So, you just got yourself a brand-new motherboard or a sleek laptop boasting Wi-Fi 7 support. The packaging proudly advertises Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, and in this case, it’s powered by a Realtek chipset. Excitedly, you assemble everything, check the antennas, and ensure that the built-in Wi-Fi is enabled in the BIOS. But when you boot into Windows, there’s a problem—no Wi-Fi 7. In fact, there’s no Wi-Fi at all.
The Issue: No Wi-Fi in Windows 10
Upon checking the Device Manager in Windows 10, you realize that the Wi-Fi adapter isn’t even detected. No drivers, no connectivity—nothing. So, what’s going on?
It turns out that the Realtek chipset used in your new motherboard or laptop does not have Windows 10 support. That means no matter how much troubleshooting you do, Wi-Fi simply won’t work on your system unless you upgrade to Windows 11.
The Solution: Upgrade to Windows 11
If you want to use Wi-Fi on your new device, you’ll need to install Windows 11. Once you’ve done that, follow these steps to get your Wi-Fi up and running:
Download the Latest Drivers – Head to the manufacturer’s website and locate the correct Wi-Fi drivers for your chipset.
Install the Drivers – Run the installer and follow the instructions to properly set up your Wi-Fi adapter.
Restart Your Computer – After installation, reboot your system to ensure all settings are applied.
Enjoy Wi-Fi 7 Connectivity – Once your system boots up, you should finally have access to the latest Wi-Fi technology.
Final Thoughts
While it can be frustrating to discover that your new hardware isn’t supported on Windows 10, the reality is that many manufacturers are shifting focus to Windows 11 for new technologies like Wi-Fi 7. If you’re still on Windows 10 and need Wi-Fi, you may need to consider upgrading your OS or using an external USB Wi-Fi adapter that supports your operating system.
Have you encountered this issue with your new hardware? Let us know in the comments!