Get connected when setting up your Windows device - Microsoft Support
Look for your wireless (Wi-Fi) or Ethernet controller (e.g., Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201, Realtek Gaming Family Controller).
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every method, from automatic updates to manual installations, even when you have no internet access. We’ll also cover common error codes and how to fix them. how to install driver for network adapter
Apple tightly integrates drivers into the operating system. For built‑in Wi‑Fi/Ethernet, simply updating macOS (System Settings → General → Software Update) is the primary way to get new drivers.
| Error / Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix | |----------------|--------------|-----| | – “The drivers for this device are not installed” | No driver installed | Manually install using the correct .inf file. | | Code 10 – “This device cannot start” | Driver conflict or corrupt driver | Uninstall the device (delete driver), then reinstall fresh. | | Code 31 – “Device is not working properly” | Corrupted registry or driver | Use System Restore or run sfc /scannow . | | Adapter disappears after Windows update | Update overwrote driver with a generic one | Roll back driver in Device Manager → Properties → Driver. | | Wi‑Fi works but Ethernet doesn’t (or vice versa) | Only one of the two drivers is broken | Update each adapter separately. | | “Driver is not intended for this platform” | Downloaded 32‑bit driver on 64‑bit OS | Download the correct architecture version. | Get connected when setting up your Windows device
Always read the driver’s README – many community drivers have specific installation steps.
Starting with Windows 10, Microsoft maintains a massive driver catalog. You can force Windows Update to find the driver even without a full internet connection (via optional updates). Apple tightly integrates drivers into the operating system
: In the window that pops up, select Search automatically for drivers . Windows will scan your system and the internet to deploy the most compatible software version.
git clone https://github.com/username/adapter-driver cd adapter-driver make sudo make install sudo modprobe <driver_name>
Before downloading anything, you must know the exact make and model of your network card. Open on the offline computer. Expand Network adapters .
If the driver is corrupted, reinstalling it can resolve the issue. Open > Network adapters .
