I just picked up a used custom PC and am trying to dual boot it with Debian and Windows, but I've hit a major roadblock. I cannot use Ethernet due to space constraints, so I bought a TP-Link BE3600 USB Wi-Fi adapter to connect to the internet. However, getting Debian to recognize the adapter and connect has been impossible. The issue is that I need drivers for the adapter, but I can't download those without an internet connection. I even tried using Fedora for its additional firmware, but I'm still having no luck. I thought about installing the driver on a USB stick, yet I can't install anything from the USB without the necessary drivers. I've attempted to temporarily connect to the Ethernet, but either my cable or port is malfunctioning since the Ethernet also doesn't work on Windows. I can't even tether my phone because I'm missing the right cable. Is there any chance I need a different Wi-Fi adapter to make this work? Am I destined to just use Windows now?
6 Answers
You're facing a tough situation, and it's understandable to feel frustrated. But rather than giving up on Linux, rethink your approach. It seems like the hardware is where your issues lie; some devices just need extra drivers or aren't compatible at all. Are you sure everything is properly functioning? If your Ethernet connection isn't working in Windows, you might have a deeper hardware issue. Don't abandon Linux just yet; maybe explore more appropriate hardware or solutions.
Linux does support most hardware, but not all. Consequently, it's crucial to use well-supported adapters, especially for networking. If something isn’t working on both Linux and Windows, it might hint at a hardware problem rather than an OS issue. If you buy a new Wi-Fi adapter, make sure to pick one that’s known to work with Linux.
If you have an Android phone, you can connect it via USB and enable "USB tethering" in the settings. This will act like an Ethernet connection for your PC, allowing you to download any necessary drivers. I used this method in the past to get a Broadcom Wi-Fi card working. If you're on iPhone, you can do something similar by turning on the "Wi-Fi hotspot" and sharing the cellular connection via USB.
Yep, the process is similar on an iPhone for USB tethering.
You might want to consider getting a different USB Wi-Fi adapter that’s known to work well with Linux. There’s a list of supported adapters available online which could save you a lot of headaches. If you can't return the TP-Link, I'd definitely look into that option.
I did a quick search for your TP-Link adapter and couldn't find any Linux drivers for it. In the future, it’s a good idea to check hardware compatibility before making a purchase. But it may help to try a different distro like PCLinuxOS, known for its strong out-of-the-box support for proprietary drivers, especially for Wi-Fi. There's a chance it could support your adapter better.
You might find luck on another distro, but honestly, checking compatibility next time will save you a headache.
I struggled a bit with installing Debian on my old laptop due to Wi-Fi adapter issues. I had to USB tether my Android phone to get necessary drivers installed. It took me a few hours to figure it out, but I wouldn't give up on Linux just because of a rough start. Other distros like Mint or MX Linux could give you a smoother experience as they often have better initial support for Wi-Fi.
I just saw that same suggestion; it’s definitely the way to go! You’ll get what you need ASAP!