10 minutes of fixing issues, but the network adapter remains missing in the fresh Windows 10 setup.
10 minutes of fixing issues, but the network adapter remains missing in the fresh Windows 10 setup.
Thank you for the update! The Network Adapter isn’t listed in Device Manager. In "Device Manager > Network Adapters" only "WAN Miniport (...)" appears. I searched other parts of Device Manager but didn’t locate it. After updating the AMD chipset driver to version 2.11.26.106, no icons with an exclamation mark remain.
Check the device settings thoroughly. If it remains invisible in BIOS or doesn’t appear on the motherboard, the problem might be hardware-related. To troubleshoot further, transfer the installation to a USB drive and install Linux Mint from there. If networking functions correctly in Linux Mint, the original Windows setup likely has a software conflict. If networking fails in Mint, the issue probably lies with the hardware.
Interesting approach! (It’s a bit nerve-wracking returning the item after the deadline and Newegg isn’t known for reliable RMAs. If things go wrong, I might just use a free PCIe slot for future upgrades. But starting this new system would be tough.) Anyway, tackle it one step at a time. I could try Tails instead of Mint because it boots without needing installation from a USB drive—unless there’s a specific reason not to. Edit*: I should have understood the term but looked it up online, so I don’t need Tails! Haha
I faced a similar issue recently. My ITX motherboard’s Wi-Fi card wasn’t visible or functioning after Windows installation. To connect, I needed a USB 3.0 to Ethernet adapter, and once I updated Windows it appeared again. Earlier attempts to download drivers from another PC failed because the version didn’t support the device, causing a “this version of Windows doesn’t support this device” message.
I’m getting ready now, realizing how much testing remains and how much focus I’ll need. Fatigue seems stronger than expected, so my reply might come later. Ideas that are simpler to test are still welcome from others. Have a great day!
The odds look lower that this will fix the problem, especially because the Network Adapter is already included by default rather than added as a separate device like a Wi-Fi card. However, it might still be worth a shot. I’ve already placed an order for a dongle to update my drivers online, just in case things don’t work out. Thanks for your feedback!
On my end, it was the built-in M.2 Wi-Fi module included with the motherboard. I should have explained that more clearly.