Cannot connect to internet after fresh install

Question

I recently replaced the hard drive in my Dell XPS 13 9350. I then installed Windows from a USB stick. During the installation process, when prompted to connect to the internet, there was no option available to connect to WiFi. The only button on the screen was "continue without internet," which I pressed and then completed the installation. Windows appears to be running fine on the computer now. 

However, I cannot connect to the internet. If I troubleshoot the network adapter, I get "Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter. If you have a network adapter, you will need to re-install the driver." I have tried reinstalling the drivers manually from a USB stick, but that has not changed the result. When I try to update the driver on any of the WAN Miniports in the picture below, I get "The best drivers for your device are already installed."

I can connect to the internet perfectly when I boot off a Ubuntu USB drive, so I do not think it is a hardware issue. How can I solve this issue?

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Hi Anelson. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator. If you will work with me I will be here to help until the issue is resolved.

I'll give you everything that works to fix Wifi so that at least something will work. Even if you've already tried a step please try or check it again in sequence. If you need any assistance I'll be standing by here to help:

Update your network adapter drivers from the PC maker's Support Downloads web page using the full model number, HP Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

If you have the latest network driver then try on it's Driver tab also to Roll Back, or Uninstall and then restart PC to reinstall the driver. Try also all older drivers from Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick list working backwards.

Go to Device Manager > Network Adapters, select Wifi adapter, then Power Management tab, clear the check box to "Allow the computer to turn off the device to save energy." Then on the Advanced tab disable any energy-saving options.

If there's no Wifi adapter present, then click on Network adapters and from Action tab rescan hardware to see if it finds it.

If this was caused by Windows Updates then you can check which were installed at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Installed Updates, then uninstall them from the link there, and hide with the Hide Updates tool explained here:

https://www.howtogeek.com/223864/how-to-uninsta...

You can also use System Restore to get before the problem began, then check for Updates with the Hide Update tool and hide them.

For Wifi won't connect after Version 1903:

https://windows101tricks.com/fix-wifi-keeps-dis...

https://www.techrepublic.com/article/wi-fi-and-...

https://pureinfotech.com/fix-wifi-problems-wind...

Enable IPv6 in the network adapter settings:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/90033-enabl...

Run the fixit from https://support.microsoft.com/help/929852 (Re-enable IPv6 on all nontunnel interfaces) and reboot.

Right click the network icon in System Tray at bottom right end of task bar to Troubleshoot Problems.

Try all of these steps:

Fix network connection issues in Windows - Windows Help

https://www.kapilarya.com/how-to-reset-network-...

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WIfi > Manage Known Networks, highlight and remove the network having problems, restart PC to see if it shows up again.

Try plugging in by ethernet cable to the router to compare, then plug the ethernet cable into the modem (if separate) to see if this might be an issue with the router.

Try powering off modem, router and PC and then restarting in that order with 1 minute in between each. You may need to reset your router or even optimize it following these steps:

https://www.lifewire.com/resetting-a-home-netwo...

https://www.pcmag.com/article/258865/how-to-set...

Your router manual is always available from the manufacturer's website for your exact model.

You also are entitled to Support from your internet provider to get online on all devices. This is always included in the monthly bill. If your router is less than a year old they will also Support getting it connected and optimized.

Another option is you could replace the wireless adapter with an inexpensive USB nano adapter like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/OURLiNK-600Mbps-Wireless...

If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, and is also the most stable method to advance to the latest version. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you will wait to choose if I resolved your problem, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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