How to Install the Network Adapter Driver in Windows 11 Without Internet?

Installing the network adapter driver in Windows 11 without the internet is a simple process. In this article, we’ll learn how to identify your network adapter mode, download the best driver, and install it on your Windows 11 computer. We will use a different computer to download the driver and transfer it to your computer using an external storage device or USB flash drive. After installation, we will also verify that the driver was installed successfully.

Let’s get your computer connected to the internet.

Press the Windows key and the X key together, then click “Device Manager.”
In Device Manager, look for “Network Adapters” and open it.
You’ll see a list of all your network adapter drivers. Find the one you are using and write down the name. Now you’re ready to update.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Download the Driver On A Secondary Computer.

Your computer does not have internet access, so you will need to use another device to download the driver.

Here’s how you can get the driver you need and get your computer connected again:

Arrange a different computer with an internet connection to download the latest network adapter driver.
Visit the official PC manufacturer’s website and download the most recent network adapter driver according to your model.
To transfer the .exe driver files, save them to an external storage device or USB flash drive.

Transfer the Driver Files to the Windows 11 Computer

Now that you’ve downloaded the network adapter driver on another computer, it’s time to transfer the files to your Windows 11 system. This will allow you to install the driver and get your computer connected to the internet.

Follow these steps to transfer the files safely and efficiently:

Step 1: Insert the external storage device or USB flash drive holding the downloaded driver files into a USB port on your Windows 11 PC.

Step 2: To view the driver files, use File Explorer and navigate to the external storage device or USB flash drive.

Step 3: Installing the Network Adapter Driver.

In the Start menu search and open the “Device Manager.”
In Device Manager, find the network adapter under “Network adapters” and right-click on it.
Right-click on the Network Adapter, you want to update. Select “Update driver” to launch the Update Driver Software wizard, and then click “Browse my PC for driver software.”
Click on “Browse my computer for driver” and navigate to the location of the driver files on your USB flash drive or external storage device, select the folder, and click “OK.”
Click “Next” to install the driver, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Once installed, restart your PC to apply the changes.

After the restart your computer will have a latest network adapter and you can use internet without any issue. Updating the graphics driver in Windows 11 also follows the almost same steps. So, if you need to update the graphics driver, just go to the Display Adapter and follow the prompts.

Verifying Network Connectivity

Once your computer is restarted, again go to the Device Manager and verify the successful driver installation. Check that the network adapter is listed without warning symbols. Which indicates a successful driver installation. Now, connect an Ethernet cable to your computer or connect it through a Wi-Fi device and test your internet connection. If you can connect, you have successfully installed the network adapter driver in Windows 11 without internet access.

Conclusion

By following the above simple steps, you can download and install a network adapter driver on Windows 11 without internet access using a different computer. You can successfully identify your Network Adapter Mode, download the driver from official website, and install it on your Windows 11 system. You’ve also learned how to transfer the driver files from a secondary computer and verify the installation. With your network adapter driver installed, you should now have a stable internet connection. If you encounter any issues, refer to the network troubleshooting tips and set internet priority in your Windows 11 PC. If nothing works for you then try factory resetting your laptop or PC.

Remember to always keep your drivers up-to-date to ensure optimal performance.

Why do I need to install a network adapter driver?

A network adapter driver is necessary for your computer to connect to the internet. It allows your computer to communicate with your network adapter and enable internet access. Without a driver, your network adapter will not work properly. The driver provides the necessary instructions for your computer to recognize and use the network adapter. By installing a network adapter driver, you will be able to connect to the internet and access online resources.

Can I install a network adapter driver from a CD or DVD?

Yes, you can install a network adapter driver on a CD or DVD. Insert the CD or DVD into your computer’s disc drive. Follow the prompts to run the installation program. The driver will be installed on your computer. Make sure the disc is malware-free to avoid potential risks.

How do I install a missing Wi-Fi driver in Windows 11?

Open Device Manager and expand the Network Adapters section. Look for a wireless adapter with a yellow exclamation mark or an “unknown device” label. Right-click on it and select “Update driver” to search for automatic updates. If Windows 11 does not find any update, then click “Browse my computer for driver software.” Follow the prompts to complete the installation.