Step-by-Step: Installing Network Adapter Driver on Windows 11

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we’ll guide you through the easy process of installing or updating a network adapter driver on Windows 11. Whether you’re setting up a freshly installed system or troubleshooting an existing setup, this guide will help you get your internet connection back up and running.

1. Open Device Manager

  • Right-click the Start icon on your Windows 11 taskbar.
  • Select Device Manager from the context menu.

2. Locate Your Network Adapter

  • In Device Manager, expand the Network Adapters section.
  • Look for your Wi-Fi adapter (e.g., Intel® Wireless AC 9560 160 MHz in the example).
  • If you’re using a freshly installed Windows 11, you might see a yellow exclamation mark or a question mark next to the device, indicating that the driver is missing or outdated.

3. Download and Install the Driver (For Fresh Installations)

If you don’t have the driver installed yet:

  1. Download the appropriate driver for your network adapter from another computer or mobile phone.
  2. Save the driver to your desktop for easy access.
  3. Right-click the network adapter in Device Manager and select Update Driver.
  4. Select Browse my computer for drivers, then click Browse and choose the driver file you downloaded.
  5. Click OK, then Next, and Windows will automatically install the driver.

4. Install Driver from Available Drivers (If Already Installed)

If the driver is already on your computer but not installed:

  1. Right-click your network adapter in Device Manager.
  2. Select Update Driver.
  3. Click Browse my computer for drivers.
  4. Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers.
  5. Choose from the list of installed drivers (you may have multiple versions listed).
    • If you’re unsure which one to select, try the drivers one by one.
  6. Click Next to install the selected driver.

5. Use Automatic Search for Updates

If you’re unsure or want to let Windows search for the latest driver:

  1. Right-click your network adapter and select Update Driver.
  2. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
  3. Windows will search for available updates and install them if found.

6. Restart Your Computer

  • After installing or updating the driver, you’ll be prompted to restart your computer.
  • Click Yes, and once your PC reboots, your network adapter should be ready to use, restoring your internet connection.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can easily install, update, or troubleshoot your network adapter drivers on Windows 11.

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