How do I install Windows 11 without an existing Wi-Fi driver?

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Question

How do I install Windows® 11 without an existing Wi-Fi driver?

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Answer

The installation of a Windows® 11 installation image requires an internet connectivity to succeed.

If there is no suitable Wi-Fi driver in this Windows® 11 image (no “inbox” driver), you need to connect via ethernet or manually add the Wi-Fi driver by following instructions on the OOBE page during installation (aka.ms/networksetup) for the Operating System installation to succeed.

If you don’t see any Wi-Fi networks listed when you’re setting up your PC and see an error message, you might need to reinstall Wi-Fi network adapter drivers.

Proceed as follows:

• On a different PC, download the necessary Wi-Fi network adapter drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
• Unzip and copy the drivers to a USB flash drive, where the Windows® Operating System Installation Image is stored, into folder WLAN.
• On the PC you’re setting up, plug the USB flash drive into a USB port on your PC, boot the device and start set up Windows®.
• During Disk Drive Setup, choose “Load Driver” option.
• Select the USB driver and folder WLAN and press OK.
• Select “Browse” to search for WLAN drivers.
• Once the correct driver is found, press Next.
• Finish the Disk Drive configuration with Next.
• Now, during Internet Connection Setup, your WLAN should be visible and you can continue Windows® installation.

⚠️Note⚠️ In the appendix you will find this FAQ in flyer form.

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The information in this article refers to:

• Notebook and PC
• Windows 11

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Review Date: 2024-04-03