As Windows 11 becomes increasingly popular, users upgrading or installing the new operating system may encounter network issues during the installation process. When your network connection drops, it can be a frustrating roadblock, and getting it back on track may not always be straightforward.
Fortunately, there’s a handy shortcut that can help you address this problem without outside assistance.
The Shift + F10 Shortcut
The Shift + F10 shortcut has been a part of Windows operating systems for a while, although it’s not as widely recognized as some other shortcuts. One of its primary functions is to provide access to the Task Manager, allowing you to resolve various system-related issues. In the case of Windows 11 installation, it’s particularly useful for handling network problems that might otherwise leave your computer in an unusable state.
When to Use This Shortcut
In certain situations during Windows 11 installation, if the system fails to establish or maintain a network connection, it doesn’t automatically retry or offer an easy way to navigate back through the installation process. This means you might be stuck with an incomplete installation without network access, and no apparent method for moving forward or fixing the issue.
Here’s how to use the Shift + F10 shortcut effectively to get your Windows 11 installation back on track:
- When the installation process encounters network issues, press the Shift + F10 keys together. This combination will open a system command window.
- In the command window, type “taskmgr” and press Enter. This action will launch the Task Manager, which is the key tool for addressing the network issue.
- Inside Task Manager, locate and identify the network process. It’s usually labeled as “NetworkFlow.”
- Right-click on “NetworkFlow” in the Task Manager and choose the option to “End Task.” This action will forcefully terminate the task, prompting the system to retry connecting to the network.
- If your network connection has been restored by this point, the installation process should resume without any significant issues. You can continue with the remaining installation steps and enjoy Windows 11 on your computer.
By using the Shift + F10 shortcut and Task Manager, you can effectively address network issues during the Windows 11 installation process, eliminating the frustration of a stalled or failed installation due to connectivity problems. This workaround allows you to regain control and proceed with your upgrade or installation with ease.