Error "Driver version does not support Wi-Fi software": 7 ways to solve

You turned on your laptop, only to find that the Wi-Fi suddenly stopped working? In Device Manager, you'll see an exclamation point next to the adapter, and the system displays a cryptic message: "The driver version does not support the Wi-Fi software"**This error is one of the most common when updating Windows, changing hardware, or having a driver conflict. It blocks network access, making the device virtually useless for work or entertainment.

The cause is incompatibility between the current version of the wireless adapter driver and the installed operating system or its components. Most often, the problem occurs after major Windows updates (for example, upgrading from version 21H2 to 22H2), replacing the Wi-Fi module, or manually installing an incompatible driver. In rare cases, viruses or corrupted system files are to blame. But the good news is: in 95% of cases, the error can be fixed independently without calling a service center.

In this article - 7 proven methods, from simple (automatic driver update) to advanced (manual installation via Device Manager or a system rollback). We'll also discuss what to do if none of the methods work, and when it's time to take your device in for repair. All instructions are suitable for Windows 10/11, laptops Lenovo, HP, Dell, Asus, Acer and desktop PCs with Wi-Fi adapters Intel, Qualcomm, Realtek, Broadcom.

1. Reboot and basic diagnostics

Before digging into the settings, try these simple steps—they help in 20% of cases:

• 🔄 Restart your computerSometimes the error occurs due to a temporary failure of a driver or service. WLAN AutoConfig.
• 📡 Check the physical connectionIf you have an external Wi-Fi adapter (for example, TP-Link TL-WN725N), remove it and reinsert it into the USB port. For built-in modules, try disconnecting and reconnecting the adapter in Device Manager.
• ⚡ Turn off energy savingGo to . Control Panel → Power Options → Change plan settings → Change advanced settings and set the parameter to Wireless Network Adapter Settings → Power Saving Mode meaning Maximum performance.

If the error persists after rebooting, proceed to the next step. Important: Don't ignore basic diagnostics—sometimes the problem can be solved with just the push of a button.

2. Automatic driver update via Windows

The safest way is to let the system find and install a compatible driver automatically. Here's how:

1. Click Win + X and select device Manager.
2. Expand the branch Network adapters, find your Wi-Fi module (the name may contain Wireless, Wi-Fi, 802.11ac, AX200, AX210 etc.).
3. Right click on it → Update driver → Automatic search for updated drivers.

If Windows finds an update, install it and restart your PC. AttentionSometimes the system reports that "you have the latest version installed," even though this is not the case. In this case, proceed to manual installation (Section 4).

Save important files

Connect the laptop to the charger

Have backup internet access (mobile phone/cable)

Remember the current driver version (in case of rollback)-->

If automatic update doesn't work, try uninstall the current driver and let Windows install it again:

1. IN Device Manager Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter → Remove device.
2. Check the box Remove the driver software for this device (if any) and confirm.
3. Restart your computer. Windows should automatically install the basic driver.

3. Checking the WLAN AutoConfig service

Wi-Fi in Windows is managed by a service WLAN AutoConfigIf it's disabled or malfunctioning, the adapter may return an incompatibility error. To check its status:

1. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and press Enter.
2. Find a service Automatic WLAN configuration (WLAN AutoConfig).
3. Double click on it and make sure that:
   • 🔘 Launch type — Automatically.
   • 🔄 State — In progress.

If the service is stopped, click LaunchIf the startup type is different, change it and apply the settings.

After making the changes, restart your computer. If the service refuses to start, try resetting its settings via the command line:

net stop wlansvc
net start wlansvc

4. Manual driver update from the manufacturer's website

If the automatic update doesn't help, you'll have to download the driver manually. This is the most reliable method., but requires precise knowledge of the adapter model and Windows version.

First, determine the model of the Wi-Fi module:

1. Open device Manager → Network adapters.
2. Right-click on the adapter → Properties → tab Intelligence.
3. From the drop-down menu, select Equipment ID (Hardware Ids). Copy the first line (for example, PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2723).

Now find the driver:

Download the driver for your version of Windows (32-bit or 64-bit) and install it. If there is no driver for your OS on the manufacturer's website, try searching for it on the manufacturer's website. laptop (For example, support.lenovo.com For Lenovo).

What to do if you don’t know the adapter model?

If in Device Manager The adapter is displayed as "Unknown device", use utilities to identify the hardware:

- HWiNFO (hwinfo.com)

- Speccy (piriform.com/speccy)

- AIDA64 (aida64.com)

In these programs, find the section Network → PCI / PnP devices and look at the details of the Wi-Fi adapter.

5. Roll back the driver or system

If the error appeared after updating Windows or a driver, return the system to its previous state.

Driver rollback:

1. IN Device Manager Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter → Properties → tab Driver.
2. Click Roll back (if the button is active).
3. Confirm the action and restart your PC.

System rollback:

1. Click Win + R, enter rstrui and press Enter.
2. Select a restore point before the error appeared (for example, in a day or two).
3. Follow the wizard's instructions.

If there are no restore points, try reset Windows to factory settings with saving files (Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Reset this PC).

6. Alternative solutions

If standard methods don't help, try these options:

• 🔧 Installing the driver in compatibility modeDownload the older version of the driver, right-click on the installation file → Properties → tab Compatibility → check the box Run the program in compatibility mode and select Windows 8/7.
• 🖥️ Using a USB adapterIf the built-in Wi-Fi module does not work, connect an external adapter (for example, TP-Link TL-WN823N) and use it temporarily until you solve the problem.
• 🔄 BIOS updateIn rare cases, the error is related to an outdated BIOS version. Update it using the manufacturer's utility (for example, Lenovo Vantage or HP Support Assistant).

For advanced users: If the error appeared after a Windows update, you can remove the problematic update:

1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → View update history → Uninstall updates.
2. Find the latest installed updates (especially those with code KBxxxxxxx) and delete them.

7. When to contact the service center

If none of the methods worked, the problem may be hardware:

• 💥 The Wi-Fi module is damagedPhysical damage (for example, after the laptop is dropped or liquid has spilled on it).
• 🔌 Problems with the motherboardSlot malfunction M.2 (for built-in modules) or USB port (for external adapters).
• ⚡ Chip overheatingIf the adapter shuts down under load, the thermal paste may need to be replaced or dust cleaned.

Signs of hardware failure:

• The adapter is not detected in Device Manager even after reinstalling the drivers.
• The error appears on different versions of Windows (for example, when booting from a Live USB).
• Wi-Fi is unstable: the signal disappears, the speed drops to zero.

Repair cost:

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to use the Internet via cable if Wi-Fi is not working?

Yes, connect the Ethernet cable to the port RJ-45 on a laptop or PC. If there is no port, use USB-Ethernet adapter (For example, TP-Link UE300). This will allow you to download drivers or update the system.

Why did Wi-Fi stop working after a Windows update?

Microsoft regularly releases updates that may conflict with older drivers. For example, update KB5028254 for Windows 11, it broke the adapters' functionality Intel AX200/AX210The solution is to roll back the update or install the latest driver from the manufacturer's website.

How do I know which driver I need for my Wi-Fi adapter?

Use Equipment ID from Device Manager (Section 4). For example, for the line PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_003E:

• VEN_168C - manufacturer Qualcomm/Atheros.
• DEV_003E — chip model (in this case QCA9377).

Enter this information into the search engine to find the exact driver.

Can antivirus software block Wi-Fi?

Yes, some antiviruses (for example, Avast, AVG, 360 Total Security) have a network protection module that can block drivers. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus or adding an exception for the driver file (usually this is .sys or .inf in the folder C:\Windows\System32\drivers).

What should I do if, after all these steps, Wi-Fi still doesn't work?

Last chance - clean installation of Windows from the official image. Download Media Creation Tool From the Microsoft website, create a bootable USB drive and reinstall the operating system. In 99% of cases, this solves the driver issue. Don't forget to back up your data first!

If you have tried all the methods but the error "The driver version does not support the Wi-Fi software"** If the problem persists, it's most likely a hardware issue. In this case, contact a service center or consider purchasing an external Wi-Fi adapter (costs from 500 rubles).

⚠️ AttentionWindows interface details and driver names may vary depending on the OS version and device model. For accurate information, check official sources: laptop manufacturer websites (support.hp.com, pcsupport.lenovo.com) or adapters (intel.com, realtek.com).