ByIf the network driver is missing in the OOBE (Out of Box Experience) stage while installing Windows 11, it may cause problems with the internet connection. In this article, we will explain the exact steps to manually install network drivers during Windows 11 OOBE so that you can successfully set up Windows without any hassle.
Why does a network driver missing in OOBE occur?
During the OOBE process of Windows 11, the system tries to load the network driver required to connect to the internet. But if:
- The network driver is not available by default
- Your network adapter is not supported in Windows 11
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet drivers are missing
- The LAN driver is outdated or incompatible
Then Windows 11 will not show you any network connection on the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen.
How to manually install the missing network driver during OOBE?
If you are having network driver problems during Windows 11 installation, follow the steps below:
1. Install network driver via USB flash drive
If you have another computer that has internet available, you can transfer the network driver to Windows 11 via USB:
1. Go to your other computer and download the driver from the manufacturer’s official website.
Realtek, Intel, Broadcom, or other network drivers
2. Copy the downloaded file to a USB drive.
3. Insert the USB drive into the computer where Windows 11 is being installed.
4. Open Command Prompt (by pressing Shift + F10) and type Device Manager.
5. Go to Network Adapters, then select “Update Driver”.
6. Click “Browse my computer for drivers” and select the driver from the USB drive.
7. Restart the system once the installation is complete.
2. Use CMD for driver installation in Windows 11
If the network driver is missing at the OOBE stage and the USB method is not working, you can install it via Command Prompt (CMD):
1. Open CMD by pressing Windows + Shift + F10.
2. Type `devmgmt.msc` and press Enter.
3. Right-click on Network Adapters and select “Update Driver”.
4. Click on “Browse my computer for drivers” and select the driver manually.
5. If the driver is installed, click on the “Scan for hardware changes” option.
6. Restart the system and complete the OOBE process.
3. Perform driver integration during Windows 11 installation
If you are installing Windows 11 via USB or ISO file, you can add the driver to the Windows setup already:
1. Download the NTLite tool and install it.
2. Mount the Windows 11 ISO file and access the Windows installation folder.
3. Add the network driver to the “Drivers” section of NTLite.
4. Re-save the ISO file and use it for the new installation.
4. Update Windows 11 network driver using mobile hotspot
If you have another device that has internet available, you can use it as a hotspot:
1. Connect your Android phone via USB.
2. Turn on the phone’s “USB Tethering” setting.
3. Wait for a while on the Windows 11 OOBE screen, it can recognize the new network.
4. Use Windows Update to update the network driver.
- Next steps after Windows 11 OOBE driver installation
- After installing the network driver, follow the steps below:
- Install other required drivers via Windows Update.
- Check Ethernet and Wi-Fi settings.
- Update BIOS (if necessary).
- Customize Windows Security and Firewall settings.
Conclusion
The network driver problem in the OOBE stage is common during Windows 11 installation, but it can be solved by installing it manually. Using methods like USB driver installation, CMD, driver integration, and mobile hotspot, you can easily install Windows 11 and keep your system running smoothly.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) related to Network Driver Missing During Windows 11 OOBE
1. What can cause the network driver to be missing in OOBE?
Some of the main reasons why network drivers might be missing during the Windows 11 OOBE (Out of Box Experience) process could be:
Your network adapter is not supported in Windows 11.
The system does not have a default network driver.
The network driver might be outdated or incompatible.
The Windows 11 ISO file does not include the required drivers.
2. How to complete Windows 11 installation without a network driver?
If the network driver is missing during OOBE, you can use these methods:
Download and manually install the network driver to a USB drive.
Update the driver using Command Prompt (Shift + F10).
Integrate the driver into the Windows installation ISO.
Create a network connection using an Android phone’s USB Tethering.
3. Can I create an internet connection in OOBE using a mobile hotspot?
Yes, you can access the internet in the Windows 11 OOBE stage by putting your Android phone into USB Tethering mode.
Connect your phone to the computer via USB.
Turn on USB Tethering in the phone’s settings.
Within a few seconds, Windows 11 will start seeing the new network.
4. Can I install network drivers from Command Prompt?
Yes, you can open Command Prompt by pressing Shift + F10 on the OOBE screen and install the driver manually:
1. Type `devmgmt.msc` and press Enter.
2. Right-click on Network Adapters and select Update Driver.
3. Click “Browse my computer for drivers” and select the driver from the USB drive.
5. How to install a network driver from USB during Windows 11 installation?
Download your network driver from another computer.
Save it to a USB drive.
Open Command Prompt (Shift + F10) during Windows 11 installation.
Go to Device Manager use the Update Driver option and install the driver from USB.
6. Can updating BIOS solve network driver issues?
Yes, in some cases updating BIOS can solve network driver incompatibility issues.
Download the latest BIOS update from your motherboard manufacturer’s website.
Install it and restart the system after Windows installation.
7. Can drivers be pre-integrated in the Windows 11 ISO file?
Yes, you can pre-add network drivers to Windows 11 ISO files using a tool like NTLite, which will avoid problems at the OOBE stage.
8. What to do if none of the network connections are working during Windows 11 OOBE?
If none of the Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB Tethering are working, you can skip the Windows 11 installation and install the driver:
Open Command Prompt by pressing Shift + F10.
Type `OOBE\BYPASSNRO` and press Enter.
The system will reboot, and you can now continue OOBE offline.
Manually install the driver after the Windows 11 setup is complete.
9. Can Windows 11 OOBE be completed without the internet?
Yes, setup can be completed without an internet connection using the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command in Windows 11.
10. What to do after installing network drivers in Windows 11?
Install all the latest updates by running Windows Update.
Update BIOS and chipset driver.
Check Wi-Fi and Ethernet settings.
Customize VPN and Firewall settings.
