 7-Zip for file compression

Disable Automatic Updates

To prevent Windows from attempting to connect to the internet, disable automatic updates:

  1. Press Win + R , type services.msc , and press Enter.

  2. Find Windows Update in the list, right-click it, and select Properties .

  3. Set the Startup type to Disabled and click OK .

Installing Updates Offline

Periodically, download updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog on another computer with internet access, transfer them via USB and install them on your offline machine.

Let's Wrap This Up

While an internet connection enhances the capabilities of Windows 10, the operating system is fully functional even when offline.

Whether you're setting up a new device, managing files, or staying productive, Windows 10 provides the tools you need to work efficiently without being online.