I received a newly assembled PC today. It booted normally and connected to the internet through Ethernet, but after moving it to another room and removing the cable, Windows doesn't show any Wi‑Fi networks or even a Wi‑Fi connection option. I've installed Windows and driver updates and tried downloading drivers from Intel, but nothing has changed. The antennas are attached to the two gold connectors on the back of the PC. The motherboard is an ASUS PRIME A520M-A II CSM, and the wireless card is listed as an AWD-IT 5400Mbps WiFi 6 Dual Band PCIe WiFi + Bluetooth 5.2 card. What should I check or install to get Wi‑Fi working?
3 Answers
That motherboard doesn’t have built-in Wi‑Fi, so Windows needs the driver for the separate PCIe wireless card. The Intel package may be the wrong one unless the card actually uses an Intel chipset. Check Device Manager under “Network adapters” and “Other devices.” If you see an unknown network controller, open its Properties, check the Hardware IDs, and use those IDs to identify the exact chipset and download the matching driver. The PC builder should also be able to provide the correct driver or confirm the card model.
Make sure you’re looking for a separate Wi‑Fi adapter in Windows rather than expecting an option from the motherboard. In Device Manager, enable View → Show hidden devices and check for a disabled adapter. Also confirm that Airplane mode is off and that the WLAN AutoConfig service is running. Bluetooth on these cards often requires a separate internal USB cable, but Wi‑Fi normally works through the PCIe slot, so missing that cable usually wouldn’t explain the lack of Wi‑Fi.
The antennas being connected is good, but they won’t help unless the PCIe card is detected and has the proper driver. The product description is a generic name rather than a precise model, and cards sold under that name can use different chipsets. Try getting the exact card or chipset information from the builder. You can temporarily connect Ethernet, install the correct driver, then move the PC back. If the adapter doesn’t appear in Device Manager at all, the card may not be seated properly or may need to be checked by the builder.
I hadn’t realized the motherboard itself didn’t include Wi‑Fi. I’ll check Device Manager and look for the hardware ID instead of assuming the Intel driver is correct.