Windows 11 on VirtualBox without an online account

This is useful if you want to try out Windows 11 without having to sign in with a Microsoft account, or if you need to install Windows 11 on a machine that doesn't have an internet connection.

Video Demonstration

• YouTube: Windows 11 on VirtualBox without an online account

Environments and Technologies Used

• VirtualBox (Virtual Machine/Compute)
• Windows 11 ISO

Operating Systems Used

• Windows 11 (22H2)

List of Prerequisites

• Download and install VirtualBox
• Download the Windows 11 ISO file
• Create a new virtual machine
• Start the installation of Windows 11
• Finish the installation with VirtualBox Guest Additions ISO file
• Link to Installation files used in the tutorial.
  • https://www.virtualbox.org/
  • https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

Installation Steps

Step 1: Download and install VirtualBox

-The first thing you need to do is download and install VirtualBox. 
	
-You can get it from the VirtualBox website. 

• https://www.virtualbox.org/

Step 2: Download the Windows 11 ISO file

• https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

Step 3: Create a new virtual machine

-Once VirtualBox is installed, open it up and click on the "New" button.

-In the "Name" field, type a name for your virtual machine. 

-In the "Folder" drop-down menu, select the location you want your virtual machine to be installed.

	- I personally like to install it on an external SSD in its own folder.

-In the "ISO Image" drop-down menu, select the "Win11_22H2_English_x64v2.iso" ISO image we just downloaded.

-Check the box "Skip Unattended Installation".

	-We will choose the Windows 11 version later on.

-Click on the "Next" button.

-Allocate memory and storage for your virtual machine.

-In the "Memory" field, enter the amount of memory that you want to allocate to your virtual machine. 

-The recommended amount of memory is 4 GB.

-In the "Processors" field enter the amount of CPUs that is reasonable for your system.

-In the "Virtual Hard Disk" section, click on the "Create a virtual hard disk now" button. 

-Choose a size that is at least the minimum size recommended which is 64GB.

-Click on the "Finish" button.

Step 4: Start the installation of Windows 11

-Click on the "Start" button in VirtualBox

-Press any key to boot from CD or DVD.

-Go into Network Settings, in the “Attached to” drop down menu choose “Not attached” then click OK.

-The installation process will begin. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

-Choose "I don't have a product key.

-Choose the windows 11 version you wish to install.

-Choose “Custom: Install Windows Only”.

-Choose “New”. Then click “Next”.

Step 5: Create a local account - On the “Oops, you've lost internet connection” or “Let's connect you to a network” page, use the “Shift + F10” keyboard shortcut.

-In Command Prompt, type the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command to bypass network requirements on Windows 11 and press Enter.

- The virtual machine will restart.

- Click on “I don’t have internet” and “Continue with limited setup”.

- Continue with the installation.

Step 6: Finish the installation with VirtualBox Guest Additions ISO file

- On the bottom menu click on the disc image and choose “Remove disk from virtual drive”.

- On the top menu, go into “Devices” and Choose “Insert Guest Additions CD Image”.

- Install Guest Additions.

- After the reboot you should be able to go fullscreen.

- -Go into Network Settings, in the “Attached to” drop down menu choose “NAT” then click OK.

The End!