How to Install Network Adapter Driver Windows 10 Without Internet
Struggling to install your network adapter driver on Windows 10 without internet? It sounds tricky, but it’s totally doable! First, download the needed driver from another device with internet access. Then, transfer it to your Windows 10 device using a USB flash drive. Finally, install the driver manually through your Device Manager. Let’s break it down step by step for you.
How to Install Network Adapter Driver Windows 10 Without Internet
This guide will walk you through the process of getting your network adapter driver installed on Windows 10 without needing an internet connection. Follow these steps to get connected in no time!
Step 1: Use Another Device to Download the Driver
Head to a different device that has internet access and go to the manufacturer’s website to download the correct network adapter driver.
You’ll need to know the make and model of your network adapter. Once you find the right driver, download it. Most drivers come in an executable file or a zip file. Save this file to your desktop or another easy-to-find location.
Step 2: Transfer the Driver to a USB Flash Drive
Connect a USB flash drive to the device you used to download the driver and transfer the driver file to it.
Make sure the USB flash drive has enough space for the driver file. Simply drag and drop the file onto the USB flash drive. Once the transfer is complete, safely eject the USB drive.
Step 3: Insert the USB Flash Drive into Your Windows 10 Device
Plug the USB flash drive into your Windows 10 computer that needs the network driver.
Wait for your computer to recognize the USB drive. You should see a notification or it should appear in File Explorer. Open the USB drive to locate your driver file.
Step 4: Open Device Manager
Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
Device Manager is where you’ll manage all your drivers. Once opened, look for the “Network adapters” section and expand it. You should see your network adapter listed.
Step 5: Update the Driver
Right-click on your network adapter and choose "Update driver."
A new window will pop up. Choose “Browse my computer for drivers” and then navigate to the location on your USB flash drive where you saved the driver file. Click "Next" and the installation process will begin.
Step 6: Complete the Installation
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver installation.
The system will guide you through the remaining steps. Once it’s done, you may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
After you complete these steps, your network adapter should be functioning properly and you should be able to connect to the internet.
Tips for How to Install Network Adapter Driver Windows 10 Without Internet
- Always download the latest driver version available from the manufacturer’s website.
- Use a USB flash drive with plenty of space to avoid transfer issues.
- Make sure you download the driver that matches your Windows 10 version (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Keep the downloaded driver file on the USB drive in case you need to reinstall it later.
- If you’re unsure about which driver to download, consult your network adapter’s manual or the manufacturer’s support page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t know my network adapter model?
You can find this information in Device Manager under the “Network adapters” section. Look for the network adapter’s name and model.
Can I use my phone’s hotspot to download the driver?
Yes, if your phone plan allows it, you can use it as a hotspot to download the driver directly to your Windows 10 device.
What if Device Manager doesn’t recognize my network adapter?
Try restarting your computer and checking your connections. If it still doesn’t show up, you might have a hardware issue.
Can I use a CD to transfer the driver instead of a USB flash drive?
Yes, you can burn the driver file to a CD and use it to transfer the driver to your Windows 10 device.
Do I need to uninstall the old driver before installing the new one?
Not necessarily, but it can help avoid conflicts. You can uninstall the old driver via Device Manager before installing the new one.
Summary
- Use another device to download the driver.
- Transfer the driver to a USB flash drive.
- Insert the USB flash drive into your Windows 10 device.
- Open Device Manager.
- Update the driver.
- Complete the installation.
Conclusion
Installing a network adapter driver on Windows 10 without internet might seem like a daunting task, but it’s manageable with the right steps. By downloading the driver on another device, transferring it via a USB flash drive, and manually installing it through Device Manager, you can get your network up and running without needing an internet connection on the affected computer.
If you’ve followed the steps outlined in this guide, you should now have a working network adapter driver. This means you can connect to the internet and continue using your computer without any hitches.
For further reading, you might want to explore how to keep your drivers updated automatically or what to do if you encounter errors during installation. Keeping your drivers up to date can prevent many common issues and ensure your computer runs smoothly. Don’t hesitate to seek additional help from tech forums or the manufacturer’s support page if you encounter any problems. Happy computing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.