How to Install WiFi Drivers During Windows 11 Setup Installing Windows 11 usually feels like a breeze until you hit the "Let's connect you to a network" screen and find it completely blank. If your WiFi adapter isn't recognized out of the box, you can’t finish the setup because Microsoft requires an internet connection for Windows 11 Home and Pro versions.
Windows 11 includes a massive library of generic drivers, but hardware moves faster than software. If your motherboard uses a very new WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 chip (like those from Intel, Realtek, or MediaTek), the Windows 11 installation media might not yet "know" how to talk to that specific hardware.
Use this if you have the driver files ( .inf , .sys ) but no installer.
How to Install Wi-Fi Drivers During Windows 11 Setup If you’re setting up a fresh install of Windows 11 and find yourself stuck on the "Let's connect you to a network" screen because your Wi-Fi isn't showing up, you aren't alone. Windows 11 often lacks built-in drivers for newer wireless adapters. Here are the most effective ways to get your Wi-Fi working so you can finish your installation. 1. The "Bypass" Method (Recommended) If you don't have another computer handy to download drivers, you can bypass the internet requirement to finish the setup first and fix the drivers later from your desktop. Open Command Prompt: On the "Let’s connect you to a network" screen, press
If your laptop has an Ethernet port, or if you have a USB-to-Ethernet adapter, plug it in directly to your router. Windows 11 almost always carries generic drivers for wired internet. Once you are plugged in: Go to Settings > Windows Update. Click "Check for updates." Select "Advanced options" > "Optional updates."