Question How Do I Connect To A Network?

[CrazyMaverick]

I've just finished building my new custom pc today and I'm at the windows 11 installation setup. It is asking me to connect to a network so that it can access the latest features and security updates. This is where problem is. There are no networks listed at all, it gives the option for an ethernet cable, but I don't have access to one. I looked at the troubleshoot tips and it recommended using a wireless network adapter. I purchased the NETGEAR Nighthawk AXE3000 Wi-Fi USB Adapter. I haven't the slightest clue as to how the thumb drive and adapter is supposed to allow me to connect to a network, nonetheless, detect nearby ones. Please somebody help me out because I'd like to have access to my new pc as soon as possible.

 

[USAFRet]

I've just finished building my new custom pc today and I'm at the windows 11 installation setup. It is asking me to connect to a network so that it can access the latest features and security updates. This is where problem is. There are no networks listed at all, it gives the option for an ethernet cable, but I don't have access to one. I looked at the troubleshoot tips and it recommended using a wireless network adapter. I purchased the NETGEAR Nighthawk AXE3000 Wi-Fi USB Adapter. I haven't the slightest clue as to how the thumb drive and adapter is supposed to allow me to connect to a network, nonetheless, detect nearby ones. Please somebody help me out because I'd like to have access to my new pc as soon as possible.

Ethernet cable or WiFi...those are your choices.

The USB adapter came with a thumb drive, with drivers on it?
Install those. That should enable the USB WiFi device, and allow you to connect to your router.

 

[CrazyMaverick]

Ethernet cable or WiFi...those are your choices.

The USB adapter came with a thumb drive, with drivers on it?
Install those. That should enable the USB WiFi device, and allow you to connect to your router.

I tried inserting the thumb drive directly into the pc, but nothing occurred it just stays on the same screen showing no networks. Yes, it does have drivers. Also, I'm pretty sure this is quite important, but my motherboard has a label that says, "M.2 Wi-Fi" next to a port that is similar to the one I put my graphics card in.

 

[USAFRet]

I tried inserting the thumb drive directly into the pc, but nothing occurred it just stays on the same screen showing no networks. Yes, it does have drivers.

The WiFi adapter its thumb drive came with instructions?

If not, here:
https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/A8000/A8000_QSG_EN.pdf

https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/A8000/A8000_UM_EN.pdf

Do what it says.

 

[CrazyMaverick]

The WiFi adapter its thumb drive came with instructions?

If not, here:
https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/A8000/A8000_QSG_EN.pdf

https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/A8000/A8000_UM_EN.pdf

Do what it says.

Yeah, it came with those in the drive as well with a paper copy in the box I got the stuff in. Also, I'm pretty sure this is quite important, but my motherboard has a label that says, "M.2 Wi-Fi" next to a port that is similar to the one I put my graphics card in.

 

[Blackink]

I've just finished building my new custom pc today and I'm at the windows 11 installation setup. It is asking me to connect to a network so that it can access the latest features and security updates. This is where problem is. There are no networks listed at all, it gives the option for an ethernet cable, but I don't have access to one. I looked at the troubleshoot tips and it recommended using a wireless network adapter. I purchased the NETGEAR Nighthawk AXE3000 Wi-Fi USB Adapter. I haven't the slightest clue as to how the thumb drive and adapter is supposed to allow me to connect to a network, nonetheless, detect nearby ones. Please somebody help me out because I'd like to have access to my new pc as soon as possible.

Did you follow the instructions from the Quick Start Guide ??

 

[USAFRet]

Yeah, it came with those in the drive as well with a paper copy in the box I got the stuff in. Also, I'm pretty sure this is quite important, but my motherboard has a label that says, "M.2 Wi-Fi" next to a port that is similar to the one I put my graphics card in.

What is the make/model of your motherboard?

 

[CrazyMaverick]

What is the make/model of your motherboard?

ASRock B660M PRO RS

 

[CrazyMaverick]

Did you follow the instructions from the Quick Start Guide ??

Yes, but it only allows me to do it on a separate computer, in other words the laptop I'm currently using.

 

[USAFRet]

OK...

Ignore whatever it says about "M.2 Wi-Fi" THat is for a different device you would install on the motherboard.
Ignore.

Why can't you do the driver install on the new PC?

 

[Blackink]

Yes, but it only allows me to do it on a separate computer, in other words the laptop I'm currently using.

What happens when you plug the USB into your new build? Can you open the USB drive?
Do you get the option to copy the A8000 Installation program file onto your computer?

 

[CrazyMaverick]

OK...

Ignore whatever it says about "M.2 Wi-Fi" THat is for a different device you would install on the motherboard.
Ignore.

Why can't you do the driver install on the new PC?

I'm assuming I can't since it's in the middle of the setup process. I don't have access to anything except for what it shows me on the screen, which is an empty list of networks.

 

[CrazyMaverick]

What happens when you plug the USB into your new build? Can you open the USB drive?
Do you get the option to copy the A8000 Installation program file onto your computer?

Nothing happens, it just sits on the same screen showing an empty list of networks. I can access the USB on my laptop but when I plug it into my pc nothing happens.

 

[Blackink]

I'm assuming I can't since it's in the middle of the setup process. I don't have access to anything except for what it shows me on the screen, which is an empty list of networks.

Finish the set up process first....then install the software.
I would hope you can skip the network step in the Windows 11 set up process....

 

[CrazyMaverick]

Finish the set up process first....then install the software.
I would hope you can skip the network step in the Windows 11 set up process....

It won't let me skip the network step. That's the part I'm stuck on.

 

[USAFRet]

I'm assuming I can't since it's in the middle of the setup process. I don't have access to anything except for what it shows me on the screen, which is an empty list of networks.

Oh.
I thought you have finished the OS install.

Do that, THEN install the WiFi business.

 

[USAFRet]

Hang on....I've asked other experts to chime in.

 

[CrazyMaverick]

Hang on....I've asked other experts to chime in.

I think I got it to work and it's kind of crazy how I did it.

 

[Blackink]

Go here: Windows 11 Install step by step
Pay attention to where it says:
It is required to be connected to the Internet if you want to set up a Microsoft account during Windows Setup.

It is not required to be connected to the Internet if you want to set up a local account during Windows Setup.

Try the clean install again but set it up as a local account first. Pay close attention to Step 16 and what it says there....

 

[USAFRet]

I think I got it to work and it's kind of crazy how I did it.

What did you do?

 

[CrazyMaverick]

What did you do?

I've taken a lot of tech classes myself, so I just used simple USB transferring and tethering. I activated the mobile hotspot on my phone and connected to my Wi-Fi. After, I connected my phone with a double-sided C- cable cord. I switched the USB method for tethering and next thing I know my phones network is being connected to my pc.