After a clean Windows installation, you may reach the desktop and find that no Wi-Fi networks appear. Device Manager may also show devices with yellow warning marks. This usually means Windows does not yet have the drivers for your wireless adapter and other hardware.
Why this happens
Windows installation media cannot include drivers for every Wi-Fi adapter, network controller, and laptop model. Newer devices can also need drivers released after the Windows image was created. Without the network driver, Windows cannot get online to download the rest automatically.
Important: A missing Wi-Fi network after reinstalling Windows usually means the wireless driver is not installed yet. Windows itself is fine. You only need a temporary internet connection or the correct Wi-Fi driver to continue.
Option 1: Connect with an Ethernet cable
If your computer has an Ethernet (RJ-45) port, connect it directly to your router or modem.
- Connect the Ethernet cable to the computer and router.
- Wait for Windows to detect the connection.
- Open Settings → Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates and install every available update.
- Restart when Windows asks.
Windows Update will often install the Wi-Fi driver and many other missing drivers automatically. When it finishes, Wi-Fi networks should appear.
Option 2: Download the Wi-Fi driver on another device
Use this option if Ethernet is not available.
- Use another computer or phone with internet access.
- Find the exact laptop model, or the exact motherboard model for a desktop PC.
- Open the manufacturer’s official support website.
- Select the exact model and your version of Windows (Windows 10 or Windows 11).
- Download the wireless driver. It may be labelled Wi-Fi, WLAN, or Wireless LAN.
- Copy the downloaded installer to a USB drive.
- Connect the USB drive to the newly installed computer and run the installer.
After Wi-Fi starts working, connect to your network and run Settings → Windows Update to install the remaining updates and drivers.
If Device Manager still shows yellow warning marks
First check Windows Update again, including optional driver updates if they are offered. If devices are still missing, use the support tool provided by the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard, such as Lenovo Vantage, Dell SupportAssist, HP Support Assistant, MyASUS, MSI Center, Acer Care Center, or Gigabyte Control Center. Only install a utility offered on the official support page for your exact model.
Advanced: identify a device by Hardware ID
- Open Start, search for Device Manager, and open it.
- Right-click the device with a yellow warning mark and select Properties.
- Open the Details tab.
- Choose Hardware Ids from the Property list.
- Use the first value to identify the component, then download its driver only from the official computer, motherboard, or component manufacturer website.
Related guide
Need to reinstall Windows first? Read How to Install Windows After Booting Into Windows Setup.