Network drivers govern how your PC connects to the world, covering both wired Ethernet controllers and wireless Wi-Fi and cellular adapters. Because connectivity is fundamental, a network driver problem can be frustrating to fix: if Wi-Fi fails, you may not be able to download the very driver you need. For that reason it helps to keep a copy of the correct package on a USB drive, and to know in advance which vendor supplies the adapter in your system.
Most laptops use an internal wireless card that also handles Bluetooth, and the correct driver is frequently the version your computer maker validated for that model. Vendor-tuned wireless packages manage roaming behavior, band steering, power saving, and regulatory settings that affect real-world speed and stability. Desktops built from parts usually get Ethernet and Wi-Fi drivers from the motherboard maker or the platform vendor, while add-in wireless cards and USB Wi-Fi adapters ship with drivers from their own chipset vendor.
Wired Ethernet is generally more forgiving. Windows often loads a working driver automatically, but the controller vendor's package can unlock features such as advanced offloads, wake-on-LAN, and jumbo frames, and it can resolve intermittent link problems on newer multi-gigabit controllers. As with wireless, laptop and prebuilt owners should prefer the OEM build, which is matched to the firmware and the specific controller revision.
The families below are broad, authentic network adapter and controller lines. Several are integrated into the platform or the OEM system and are not offered as standalone universal downloads; laptop and prebuilt owners should obtain the OEM-customized package from their manufacturer, and motherboard owners should use their board's support page. We do not list version numbers or dates, because the correct build depends on your adapter, your firmware, and your Windows edition. To reach a package, go to your PC or motherboard maker's support site, enter your model, identify your adapter, and install only the package that applies.
Downloading it in advance onto removable storage is wise whenever you are reinstalling Windows or replacing a wireless card.
Network drivers connect Windows to the hardware that carries data on and off the machine, whether that is a wired Ethernet controller, an internal Wi-Fi card, or a cellular modem. The driver presents the adapter to the Windows networking stack, handles the low-level framing of packets, and negotiates the link, such as agreeing a gigabit or multi-gigabit speed with a switch or the fastest Wi-Fi standard both ends support. When it works, connectivity is invisible; when it fails, almost everything online stops.
Wireless drivers implement adapter capabilities such as roaming and power management, but available bands and regulatory operation depend on the exact adapter, hardware configuration, firmware, region, access point, and Windows support. A generic family name or support selector does not establish 6 GHz capability, regional approval, or better performance for a specific PC.
There is a practical wrinkle unique to this category: the driver you need to fix a broken connection is often the one you cannot download because the connection is down. That is why knowing which vendor supplies your adapter, and keeping a copy of the right package on removable storage, matters more here than almost anywhere else.
Expanded guide insight
The practical network & wi-fi context
Wi-Fi failures can live in the adapter, Windows network stack, router, power settings, or the environment. Compare with another device before assuming the driver is at fault.
Check whether other devices work on the same network.
A missing adapter is different from a weak signal.
Windows Update favors tested, not necessarily newest, Wi-Fi drivers.
Take care: Save any important network details before using Network Reset; it removes saved adapters and connections.
Fast checks for common network & wi-fi problems
What you see
Likely area to check
Safe first move
Wi-Fi drops after idle or sleep
Aggressive adapter power management
Review the adapter Power Management setting
Connected but no internet
Network stack or addressing issue
Run the built-in network troubleshooter first
Wi-Fi option is missing
Adapter is disabled, hidden, or not loading
Check Device Manager and restart the adapter
Start with the lowest-risk check that matches what you see, then return to the detailed sections below if it does not resolve the issue.
Identify your exact device first
In Device Manager, expand "Network adapters" to read the exact names of your Ethernet and wireless controllers.
A combined entry that mentions Wi-Fi and a nearby Bluetooth radio usually means one card provides both.
Distinguish an internal card from a USB Wi-Fi adapter, which appears only while plugged in and also enumerates under USB.
Check the Ethernet controller name for a speed hint, such as a 2.5G part, which needs cabling and a switch that match.
On a self-built desktop, the motherboard model tells you whether networking is Intel, Realtek, or another vendor.
On a laptop or prebuilt, the model or service tag tells the maker's support site which validated Wi-Fi and Ethernet package to offer.
Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
Uses Bluetooth or a model-specific Logitech receiver, not Wi-Fi or Ethernet
Scan the list first, then open the family that matches your hardware for the full reference.
Reference coverage summarizes the Windows releases discussed in this catalog; it is not certified compatibility. Confirm the exact device or PC model, hardware revision, current Windows release, and current package requirements on the publisher source before making a change.
Reference coverage: Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
Intel Wi-Fi spans many adapter generations with different bands, Bluetooth pairings, Windows support, and driver branches. Identify the exact adapter and consult Intel's product-by-product OS table plus the PC maker's package details. Do not infer 6 GHz support, antenna configuration, regional availability, or better roaming and power behavior from the family name.
How you recognize it
Named as an Intel Wi-Fi adapter under Network adapters
May be accompanied by an Intel Bluetooth function
Exact model and hardware ID control package applicability
Use Intel's exact adapter and OS matrix; the family name is not a compatibility statement.
Reference coverage: Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
Intel Ethernet controllers drive wired network ports on many motherboards and laptops, from gigabit parts to newer multi-gigabit versions. The Intel driver adds features such as advanced offloads and wake-on-LAN and can resolve intermittent link issues that a generic driver leaves unaddressed. On a prebuilt system the OEM build matched to the firmware is the safer starting point.
How you recognize it
Listed as an Intel Ethernet Connection or Controller
Drives the wired RJ45 port
May be a gigabit or multi-gigabit part
Wired Ethernet controllers found on many boards and laptops; OEM builds are recommended for prebuilt systems.
Reference coverage: Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
Realtek publishes PCIe controller software covering multiple FE, GbE, 2.5GbE, 5G, and 10G families. The exact controller, host product, Windows release, cable, and switch determine applicability and negotiated speed. Do not assume Windows has an inbox driver or that an OEM package fixes stability without package notes for that controller.
How you recognize it
May appear as a Realtek PCIe GbE or 2.5GbE controller
Exact controller and host board must be identified
Wired port speed also depends on the physical network path
Identify the exact Realtek controller and use an applicable package.
Reference coverage: Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
Realtek wireless LAN adapters appear in many budget and mainstream laptops and in a large number of USB Wi-Fi dongles. The driver governs the same roaming and power behavior as any wireless part, and on a laptop the OEM build tuned for that model tends to be steadier than a generic one. For USB dongles, the adapter maker's driver for that specific chipset is the correct source.
How you recognize it
Listed as a Realtek wireless or 802.11 adapter
Found in mainstream laptops and USB dongles
USB versions appear only while plugged in
Wireless adapters in many systems and USB dongles; laptop users should prefer the OEM package.
Reference coverage: Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
This family describes networking in an AMD-based PC, not a universal AMD Wi-Fi or Ethernet controller package. The actual network adapter is commonly identified separately in Device Manager and may come from Intel, Realtek, MediaTek, Qualcomm, or another supplier. Use the PC or board support page and the adapter hardware ID; the AMD chipset-software selector alone does not substantiate a network driver.
How you recognize it
AMD identifies the platform, not necessarily the network silicon
Actual adapter vendor appears in Device Manager or the system specification
Package source depends on the identified controller
Identify the actual network controller; AMD platform branding alone does not identify its driver.
Reference coverage: Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
Dell lists network packages by Service Tag or model, but configurations can contain different Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet controllers. Compare each package's supported devices and Windows release with Device Manager. A model listing is useful for discovery but does not by itself prove shared firmware, antenna tuning, or a fix for sleep or roaming behavior.
How you recognize it
Located by Dell Service Tag or model
Controller options vary by configuration
Package details must match Device Manager
Use Service Tag, controller identity, package details, and Windows applicability together.
Reference coverage: Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
HP lists network packages by product or serial number, while the installed Wi-Fi and Ethernet controllers can vary by configuration. Compare the package's device and operating-system applicability with Device Manager. The selector alone does not substantiate firmware tuning, superior stability, or a sleep-resume fix.
How you recognize it
Located by HP product or serial number
Controller options vary by configuration
Package details must match Device Manager
Use product identity, controller identity, package details, and Windows applicability together.
Reference coverage: Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
Lenovo organizes network drivers by machine type, validating each wireless and wired build for the adapters in that ThinkPad, IdeaPad, or other Lenovo model. This keeps roaming, power management, and any combined Bluetooth radio working correctly on that hardware. Identify the right download by looking up your machine type on Lenovo's support site.
How you recognize it
Selected by Lenovo machine type
Covers Wi-Fi and Ethernet for the model
Common on ThinkPad and IdeaPad systems
OEM-validated network drivers for Lenovo systems; obtain the build for your machine type.
Reference coverage: Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
Surface devices receive network drivers through Microsoft's own firmware and driver packages rather than a third-party download, keeping the wireless card and any Ethernet accessory tuned as part of the platform. Updates generally arrive through Windows Update or a consolidated Surface package for the model. The recommended path is to keep the device current through those official channels.
How you recognize it
Bundled in a Surface driver and firmware package
Delivered largely through Windows Update
No separate third-party network installer expected
Surface networking updates arrive through Surface driver and firmware packages and Windows Update.
Reference coverage: Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
ASUS supplies networking drivers for the Wi-Fi and Ethernet controllers built into its motherboards, plus drivers for its USB Wi-Fi adapters. Because the controllers vary by board, the correct package is the one listed for your exact model and revision. For a USB adapter, use the driver ASUS lists for that specific device rather than a board package.
How you recognize it
Board networking listed per ASUS model
Separate drivers for ASUS USB Wi-Fi adapters
Covers onboard Wi-Fi and Ethernet
Board networking drivers and USB Wi-Fi adapters; download the package listed for your exact model.
Reference coverage: Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
MSI provides wired and wireless network drivers per motherboard model, matched to the Ethernet controller and any onboard Wi-Fi card that board carries. Since the underlying chips differ across boards, the matched package for your exact MSI model is the more dependable one. Find it on the support page for your specific board and revision.
How you recognize it
Listed per MSI board model
Covers onboard Ethernet and Wi-Fi
Selected by board model and revision
Wired and wireless drivers for MSI boards; select the package for your exact model.
Reference coverage: Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
Gigabyte lists wired and wireless network drivers on each motherboard's support page, matched to the Ethernet controller and any Wi-Fi module on that board. Because board configurations differ, the correct package is the one for your specific Gigabyte model and revision. Look it up on the board's support page and install what it lists for networking.
How you recognize it
Listed per Gigabyte board model
Covers onboard Ethernet and Wi-Fi
Selected by board model and revision
Wired and wireless drivers listed on your specific Gigabyte board's support page.
Reference coverage: Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
ASRock publishes wired and wireless network drivers on the support page for each of its motherboards, matched to the specific Ethernet and Wi-Fi hardware fitted to that board. The right package is tied to your exact ASRock model and revision. Reach it by looking up your board on ASRock's support site and installing the networking drivers listed there.
How you recognize it
Listed per ASRock board model
Covers onboard Ethernet and Wi-Fi
Selected by board model and revision
Wired and wireless drivers listed under your specific ASRock board's support page.
Reference coverage: Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
Acer lists network packages by model, but similar configurations can contain different controllers. Compare the Wi-Fi or Ethernet package's device and Windows applicability with Device Manager. The model selector does not itself substantiate firmware tuning, superior roaming, or a generic-driver failure.
How you recognize it
Located by Acer model or serial number
Controller options can vary by configuration
Package details must match Device Manager
Use model, controller identity, package details, and Windows applicability together.
Reference coverage: Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
Killer Networking is a performance-oriented networking brand, now under Intel, found on some gaming laptops and motherboards with software that prioritizes traffic. Because it is integrated into specific systems, the validated package is best obtained through your laptop or motherboard maker for that model. The underlying adapter is closely related to Intel's wireless and Ethernet parts.
How you recognize it
Branded as a Killer Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter
Found on some gaming laptops and boards
Includes traffic-prioritization software
Performance networking found on some laptops and boards; obtain the validated package through your system or board maker.
Reference coverage: Varies by exact adapter, system or board model, package, and release; verify the official support page
This is not a network-adapter family. It covers Logitech peripherals that use Bluetooth or a named Logitech USB receiver. Logitech's firmware-tool documentation lists supported devices individually and shows that pairing transport varies by model. Check the exact peripheral and receiver; do not assume every receiver is class-compliant, works without model-specific software, or has a firmware update.
How you recognize it
Uses Bluetooth or a model-specific Logitech receiver, not Wi-Fi or Ethernet
Does not appear as an Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter
Support and firmware availability are listed per device
Check the exact Logitech device and receiver; this family does not provide PC networking.
Device Driver Guide does not host, mirror, or alter driver files. The official-source citations below are maintained separately from this reference material and never point to third-party mirrors.
Where the correct package usually comes from
On a laptop or prebuilt PC, the network package your computer maker validated for that model is usually the best choice, because it is matched to the firmware and manages roaming, band steering, and power behavior for that exact card. Enter your model or service tag on the maker's support site to find it. This matters most for wireless, where tuning has a large effect on stability.
On a self-built desktop, Ethernet and Wi-Fi drivers come from your motherboard model's support page or from the controller vendor directly. Add-in wireless cards and USB Wi-Fi adapters are separate: their drivers come from the device's own chipset vendor or the adapter maker, since the board package does not know about them.
Wired Ethernet is more forgiving, and Windows often loads a working driver on its own. The vendor package is still worth installing when you want features like wake-on-LAN or jumbo frames, or when a newer multi-gigabit controller shows intermittent link problems. Because a download can fail once Wi-Fi is down, fetch the correct package in advance and keep it on a USB drive before you reinstall Windows or swap a card.
Official sources and citations
These links serve two different purposes. A manufacturer support selector helps you find an exact model, but does not prove that a package or feature exists for every product in a family. Claim-specific documents explain the cited technology, requirement, lifecycle, or bounded package example. In either case, check the publisher domain, exact model and hardware revision, operating-system release, supported-products list, and package notes before making a change.
Microsoft Lifecycle: Lifecycle documentation for Windows 10 Home and Pro; separately governed editions and servicing channels can have different dates.
Microsoft Surface: Use this publisher-maintained page to match the exact Microsoft Surface model and operating-system release before selecting a package.
Realtek: Use this publisher-maintained page to match the exact Realtek model and operating-system release before selecting a package.
Device Driver Guide is an independent reference, not a repair or technical-support service. It does not host or mirror installers and receives no payment for these links. A named-model package example applies only to the systems and operating systems on that publisher page; it is not a recommendation to install the package across a family. Report a moved or incorrect link through the correction form.
Network & Wi-Fi reference tables
Where the network driver should come from
Adapter
Best source
Keep a copy offline
What the generic driver misses
Internal Wi-Fi on a laptop or prebuilt
PC maker support site
Yes, before reinstalling Windows
Tuned roaming and power behavior
Onboard Wi-Fi on a self-built desktop
Motherboard model support page
Yes
Band steering matched to the board
Onboard Ethernet
Board maker or controller vendor
Helpful for multi-gigabit
Wake-on-LAN, offloads, jumbo frames
Add-in wireless card
The card chipset vendor
Yes
That card is not in the board package
USB Wi-Fi adapter
The adapter chipset vendor or maker
Yes
The correct driver for that chipset
Wired Ethernet, basic use
Windows built-in driver
Not usually needed
Advanced features and some link fixes
The right source depends on whether the adapter is internal, onboard, or a separate add-on.
Symptom to likely cause to first safe step
Symptom
Likely cause
First safe step
Wi-Fi dropped after a Windows update
Tuned driver replaced by a generic one
Roll back or reinstall the OEM wireless driver
Wi-Fi drops on resume from sleep
Aggressive adapter power saving
Turn off power saving for the adapter
No wireless networks listed
Radio off or WLAN AutoConfig stopped
Check the radio switch, start the service
Unstable Wi-Fi throughput
Roaming or band settings off
Review roaming and band preference
Ethernet shows no connection
Bad cable, port, or driver
Test another cable and switch port
Multi-gig Ethernet at a slower speed
Cable or switch below the rated rate
Use rated cabling and a matching switch
Network complaints matched to their usual cause and the least risky first move.
Wired vs wireless for driver planning
Trait
Wired Ethernet
Wireless Wi-Fi
Windows built-in driver
Often works right away
May work but often untuned
Tuning that affects speed
Offloads and link settings
Roaming, band steering, power saving
Recovery if the driver breaks
Usually still online to fetch a fix
Often offline, so keep a copy first
Combined with Bluetooth
No
Frequently on one card
Common speed pitfall
Cable or switch below rated speed
Distance, interference, power saving
How the two connection kinds differ so you plan the fix before connectivity is lost.
When updating helps, and when it does not
Network drivers do not need routine updating when connectivity is solid. A wireless or wired link that reaches expected speeds and holds steady is doing its job, and each reinstall risks resetting tuned settings or, on a laptop, replacing a good OEM build with a generic one. Leave a working adapter alone rather than updating on principle.
Update when you have a specific symptom: Wi-Fi that dropped after a Windows feature update, drops on resume from sleep, unstable throughput, a multi-gigabit Ethernet port negotiating a slower speed, or a newly installed card that Windows cannot fully drive. Reverting to the OEM-validated wireless driver is a common cure when an automatic update degrades throughput.
Before any update that touches networking, download the correct package first and keep it on removable storage, so a failed install does not leave you without the connection you would need to recover.
Before you install anything
Note your adapter names from Device Manager and, for a laptop or prebuilt, your model or service tag.
Download the correct package in advance and save it to a USB drive in case Wi-Fi drops during the install.
If replacing a failing wireless driver, uninstall it with the option to remove the driver software first.
Confirm the wireless radio's hardware switch or keyboard shortcut is on and Airplane mode is off.
Have a wired connection or a second device available as a fallback source if the install goes wrong.
How to update network & wi-fi drivers
1
Identify the adapter and download in advance
In Device Manager, expand 'Network adapters' and note the wireless and Ethernet controller names. If Wi-Fi is unreliable, use a wired connection or another device to obtain the appropriate package from the manufacturer, and save it to a USB drive.
2
Choose the correct source
On a laptop or prebuilt PC, prefer your computer maker's OEM network package. On a self-built desktop, use the motherboard maker's page or the controller vendor's site for Ethernet and Wi-Fi drivers.
3
Uninstall a failing wireless driver cleanly
If the current wireless driver misbehaves, open the adapter properties in Device Manager, uninstall the device with the option to remove the driver software, then install the correct package.
4
Install the package and toggle the radio
Run the installer. Afterward, confirm the wireless radio is enabled with the hardware switch or keyboard shortcut and that Airplane mode is off.
5
Reboot and verify connectivity
Restart the PC, reconnect to your network, and confirm both wired and wireless links reach expected speeds. Re-check that Bluetooth from the same wireless card also works if applicable.
Confirm the install actually worked
Reconnect to your network and confirm both wired and wireless links reach their expected speeds.
Check that the adapter appears in Device Manager without a warning icon after reboot.
If one card provides both radios, confirm Bluetooth still works alongside Wi-Fi.
Confirm the adapter lists available wireless networks and connects without repeated prompts.
For multi-gigabit Ethernet, confirm the link negotiated its full speed rather than a lower fallback.
Undoing a bad network & wi-fi install
If Wi-Fi becomes unstable or drops after an update, open the adapter in Device Manager, go to the Driver tab, and use "Roll Back Driver" to return to the previous version. Because a broken wireless connection can block downloading a replacement, this in-place roll back is often the safest first move.
If roll back is unavailable, uninstall the adapter with the option to remove its driver software, reboot, and install the OEM-validated package you saved to a USB drive beforehand. For a wired connection you can usually get online long enough to fetch the previous build, but wireless is why keeping a local copy pays off.
When connectivity itself is fine but throughput is poor after an update, first try reverting to the OEM wireless driver and reviewing power-saving and roaming settings before assuming a hardware fault, since a tuning regression is more likely than a broken adapter.
A failed wireless driver install can leave you offline and unable to download the fix, so keep a copy on removable storage first.
A Windows feature update can replace a tuned OEM wireless driver with a generic one that roams or saves power poorly.
Aggressive adapter power saving is a frequent cause of Wi-Fi dropping on resume from sleep.
A hardware radio switch or Airplane mode left on looks like a driver failure when the radio is simply off.
Multi-gigabit Ethernet will fall back to a slower speed if the cable or switch does not support the rated rate.
A USB Wi-Fi adapter on an unpowered hub may be starved of current and drop out under load.
Mistakes to avoid with network & wi-fi
Updating a wireless driver with no offline copy saved, then being unable to download the fix once Wi-Fi is down.
Leaving adapter power saving on, which drops Wi-Fi on resume from sleep.
Ignoring a hardware radio switch or Airplane mode and blaming the driver for a radio that is simply off.
Expecting a multi-gigabit port to reach full speed over a cable or switch that cannot support the rate.
Running a USB Wi-Fi adapter on an unpowered hub, where it is starved of current and drops out.
Replacing a good OEM wireless build with a generic one and losing tuned roaming and band steering.
Assuming a bad adapter when poor throughput is really a tuning regression from an update.
Forgetting the same card handles Bluetooth, then breaking both radios with a partial driver install.
Situations readers arrive with
After a big Windows update my laptop Wi-Fi keeps dropping every few minutes.
A feature update often swaps a tuned OEM wireless driver for a generic one. Open the adapter in Device Manager, go to the Driver tab, and try Roll Back Driver first. If that is unavailable, reinstall the OEM wireless package from your laptop maker's support site, ideally from a copy you saved to a USB drive.
My Wi-Fi is gone whenever the laptop wakes from sleep until I reboot.
This is usually aggressive power saving on the adapter. In the adapter's Power Management tab, clear the option that lets Windows turn off the device to save power. Install the OEM wireless package as well, since it usually fixes resume-related drops on laptops.
I am about to reinstall Windows and I am worried about getting online afterward.
Before you start, identify your Wi-Fi and Ethernet adapters in Device Manager and download the correct drivers from your PC or motherboard maker. Save them to a USB drive so you can install them even if Wi-Fi is down after the reinstall. A wired connection as a fallback also helps.
My new 2.5G Ethernet port only connects at gigabit speed.
Multi-gigabit links fall back when the rest of the path cannot keep up. Confirm the cable is rated for the target speed and the switch or router supports 2.5G on that port. Install the current controller driver, and only set the link speed manually if auto-negotiation keeps failing.
No wireless networks show up at all on my laptop.
Check the hardware radio switch or keyboard shortcut and confirm Airplane mode is off, since a disabled radio looks like a driver failure. Make sure the WLAN AutoConfig service is running. If networks still do not appear, reinstall the wireless driver from your maker's support site.
Symptom-by-symptom troubleshooting
Wi-Fi adapter disappears from Device Manager
Check whether the radio is disabled and rescan for hardware changes. If the card is documented as user-serviceable, follow the PC maker's service instructions before reseating it. Install only a package that lists the exact adapter and Windows release; consider Bios or firmware only when the exact model's notes address this symptom.
Slow or unstable Wi-Fi after a driver update
In the adapter's advanced properties, review roaming aggressiveness and band preference, and disable power-saving for the adapter. Reverting to the OEM-validated driver can restore stable throughput.
Ethernet shows no connection despite a plugged cable
Confirm the link lights are active, install the controller vendor or OEM Ethernet driver, and test another cable or switch port. Disable and re-enable the adapter in Network settings.
Wi-Fi drops when the laptop resumes from sleep
Turn off the option that lets Windows power down the adapter to save energy, and install the OEM package, which typically fixes resume-related wireless drops on laptops.
No wireless networks are listed
Confirm the WLAN AutoConfig service is running, confirm the radio is on and Airplane mode is off, and reinstall the wireless driver. A hardware radio switch left off is a frequent cause.
Limited connectivity or no internet with a valid link
Release and renew the IP address, flush the DNS cache, and reset the network stack. If the problem is isolated to one PC, reinstall the network driver to rule out a corrupted stack.
USB Wi-Fi adapter is not recognized
Install the driver from the adapter's chipset vendor or maker, try a different USB port, and avoid unpowered hubs that may not supply enough current for the adapter.
Multi-gigabit Ethernet negotiates a lower speed
Install the current controller driver, use cabling rated for the target speed, and set the link speed manually in the adapter properties only if auto-negotiation fails on your switch.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a Wi-Fi driver if Wi-Fi is not working?
Use a wired connection or another device to download the correct package, then transfer it on a USB drive. Keeping the OEM wireless driver saved in advance is wise before reinstalling Windows or swapping a card.
Should I use my laptop maker's wireless driver or the chipset vendor's?
Start with the laptop maker's exact-model listing, then compare its adapter IDs, Windows applicability, and release notes. A chipset-vendor package can also be appropriate when it explicitly lists the adapter, but neither source guarantees better roaming, power behavior, or performance without a relevant documented fix.
Does the same card handle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
Many internal modules contain both functions, but Windows may use separate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth packages. Identify both Device Manager entries and install each exact-model package the PC maker lists rather than assuming one combined installer.
Do I need a driver for wired Ethernet?
Windows often supplies a working Ethernet driver automatically, but the controller vendor or OEM package can add features and resolve link issues, especially on newer multi-gigabit controllers.
Why is my Wi-Fi slower than it should be?
Speed depends on your router, distance, interference, and adapter settings. On the PC side, install the OEM driver, disable adapter power saving, and review band and roaming settings before assuming a hardware fault.
How do I reset the network stack in Windows?
You can release and renew the IP address, flush the DNS cache, and reset the Winsock and TCP/IP stack. A reboot afterward is recommended. This helps when connectivity fails despite a valid link.
Can I add Wi-Fi to a desktop that only has Ethernet?
Yes, with an add-in wireless card or a USB Wi-Fi adapter. Install the driver from that device's chipset vendor or maker, and place any antennas for a clear line of sight to your router.
Terms used on this page
Ethernet controller
The chip that drives a wired network port and negotiates its link speed with a switch or router.
Roaming aggressiveness
A wireless setting for how eagerly the adapter hands off to a stronger access point as you move.
Band steering
Choosing among the 2.4, 5, and 6 gigahertz bands to balance range against speed and congestion.
Wake-on-LAN
A feature that lets a network message power on or wake a PC through its Ethernet controller.
Jumbo frames
Larger-than-standard Ethernet packets that can improve throughput on networks configured to support them.
WLAN AutoConfig
The Windows service that manages wireless connections; if it is stopped, no networks appear.
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