The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To reinstall a Wi-Fi driver in Windows 10 or 11, first download the correct driver for your PC model, then uninstall the wireless adapter in Device Manager and restart. Windows will try to install a driver automatically; if Wi-Fi does not return, install the saved manufacturer driver instead.
Before you uninstall the Wi-Fi adapter
Find your computer’s manufacturer and exact model, then download the wireless-network driver for that model and your installed Windows version from the manufacturer’s support site. Save the file before removing the current driver. Microsoft recommends having a driver backup ready in case Windows does not restore one after the restart. Microsoft’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide explains this recovery approach.
If the PC is offline, use another internet-connected device to download the package and copy it to a USB flash drive. Check that you have the correct package before proceeding; without a working Wi-Fi driver or another internet connection, downloading it later may be difficult.
How do I reinstall my Wi-Fi driver?
- Open Device Manager. Search for Device Manager from Start or the taskbar, open it, and expand Network adapters.
- Identify the wireless adapter. Select the Wi-Fi adapter, not an Ethernet, virtual, or unrelated network device. If it is listed but disabled, enable it first; uninstalling is not necessary just because the adapter is disabled.
- Uninstall the adapter. Right-click the wireless adapter and select Uninstall device. If the dialog offers Attempt to remove the driver for this device, selecting it removes the driver package as well as the device. Only select that option if you have the correct replacement package available.
- Restart the PC. Windows will attempt to detect the adapter and install a driver. Check whether the Wi-Fi option and connection return.
This is Microsoft’s documented reinstall route for applicable Wi-Fi troubleshooting, including cases where a connection stopped working properly after a recent update. It is a troubleshooting step, not a guaranteed fix for every wireless problem. Microsoft Support describes the uninstall-and-restart process.
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- 𝐀𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚: Rotate the multi-directional antenna to face your router to improve your experience and performance
What if Windows doesn’t reinstall my Wi-Fi driver?
Install the manufacturer’s driver package
Run the driver package you downloaded for the exact PC model and Windows version, and follow its instructions. For a laptop or prebuilt desktop, start with the computer manufacturer’s model-specific support page. Windows Update can also install recommended drivers, though optional driver updates may need to be selected manually. If Windows Update cannot find a compatible driver, Microsoft directs users to the hardware manufacturer. See Microsoft’s driver-update guidance for Windows 10 and 11.
Use an INF file for the documented offline install route
If you are following Microsoft’s manual offline setup procedure with a USB drive, place the driver’s .inf file in the root of the drive, not in a subfolder. This placement detail applies to that INF-based route; if the manufacturer provides a setup installer instead, use its included instructions. Microsoft’s Wi-Fi guide covers downloading on another device and transferring the driver.
Rank #2
- AC1300 Dual Band Wi-Fi Adapter for PC, Desktop and Laptop. Archer T3U provides 2.4G/5G strong high speed connection throughout your house.
- Archer T3U also provides MU-MIMO, which delivers Beamforming connection for lag-free Wi-Fi experience.
- Usb 3.0 provides 10x faster speed than USB 2.0, along with mini and portable size that allows the user to carry the device everywhere.
- World's 1 provider of consumer Wi-Fi for 7 consecutive years - according to IDC Q2 2018 report
- Supports Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP/ Mac OS X 10.9-10.14
Ask Device Manager to look again
If Windows still has not detected the adapter after the restart or driver installation, open Device Manager and choose Action > Scan for hardware changes. This prompts Windows to check for devices and may trigger detection and driver installation. Microsoft’s Device Manager guidance describes scanning for hardware changes.
What if the wireless adapter is missing from Device Manager?
If no wireless adapter appears under Network adapters, Windows is not detecting it. Check the computer or adapter manufacturer’s support page for a driver compatible with the installed Windows version, then install it and scan for hardware changes. Missing from Device Manager does not, on its own, establish that the physical adapter has failed.
Rank #3
- Fast 1300Mbps USB WiFi Adapter - Nineplus wifi adapter provides long-range and stable wifi connections,Upgrade your desktop or laptop wifi Technology with our AC1300Mbps usb wireless Adapter. Whether your desktop pc's wifi usb is malfunctioning or you’re looking to upgrade to faster dual-band 5GHz and 2.4GHz speeds, this pc wifi adapter is the ideal choice. It’s a budget-friendly way to extend your device’s life and experience the benefits of modern WiFi technology
- Dual-band 5.8GHz and 2.4GHz Bands - 5.8Ghz wifi Connection speed up to 867Mbps,2.4GHz 400Mbps,With these upgraded speeds, web surfing, gaming, and streaming online meeting is much more enjoyable without buffering or interruptions,Experience the High Wi-Fi speed of our AC1300Mbps wifi dongle delivers faster internet speeds and stronger, more reliable signal penetration over long distances. It's a high-speed dual-band wifi usb adapter for pc and easy for the modern user.
- Two 5dBi High Gain Wifi Antenna – The high gain antenna of the desktop wifi adapter greatly enhances the reception and transmission of WiFi signal strengths.Equipped with dual high-gain pc wifi antenna, our wifi dongle for desktop pc ensures accurate capture of WiFi signals, providing a stable and strong connection even at greater distances, ideal for overcoming poor signal issues in bedrooms. This computer wifi adapter, wifi card, and usb wifi antenna extend your coverage.
- Super Speed USB 3.0 - wifi adapter for desktop pc Connect speeds Up to 10x faster than USB 2.0 USB, Super USB3.0 delivers faster data transfer, a more reliable network connection, and improved compatibility for wifi adapter for pc. It fully supports the high-speed demands of AC1300 wireless adapter, ensuring peak performance. Plus, it's backward compatible with standard USB 2.0 ports for added flexibility.usb wifi adapter for desktop pc 3.0
- Compatibility Systems: This Wi-Fi usb adapter is compatible with Windows11/10/8.1/8/7/XP,not supports Mac OS or Chromebook or Linux. Most Windows 11/10 systems will automatically detect and install the drivers. If the system does not detect the driver, you will need to download it from our website. For Windows 7, you will need to manually install the driver for this wifi card.or you go to the website online-setup support,we do online-setup for you.
Getting the PC online to recover
If you need internet access to obtain a driver, Ethernet can provide a temporary wired connection. If the PC has no Ethernet port, Microsoft says a USB-to-Ethernet adapter may be considered. This is an optional way to get online, separate from reinstalling the Wi-Fi driver. For a PC with no internet access at all, downloading the driver on another device and transferring it on a USB flash drive is the offline recovery route described by Microsoft; its network troubleshooting guidance also discusses Ethernet as an alternative connection.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐔𝐒𝐁 𝟑.𝟎 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞.
- 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐢 𝟔 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 -Experience faster speeds with less network congestion compared to previous generation Wi-Fi 5. AX1800 wireless speeds to meet all your gaming, downloading, and streaming needs
- 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐢 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 - 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for flexible connectivity (up to 1201 Mbps on 5GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4GHz)
- 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝟏𝟏/𝟏𝟎 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 - The Archer TX20U Plus is only compatible with Windows 11 and 10 on desktops and laptops. Not compatible with Linux or Mac.** For best performance: keep firmware updated by checking the Tether App.
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Rank #4
- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐈 𝟔 - Reach incredible speeds up to 2.4 Gbps (2402 Mbps in 5 GHz or 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz) with ultra-low latency and uninterrupted connectivity using Wi-Fi 6 technologies¹
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- 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - 2 powerful signal-boost, high-gain antennas greatly inrease range for a smoother online gaming experience in further away distances
- 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝟓.𝟐 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - Equipped with the latest Bluetooth technology, Archer TX55E achieves 2x faster speeds and 4x broader coverage compared to Bluetooth 4.2 so you can connect your favorite devices such as game controllers, headphones, and keyboards for the ultimate setup.²
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
