Need to update your network driver but stuck choosing between Windows settings and a manufacturer's download? Start with Windows Update, then move to a matching manufacturer package if needed. These steps cover Wi-Fi and Ethernet, including installation when your PC has no internet connection.
Start with Windows Update
Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
Select Check for updates. Windows also installs applicable recommended drivers during automatic update checks.
Install the available updates.
Restart your PC when requested.
To check for additional driver packages, open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
Select the matching network adapter package under Driver updates. Optional drivers do not install automatically.
Click Download and install.
Restart after installation.
Tip: If no network driver appears, check your manufacturer's support page for a matching package.
Download a driver from your manufacturer
Your PC, motherboard, or adapter manufacturer's support website is the next stop. Select your exact model and Windows version there.
Download its matching LAN or WLAN driver, checking the adapter, hardware revision, and Windows architecture before choosing the package.
For a Dell PC, identify the device by its Service Tag or model on Dell's support site.
Open Drivers & Downloads for that model.
For a TP-Link adapter, select its exact hardware revision on the download page before choosing the Windows driver.
Extract the downloaded archive if the package comes in one.
Run the supplied EXE file to start installation. For an MSI package supplied as a BAT file, use Run as administrator.
Complete the installer.
Restart your computer after installation.
If the package has no installer or installation fails, try the manual Device Manager method below with the compatible extracted driver files.
Transfer the driver when your PC cannot get online
No connection on the affected PC? Use another computer with internet access and a USB flash drive to bring the driver over.
On the connected computer, download the affected PC's matching network driver from its manufacturer's website.
Copy the downloaded package to the USB flash drive.
Transfer the package to the computer with the connection problem.
Extract the package on the affected PC if it is an archive.
Run its supplied installer. If the package contains installation files without an installer, follow the Device Manager procedure next.
Install an extracted driver through Device Manager
A driver package without a supplied installer leaves you with installation files, usually INF files, to install manually.
Open Device Manager from the right-click menu on Start.
Expand Network adapters.
Select Update driver from your adapter's right-click menu.
Choose Browse my computer for drivers.
Click Browse....
Select the folder containing the extracted driver files.
Confirm with OK.
Select Next to install the compatible driver.
Close the wizard after installation.
For a matching INF that requires explicit selection, choose Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer in the manual update wizard.
Select Have Disk....
Use Browse... to open the downloaded INF.
Confirm the selection.
Complete the wizard with compatibility filtering enabled.
Roll back if an update breaks your connection
Open Device Manager from the right-click menu on Start. Rollback restores the previous driver and requires administrator access and a retained previous version.
Expand Network adapters.
Select Properties from your network adapter's right-click menu.
Open the Driver tab.
Select Roll Back Driver.
Give the requested reason.
Confirm with Yes.
Restart if prompted.
Tip: If Windows has no retained driver to restore, install a compatible replacement package from your manufacturer's support site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Device Manager search the internet for network drivers?
On current Windows, Search automatically for drivers searches locally. The automatic internet search described in older tutorials applied to Windows 10 version 1909 and earlier. Use Windows Update in Settings for online driver checks.
Will reinstalling the adapter or using Network reset install a newer driver?
Neither guarantees a newer driver. Uninstalling the adapter and restarting makes Windows attempt reinstallation, so save a replacement driver first. Network reset is a last-resort connectivity repair that reinstalls adapters and resets networking. Reconfigure VPN software or virtual switches afterward as needed.
Can I use these methods on Windows 10?
The manufacturer-package and manual Device Manager methods also apply to supported Windows 10 configurations. Ordinary Windows 10 consumer support ended in October 2025. Extended Security Updates and separately serviced editions do not guarantee new drivers for every adapter.
Does the newest Intel Wi-Fi package support every Intel adapter?
No. Check the package's supported-product list before downloading it. Intel's current main Wi-Fi bundle excludes several discontinued adapters, including AX200. Use the separate package for your adapter or your PC manufacturer's matching driver.
