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Windows does not include a driver for my Wi-Fi module but requires an internet connection during install

Introduction

By default, Microsoft Windows requires a connection to the Internet during the initial installation process. This is usually conducted over Wi-Fi. However, even the very latest official Windows installation medium may not include the neccessary drivers for some of the more recent Wi-Fi modules.

As of July 2023, this currently affects the following Wi-Fi modules:

  • AMD RZ608
  • Intel AX210
  • Intel AX211
  • Intel AX411
  • Intel AX1675i
  • Intel AX1675x
  • Intel AX1690i

Without a working internet connection, the Windows installation process refuses to proceed beyond a certain step. This can be resolved in multiple ways:

1. Connect Ethernet cable.

If you have Wi-Fi at home, you most likely also have a Wi-Fi access point (or router) with a few Ethernet (RJ45) sockets. You may still have at least one Ethernet cable in the original box of your access point. Connect your laptop to the access point via Ethernet cable before or during Windows install. This should immediately establish an internet connection, allowing you to proceed with the installation. You can then install the Wi-Fi driver later from our USB thumb drive or download portal.

2. Apply workaround to install Windows without internet access.

On the "Let's connect you to a network" page, press Shift+F10 to open a Command Prompt. In the Command Prompt, type this command:

  • oobebypassnro

The command does not include any spaces. It includes a "backslash", not a forward slash. The location of the backslash on your keyboard depends on your keyboard layout:

  • English: left next to "Z"
  • German: Ctrl+Alt+ß
  • French: Ctrl+Alt+8

Once the command has been entered correctly, the system will reboot and restart the Windows installation process. Proceed again to the "Let's connect you to a network" page. This time you will have a new button called "I don't have internet" at the bottom. This will allow you to skip internet access and finish the Windows installation. You can then install the Wi-Fi driver later from our USB thumb drive or download portal.

3. Install Wi-Fi driver from USB media during Windows installation

The drivers for your Wi-Fi module are located on the USB thumb drive that came with your laptop. If you are not sure, which Wi-Fi module you have, please check your order confirmation e-mail or the invoice that came with your laptop.

Connect the thumb drive to your laptop during Windows installation. On the "Let's connect you to a network" page, press Shift+F10 to open a Command Prompt. In the command prompt, type "explorer" to open a File Explorer window. Find the Wi-Fi driver that fits to your Wi-Fi module on the USB thumb drive, unzip (extract) the ZIP file and install the driver by double-clicking the Setup.bat file. After successful installation, close the File Explorer and Command Prompt. You should now be able to select your local Wi-Fi network and proceed with the installation.