I recently switched to Bazzite and I'm struggling to get my Netgear A7000 WiFi adapter to work since it's not Linux compatible. I've tried following some online tutorials, but I find myself confused and lost. I want to get WiFi set up, and I'm open to purchasing a new adapter if that's necessary, even though they can be pretty pricey.
3 Answers
Make sure you're aware of the Linux hardware database – the driver for your adapter should be included from Kernel version 6.12 onward. But keep in mind, there are some issues with certain laptops even if you're using a compatible kernel. Try to ensure your hardware is supported, as not all manufacturers are Linux-friendly, especially when it comes to WiFi.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, there are several good USB WiFi dongles available for under $20. I've bought a few over the years for testing, and they've worked really well, especially for things like Raspberry Pi. Might be worth checking those out!
You might find this link useful! It contains some instructions for Debian and Fedora, and could help you figure out things for Bazzite. Just keep in mind that there could be some differences in how you need to proceed. Check it out [here](https://gist.github.com/nickavem/3b8178ecd19eddadb85e6b8649e8a490).
Just a heads up, the tutorial for Fedora involves building a specific kernel driver. Since Bazzite is more locked down to keep things stable, you might run into issues trying to build kernel-level components. Just so you know, the driver you need should be part of Kernel version 6.12 and above.
I was just about to share a similar suggestion! Also, if you’re using Mint (which is Debian-based), it might give you different insights on troubleshooting, even if it’s not immediately compatible with your adapter. Here’s another thread that might be useful [here](https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=422874).