Owners of modern laptops of the series ASUS Vivobook Often encounter an unpleasant situation immediately after a clean installation of the operating system. The welcome screen greets you with a request to create a Microsoft account, but the usual list of available networks is nowhere to be found. This happens because the standard Windows image doesn't contain preinstalled drivers for the latest wireless modules included with these devices.
Without internet access, the system blocks further installation, creating a vicious cycle. You need to download the driver, but that requires internet access, which you don't have. Fortunately, engineers have provided several workarounds that allow you to break this cycle and successfully complete the initial setup.
In this article, we'll cover all the current solutions, from using hidden commands to connecting via a smartphone. You'll learn how to activate a network adapter if it's hidden, and where to find the necessary driver files if automatic installation isn't possible.
Why is there no Wi-Fi button on new ASUS laptops?
The main reason lies in Microsoft's policy of reducing the size of the system installation image. The distribution does not include specific drivers for hardware released in recent years. Laptops ASUS Vivobook are equipped with modern modules from Intel, Realtek or MediaTek, which require up-to-date software for correct operation.
Driver — is the intermediary between the operating system and the physical device. Without it, Windows simply "doesn't see" the network card. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the BIOS of some models may disable certain power-saving features or interface settings by default, blocking the adapter from operating until the system fully boots.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to install drivers from older laptop models. Using incompatible software may cause system file conflicts and a "blue screen of death."
Furthermore, Windows 11 has stricter security and driver signing requirements. If the installer doesn't have a digital signature for your specific communication module, the system will ignore the device, even if it's physically functional and connected.
Using a hidden command to skip a connection
The fastest way to bypass the network connection requirement is to use a special command line command. This method allows you to create a local account and access the desktop, where you can install drivers from a flash drive or phone.
On the network selection screen (where available Wi-Fi hotspots are usually displayed), press the key combination Shift + F10On some laptop models ASUS you may also need to hold down the key Fn, that is Shift + Fn + F10In the black command prompt window that opens, enter the command:
OOBE\BYPASSNROAfter entering the command, press EnterThe laptop will automatically reboot. When you return to the network selection screen, a new option will appear in the bottom corner: "I don't have internet" or "Continue with limited setup." Clicking this will allow you to complete the setup without Wi-Fi.
It's important to understand that this method doesn't "fix" Wi-Fi, it only provides access to the system. After the desktop boots, you'll still need to find and install drivers to ensure full internet functionality.
Connecting via USB modem from Android or iPhone
If you critically need internet access during installation (for example, to update system components), the easiest way is to use your smartphone as an external network card. Modern versions of Windows 10 and 11 have built-in universal drivers for USB modems that work in environments where Wi-Fi adapters are still dormant.
To use this method, you'll need a USB cable and a smartphone. Connect your phone to your ASUS Vivobook laptop. Then, in your phone's settings, find the section responsible for data transfer and enable USB tethering. The setup path may vary depending on your phone model.
☑️ USB modem connection algorithm
The system will detect a new network connection, and the indicators in the corner of the screen will change. This will allow you to complete the Windows installation and download any missing drivers through Windows Update. Once Wi-Fi is working, be sure to disable tethering on your phone to avoid wasting data.
Finding and installing drivers without network access
If you've successfully bypassed the installation step but still don't have Wi-Fi, you'll need to install the drivers manually. Since the laptop doesn't have internet access, you'll need to use another device (PC, tablet, or phone) to download files and transfer them to ASUS Vivobook via flash drive.
Go to the official ASUS support website. In the search bar, enter the exact model of your laptop (e.g., Vivobook 15 X1502). Go to the "Drivers and Utilities" section and select your operating system version. You'll need the "Networking" or "Wireless" section.
| Driver type | Manufacturer | Description | File size |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLAN Driver | Intel / Realtek | Basic Wireless Network Driver | ~50-100 MB |
| Bluetooth Driver | Intel / MediaTek | Bluetooth module driver | ~20-40 MB |
| Chipset Driver | Intel | Motherboard chipset drivers | ~5-10 MB |
| MyASUS | ASUS | System management utility | ~100+ MB |
Download the WLAN (Wireless LAN) driver file. Please note that different revisions of the same laptop model may use different modules (for example, Intel AX201 or Realtek 8822CE). If you don't know which one you have, it's a good idea to download drivers for all popular manufacturers listed.
After transferring the file to your laptop, run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions. After installation, be sure to restart your device. In most cases, the Wi-Fi icon will appear in the system tray.
Troubleshooting through Device Manager
Sometimes the driver is installed, but the device is disabled by software or is malfunctioning. To diagnose the problem, use the built-in Windows utility. Right-click the Start button and select device Manager.
Find the "Network Adapters" section in the list. If you see a device with a yellow exclamation point or marked as "Unknown Device," the problem is with the driver. Try right-clicking the device and selecting "Update Driver" -> "Browse my computer for driver software," then selecting the folder with the unzipped files.
What to do if the adapter is not visible at all?
If Device Manager doesn't even show any unknown devices under Network Adapters, check "View" -> "Show Hidden Devices." If there's nothing there, the Wi-Fi module may have come loose or is faulty. Try gently tapping the case near the keyboard or reseating the module if you're skilled at disassembling laptops.
It's also worth checking your power settings. In the network adapter properties, go to the "Power Management" tab and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." This will prevent the module from shutting down accidentally.
In some cases, completely removing the device from the Device Manager can help. Right-click the adapter and select "Uninstall device." Then, select "Action" -> "Scan for hardware configuration" from the menu. The system will attempt to reinitialize the device.
BIOS settings and hardware switches
Although rare, it can happen that the Wi-Fi module is disabled at the BIOS level. To check this, restart the laptop and actively press the [Power] key while turning it on. F2 to enter BIOS Setup. The interface may vary depending on the model. Vivobook.
Go to Advanced Mode, usually the key F7Find the section related to Onboard Devices Configuration. Make sure the Wireless, WLAN, or Wi-Fi Controller item has a status Enabled.
⚠️ Caution: Use caution when changing BIOS settings. Changing unknown parameters may cause system instability. Write down the original values before making changes.
Also, check if airplane mode is enabled at the hardware level. Some ASUS models have a function key (often F2 or F10) with the image of an antenna. Click it (possibly in combination with Fn) and see if the indicator light comes on or a notification appears on the screen.
If all else fails, there may be a hardware problem with the communication module. In this case, a reasonable solution would be to use an external USB Wi-Fi adapter, which Windows will automatically detect, as the drivers for these adapters are built into the system by default.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to install Windows without Wi-Fi drivers on ASUS Vivobook?
Yes, you can. To do this, use the command OOBE\BYPASSNRO During the network setup process, this will create a local account and take you to the desktop, where you can install the drivers manually.
Where can I get a Wi-Fi driver if my laptop doesn't have internet access?
You'll need another device with internet access. Download the driver for your laptop model from the official ASUS website, save it to a USB flash drive, and transfer it to your ASUS Vivobook for installation.
Why doesn't Wi-Fi work after installing the driver?
Check Device Manager for errors. The wrong driver may be installed, or the device may be disabled in the BIOS. Also, try removing the device from the device manager and updating the hardware configuration.
Does the USB modem method work on iPhone?
Yes, it works. Connect your iPhone with a cable, enable Personal Hotspot in your cellular settings, and enable USB. Windows will install the standard RNDIS driver, and you'll be able to connect to the internet.