How to Change a Wi-Fi Driver: 5 Ways to Update and Troubleshoot

Wi-Fi connection issues are one of the most common problems on laptops and PCs. Most often, the culprit is outdated or corrupted wireless adapter driverUnlike wired internet, where problems are usually related to the cable or router, Wi-Fi is more complex: the signal can drop due to software glitches, driver conflicts, or even viruses. But in 80% of cases, it's quite simple. update Wi-Fi driver — and the network will work again.

In this article you will find Current methods for updating Wi-Fi drivers for Windows 10 and 11 in 2026, including manual installation, automatic system updates, and repairs via Device Manager. We'll also discuss what to do if Wi-Fi stops working completely after a driver update and how to roll back changes. These instructions are suitable for adapters from Intel, Qualcomm Atheros, Realtek, Broadcom and other manufacturers.

Why do I need to update my Wi-Fi driver?

A wireless adapter driver is software that enables communication between Wi-Fi module and the operating system. Without it, your laptop or PC simply won't see available networks. Here are the main reasons why a driver requires updating:

• 🔄 Outdated version: Manufacturers regularly release updates to improve stability, speed, and compatibility with new standards (eg. Wi-Fi 6E).
• 🛠️ MalfunctionsIf your Wi-Fi is periodically disconnecting, slowing down, or not connecting to the network, a corrupted driver is often the culprit.
• 🔒 Security vulnerabilities: Old drivers may contain vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to attack your network.
• 🖥️ Windows Update: After major system updates (for example, upgrading from Windows 10 to 11), old drivers may no longer work correctly.

According to data MicrosoftMore than 30% of support requests regarding Wi-Fi issues are resolved by simply updating or reinstalling the driver. However, many users don't check the software's current status for years until they encounter a critical issue.

⚠️ Attention: If you use USB Wi-Fi adapter (For example, TP-Link TL-WN725N or ASUS USB-AC56), the driver for it is updated separately from the built-in module. In this case, you need to download the software from the adapter manufacturer's website, not the laptop's.

How to find out your Wi-Fi adapter model and current driver version

Before updating your driver, you need to know exactly what hardware is installed on your device. This will help you download the correct software version and avoid conflicts. Here's how:

Method 1: Via Device Manager

The most reliable method is to check the information in Device Manager:

1. Click Win + X and select device Manager.
2. Expand the section Network adapters.
3. Find the device with the words Wireless, Wi-Fi, 802.11 or the name of the manufacturer (Intel, Realtek etc.).
4. Right click on it → Properties → tab DriverHere you will see the current version and release date.

Example of adapter names:

• Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX200 160MHz
• Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4A Wireless Network Adapter
• Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11ac PCIe Adapter

Method 2: Via the command line

For experienced users, there is a faster method - the command in CMD:

wmic nic where "NetEnabled='true'" get Name, Manufacturer, DriverVersion

As a result, you'll get a table with the names of all network devices, their manufacturers, and driver versions. Look for the line mentioning Wi-Fi.

5 Ways to Update Your Wi-Fi Driver on Windows

Now let's get to the main point: how to change the driver. We've compiled all the current methods, from the simplest to the most advanced. Start with the first and move on to the next if the previous one doesn't work.

Method 1: Automatic update via Windows Update

The safest, but not always effective, method. Windows automatically searches for and installs drivers from its database:

1. Open Parameters (Win + I) → Updates and Security → Windows Update.
2. Click Checking for updates.
3. If the system finds updates for drivers, they will be installed automatically.

The downside of this method: bases Microsoft often contain outdated driver versions. For example, for adapters Intel Wi-Fi 6 Windows Update may have the 2022 version available, while the manufacturer's website already has the 2026 update.

Method 2: Manual installation via Device Manager

A more reliable method is to force the system to search for the latest driver on the Internet:

1. Open device Manager (Win + X).
2. Expand Network adapters, find your Wi-Fi module and right-click on it.
3. Select Update driver → Automatic search for updated drivers.

If the system does not find updates, try the second option:

4. In the same menu, select Update driver → Search for drivers on this computer.
5. Click Select a driver from the list of already installed drivers.
6. If there is a newer version in the list, select it and click Next.

⚠️ AttentionIf there's a yellow exclamation point next to your Wi-Fi adapter's name in Device Manager, the driver is either corrupted or missing. In this case, a manual update may not work—you'll have to download the software from the manufacturer's website (see Method 3).

Method 3: Download the driver from the official website

This is the most reliable method, as you receive the latest driver version directly from the manufacturer. Here's how:

1. Find out the model of your Wi-Fi adapter (see the section above).
2. Go to the manufacturer's website:
   • Intel: www.intel.ru/content/www/ru/ru/support.html
   • Realtek: www.realtek.com/en/ (chapter Downloads)
   • Qualcomm Atheros: www.qualcomm.com/support
   • Broadcom: www.broadcom.com/support

Example: for adapter Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 on the website Intel you need to select a section Wireless networks → Wi-Fi → enter the model in the search.

Method 4: Use automatic update programs

If you don't want to manually search for drivers, you can use specialized utilities. They scan the system, find outdated drivers, and install the latest versions. Popular programs:

• 🔧 Driver Booster (from IObit) - the free version updates basic drivers, including network ones.
• 🔧 DriverPack Solution - automatically detects the adapter model and installs the driver, but be careful with additional software.
• 🔧 Snappy Driver Installer — a portable utility with a driver database that works without the Internet.

Warning: These programs may install not the latest version of the driver, as well as offering unnecessary software. Always check what exactly is being installed and uncheck any additional components.

Method 5: Update the driver through the laptop manufacturer

If you have a laptop (ASUS, Lenovo, HP, Dell etc.), the manufacturer may provide its own driver versions optimized for a specific model. This is especially relevant for devices with Realtek or Broadcom adapters where universal drivers work unstably.

Algorithm:

1. Find out the exact model of your laptop (usually indicated on a sticker on the bottom or in the documentation).
2. Go to the manufacturer's support site:
   • ASUS: www.asus.com/support
   • Lenovo: pcsupport.lenovo.com
   • HP: support.hp.com
   • Dell: www.dell.com/support

⚠️ Attention: Drivers from the laptop manufacturer's website may be older than those on the adapter developer's website (for example, Intel). If you experience problems after installation, try downloading the software directly from the chip manufacturer.

What to do if Wi-Fi doesn't work after updating the driver

Sometimes, instead of improving, the situation gets worse: after installing a new driver, Wi-Fi disappears from the list of networks, or the adapter disappears from Device Manager entirely. Here's what to do in such cases:

Step 1: Roll back the driver

If the new driver causes problems, revert to the previous version:

1. Open device Manager → Network adapters.
2. Find your Wi-Fi adapter, right-click → Properties → tab Driver.
3. Click Roll back (if the button is active).
4. Restart your computer.

If the button Roll back If the icon is inactive, the previous driver version has been uninstalled. In this case, the next step will help.

Step 2: Uninstall the driver and reinstall it

Completely uninstalling the current driver and then reinstalling it often solves problems:

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 it appears).
3. Restart your computer. Windows will attempt to install the driver automatically.
4. If the network does not work, install the driver manually (see Method 3).

Step 3: Check for hardware conflicts

Sometimes Wi-Fi problems occur due to conflicts with other network devices (eg. Bluetooth-module or virtual adapters). To check this:

1. Open device Manager → View → Show hidden devices.
2. Check if there is a section Network adapters devices with an exclamation mark.
3. Turn it off Bluetooth (if any) and restart your computer.

If the conflict is caused by virtual adapters (for example, from a VPN or VirtualBox), remove them temporarily.

How to update your Wi-Fi driver without internet access

Situation: Wi-Fi isn't working, and there's no cable connection. How can I update the driver? Here are three working methods:

Method 1: Download the driver on another device

The simplest option:

1. Find out the model of your Wi-Fi adapter (via device Manager or command line).
2. On another computer or phone, download the driver from the official website.
3. Transfer the file on a flash drive or via Bluetooth.
4. Install the driver manually (see Method 3).

Method 2: Use a Windows backup

If you have a system restore point created before the Wi-Fi issues started:

1. Click Win + R, enter rstrui and press Enter.
2. Select a restore point created before the crash and follow the instructions.

This will restore not only the driver but also other system settings. Keep in mind that programs installed after the restore point was created may disappear.

Method 3: Install the driver via Windows PE

For advanced users: If the system does not boot or Wi-Fi is critical, you can use a bootable USB flash drive with Windows PE (For example, Sergei Strelec). In such an environment one can:

• 🔧 Connect to the Internet via Ethernet or USB modem.
• 🔧 Download the driver and install it on your hard drive.
• 🔧 Launch Dism++ or DriverStore Explorer for forced installation.

This method requires skills in working with bootable media and is only suitable in extreme cases.

Additional tips for setting up Wi-Fi after updating your driver

Even after successfully updating your driver, you may still experience connection speed or stability issues. Here are some recommendations for optimization:

• 📶 Change Wi-Fi channel: In the router settings, select a channel with less traffic (for example, 1, 6 or 11 For 2.4 GHz).
• 🔄 Update your router firmware: Outdated firmware may conflict with the new adapter driver.
• 🛡️ Disable power saving for the adapter:
  1. Open device Manager → Wi-Fi adapter properties → tab Power management.
  2. Uncheck the box Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
• 🔒 Check your security settings: Make sure that the router is turned on WPA2-PSK or WPA3 (and not outdated WEP).

If your Wi-Fi speed remains slow, try disable the function 802.11n/ac Wireless Mode in the adapter settings (tab Additionally (in the device properties). Sometimes this helps with conflicts with older routers.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about updating your Wi-Fi driver

sudo apt update
sudo apt install firmware-*-nonfree