I received a newly built PC today and it boots normally when connected by Ethernet. However, after moving it to another room and unplugging the cable, Windows does not show any Wi‑Fi networks or even a Wi‑Fi connection option. I have installed Windows and driver updates and tried downloading Wi‑Fi drivers manually, but nothing has changed. The antennas are attached to the gold connectors on the back of the case. The system uses an ASUS PRIME A520M-A II CSM motherboard with an AWD-IT 5400Mbps Wi‑Fi 6 dual-band PCIe Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 adapter. What should I check or install to get wireless working?
3 Answers
Make sure both antennas are firmly attached, but antennas alone will not make the adapter appear in Windows. If there is no Wi‑Fi adapter listed at all, shut the PC down and check that the PCIe card is seated correctly and that any required internal USB cable for Bluetooth is connected. Also verify that the card was actually included and installed. The seller or builder should handle this if the PC arrived without a detected adapter.
That motherboard does not include built-in Wi‑Fi, so Windows needs the driver for the separate PCIe wireless card. The Intel driver may not be correct unless the card specifically contains an Intel chipset. Open Device Manager and look under Network adapters and Other devices for an unknown device or a network controller. The hardware ID there can identify the exact chipset and driver. Since this was a prebuilt order, the builder should also be able to provide the correct driver or confirm whether the card was installed properly.
The product description appears to identify the card by its wireless speed rather than its chipset, so it is not enough to choose a driver confidently. Connect Ethernet temporarily, open Device Manager, right-click the unknown network device, choose Properties, then Details, and select Hardware Ids. Search the VEN and DEV values or send them to the builder. Installing the exact driver for that chipset should make the Wi‑Fi option appear.
I had assumed the Intel download was the right one because I searched using the card name, but I’ll check Device Manager for the hardware ID and ask the builder for the exact chipset.