How to Install WiFi Driver for Windows 11? All Methods & Steps1
To install a WiFi driver in Windows 11, first identify your wireless adapter in Device Manager. Then download the correct driver from your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s official website using another internet-connected device if necessary. Transfer the file to your PC, run the installer, or update the driver manually through Device Manager. Restart your computer to complete the installation and restore wireless connectivity.
Now, let us break this down into clear, easy steps that anyone can follow.
How to Install WiFi Driver for Windows 11?
Installing a WiFi driver in Windows 11 involves identifying your wireless hardware, downloading the correct driver, and installing it either automatically or manually. Even if your system currently has no internet access, you can still complete the process with the help of another device and a USB drive.
Follow the steps below carefully.
Step 1: Check If the WiFi Adapter Is Detected in Device Manager
Before downloading anything, you need to confirm whether Windows 11 detects your wireless adapter.
Press Windows + X and click on Device Manager. Once it opens, look for the section called Network adapters. Expand it.
If you see something like “Wireless,” “WiFi,” or a brand name such as Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm, or Broadcom, that means the adapter is detected but may have a driver issue. If you see a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark, the driver is likely corrupted or missing.
If you do not see any wireless adapter at all, click on View at the top and select Show hidden devices. If it still does not appear, the driver is probably not installed at all.
This simple check tells you whether the hardware is present. If the adapter is visible but not working, your solution is straightforward. If it is missing entirely, you may need a manual driver installation. Ready to move to the next step and identify the exact adapter model?
Step 2: Identify Your WiFi Adapter Model
Installing the correct driver depends on knowing your exact wireless adapter model. Installing the wrong driver will not solve the issue.
If the adapter appears in Device Manager, right-click on it and select Properties. Go to the Details tab. In the drop-down menu, select Hardware Ids. You will see a string of letters and numbers. This information helps you confirm the correct model when downloading the driver.
If the adapter is not listed at all, check your laptop model number. You can usually find it on a sticker underneath the device or inside the system information window. Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Look for System Model.
For desktop users, identify your motherboard model. You can check it in the same System Information window.
Knowing your exact hardware is critical. With this information, you can download the precise driver version designed for your system. Now comes the most important part: getting the correct driver file.
Step 3: Download the Correct WiFi Driver from the Official Website
If your PC does not have internet access, use another device, such as a smartphone or another computer, to download the driver.
Visit the official website of your laptop manufacturer. For example, if you own a device from Dell, go to Dell. If it is from HP, visit HP. For Lenovo systems, use Lenovo. If you built your own PC, go to your motherboard manufacturer’s support page.
Enter your model number in the support section. Navigate to Drivers and Downloads. Select Windows 11 as your operating system. Look specifically for the Wireless LAN driver or WiFi driver.
Download the latest available version. Make sure it matches your Windows 11 version, either 64-bit or ARM if applicable.
If you cannot find the driver on the laptop manufacturer’s website, you can download it directly from the adapter manufacturer, such as Intel at Intel or Realtek at Realtek.
Save the file to a USB drive if you are using another device. Once downloaded, transfer it to your Windows 11 PC.
You now have the correct driver file. The next step is where things start coming together.
Step 4: Install the WiFi Driver Using the Setup File
Most WiFi drivers come as an executable file. Locate the downloaded file on your computer. Double-click it.
Follow the on-screen instructions. Usually, you need to click Next, agree to the license terms, and proceed with installation. The process may take a few minutes.
Once completed, restart your computer. After restarting, click on the network icon in the taskbar. If everything was installed correctly, you should now see available WiFi networks.
If you still do not see any networks, do not worry. There is another method that works in cases where the setup file does not automatically configure the adapter.
Are you curious how to install the driver manually through Device Manager?
Step 5: Install the WiFi Driver Manually Through Device Manager
If the automatic setup did not work, manual installation gives you more control.
Open Device Manager again. Right-click on the wireless adapter, or on Unknown device if the adapter is not recognized. Select Update driver.
Choose Browse my computer for drivers. Then click on Browse and navigate to the folder where you saved the driver files. Make sure the option Include subfolders is checked. Click Next.
Windows 11 will search the selected folder and install the compatible driver.
Once installation is complete, restart your system. After rebooting, check your WiFi icon again.
This method often resolves stubborn driver issues. But what if Windows still fails to recognize the hardware?
Step 6: Use Windows Update to Install the WiFi Driver
Sometimes Windows 11 can find the correct driver automatically through updates.
Connect your PC temporarily using an Ethernet cable if possible. Open Settings, go to Windows Update, and click Check for updates.
If a compatible WiFi driver is available, Windows will download and install it automatically. Restart your PC afterward.
Windows Update often provides stable and certified drivers. However, it may not always offer the latest version. That is why downloading from the official manufacturer remains the safest choice.
Now that your WiFi driver is installed, let us answer some common questions users often have.
FAQs
Why is my WiFi option missing in Windows 11?
The most common reason is a missing or corrupted WiFi driver. It can also be caused by a disabled adapter in Device Manager or BIOS settings. Reinstalling the correct driver usually restores the WiFi option.
Can I install a WiFi driver without internet?
Yes, you can. Download the driver on another device, transfer it using a USB drive, and install it manually on your Windows 11 PC.
How do I know if my WiFi driver is outdated?
Open Device Manager, right-click your wireless adapter, and select Properties. Under the Driver tab, check the driver date and version. Compare it with the latest version available on the manufacturer’s website.
Is it safe to download drivers from third-party websites?
It is strongly recommended to download drivers only from official manufacturer websites. Third-party sources may provide outdated or modified files that can cause system instability.
Do I need to uninstall the old driver before installing a new one?
In most cases, Windows 11 automatically replaces the existing driver. If you experience issues, uninstall the device from Device Manager, then reinstall the updated driver.
Summary
Installing a WiFi driver in Windows 11 is a process that must be followed correctly:
First, check whether the wireless adapter appears in Device Manager. Then identify your exact hardware model. Download the correct driver from the official manufacturer’s website. Install it using the setup file or manually through Device Manager. Restart your computer to complete the process.
If needed, Windows Update can also help install compatible drivers automatically. The key is ensuring that you use the correct driver version designed specifically for your hardware and Windows 11 edition.
Once properly installed, your wireless connection should function smoothly, allowing you to browse, stream, and work without interruptions.