I moved my existing SSD into a newly built PC with a different motherboard. Ethernet isn't providing an internet connection, and connecting the Wi-Fi antennas hasn't helped either. Windows also says my PIN is unavailable because of a security change, presumably because the hardware changed. I'm stuck at the sign-in screen without internet and can't access my account. What's the best way to get back in and install the necessary network drivers?
2 Answers
Try entering Windows Recovery Mode and using the reset or recovery options to get past the sign-in problem. In this case, a local reset got Windows running again, and Ethernet started working automatically afterward, likely because the reset repaired or installed the needed network components.
The new motherboard may need its LAN and Wi-Fi drivers installed. Download the correct drivers using another device, copy them to a USB drive, and install them on the new PC. A phone’s USB hotspot can also sometimes provide temporary internet, although that may not be available from the Windows sign-in screen.
Recovery mode worked for me. I reset the PC using a local installation, and once Windows loaded again, Ethernet connected immediately.