Methods to set up a local account when no internet connection is available. Setting Up Your Network
Users running Windows on macOS (via UTM or Parallels) often hit this wall because the VM guest tools—which provide the virtual network adapter—cannot be installed until after the OS setup is complete.
A self-contained diagnostic and repair tool that runs directly from the webpage (using a lightweight local script triggered via a trusted Microsoft protocol, like ms-settings: or a signed PowerShell command).
If a window or notification has appeared on your screen with the text "visit aka ms networksetup," this is typically the result of a or a stuck notification (often from the "Tips and tricks" or "Get Help" system). visit aka ms networksetup
Use another PC to download network drivers from the manufacturer's website (e.g., MSI Support or ASUS), place them on a USB drive, and install them via the Shift+F10 command prompt.
Modern versions of Windows, particularly Windows 11, increasingly require an active internet connection to complete initial setup. If a device fails to detect a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, Windows displays the shortcut as a secondary resource to be accessed via another device (e.g., a smartphone or a second PC).
This report details the purpose, functionality, and common troubleshooting scenarios associated with the Microsoft short-link . Executive Summary Methods to set up a local account when
When setting up a new Windows device, you can use the following steps to ensure a stable connection:
If using a VM, attach the Guest Tools ISO (like SPICE for UTM) to the virtual drive and run the installer from the command line.
The shortcut is typically triggered by the following scenarios: If a window or notification has appeared on
pnputil /add-driver D:*.inf in command prompt (if a driver file is downloaded on a USB drive) to install missing wireless adapters. Reddit +4 Best Practices for New Installations Ethernet First: The most reliable method to bypass the requirement is connecting an Ethernet cable during setup. Use Mobile Hotspot: Activating a mobile hotspot on a phone and connecting the PC to it can provide necessary internet access. Microsoft Support +1 Note: For some users, especially with modern laptops, the issue is that Windows 11 requires a Microsoft Account by default during setup, which this troubleshooting page helps bypass via local account creation. AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses Copy Creating a public link... You can now share this thread with others Good response Bad response 9 sites Get connected when setting up your Windows device Turn on mobile hotspot on your phone. If you have mobile hotspot on your mobile phone as part of your data plan, you can use it to... Microsoft Support Windows 11 new install-can't finish because windows wants ... Aug 30, 2025 —
If wireless fails, a wired connection is often more reliable and faster for downloading initial updates. Troubleshooting Common Issues
The address is a legitimate Microsoft shortcut that redirects to the Windows Network & Internet Settings page.
Since this is usually caused by a background process or a tile trying to load, you can usually dismiss it by: