BySolving the Missing Network Driver Problem in Windows 11 OOBE
The OOBE (Out of Box Experience) phase is the most crucial step when installing Windows 11. At this stage, many users encounter serious problems such as a missing network driver or an unavailable internet connection. In this situation, Windows 11 does not proceed and gets stuck on the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen.
Here, we present a completely practical and accurate solution to this problem, allowing you to manually install the network driver during Windows 11 OOBE even without an internet connection.
Why is the Network Driver Missing During OOBE?
Outdated ISO or custom Windows image
New Wi-Fi or Ethernet hardware
Latest Network Chipsets from Intel, Realtek, or MediaTek
OEM not including the driver in the ISO
ARM or New Gen Laptop Compatibility Issue
Windows 11’s default setup does not include drivers for all hardware, so this problem is common.
Things Required Before Installing Network Drivers in Windows 11 OOBE
Another computer or laptop
USB Flash Drive (at least 8GB)
The exact model number of your system
Access to the manufacturer’s official website
Step 1: Download the Correct Network Driver
First, we need to download the correct network driver according to your system.
Official Websites for Driver Downloads
Intel – Wi-Fi and Ethernet Drivers
Realtek – LAN and WLAN Drivers
HP / Dell / Lenovo / ASUS / Acer – OEM Drivers
While downloading, ensure:
Windows 11 (64-bit) is selected
Both Wi-Fi and Ethernet drivers are downloaded
The file is in .exe or .inf format
Step 2: Copy the Network Driver to the USB Drive
Copy the downloaded driver to:
The USB drive
If it’s a ZIP file, extract it
Ensure that the .inf file is present
Also read: 10 Best Sandbox Applications for Windows (for System Security)
Step 3: Open Command Prompt on the Windows 11 OOBE screen
When Windows 11 is stuck on the Network screen during OOBE:
1. Press Shift + F10
2. Command Prompt will open
This is the most important step because this is where we will perform the manual installation.
Step 4: Identify the USB Drive Letter
In Command Prompt, type:
“`
diskpart
list volume
“`
Identify the drive letter of your USB drive, such as:
`D:`
`E:`
`F:`
Step 5: Manually Install the Network Driver
Using the PNPUtil Command (most effective method)
In Command Prompt, type:
“`
pnputil /add-driver D:\.inf /install
“`
> Replace `D:` with your USB drive letter.
If the driver is correct, you will see the message:
Driver package added successfully
Step 6: Installing the Driver from Windows Explorer
If you have an `.exe` file:
“`
D:
setup.exe
“`
or
“`
explorer D:
“`
This will open Windows Explorer, from where you can manually install the driver.
Step 7: Restart the Network Service
In Command Prompt:
“`
net start wlanSvc
net start dot3svc
“`
After this, Wi-Fi networks should become visible.
Step 8: Return to OOBE and Connect to the Internet
Close Command Prompt and on the OOBE screen:
Refresh
Connect to the Wi-Fi network
Windows Setup will proceed
Alternative Method: Bypassing the Internet Requirement
If the driver is not available, we can temporarily skip the internet requirement.
In Command Prompt:
“`
OOBE\BYPASSNRO
“`
The system will restart, and you will get the “I don’t have internet” option. Specific Instructions for OEM Systems
HP / Dell / Lenovo Users
Check that Wireless is Enabled in the BIOS
Keep Secure Boot Enabled
Ensure RAID / AHCI Mode is correct
Common Errors and their Solutions
Driver Installed but Wi-Fi not showing
Incorrect Chipset Driver
WLAN Disabled in BIOS
Airplane Mode ON
PNPUtil Error
Unsigned Driver
Wrong Architecture (32-bit Driver)
How to permanently prevent Windows 11 OOBE Network Driver problems
Always use the latest Windows 11 ISO
Download the Recovery Image from the OEM
Prepare a Driver USB before installation
Best Practices for Enterprise and IT Admins
Inject Drivers using DISM
Create a Custom ISO
Use MDT or Intune Pre-Provisioning
Conclusion
A missing network driver during Windows 11 OOBE is not a major problem if the correct approach is followed. The steps outlined above allow you to manually install the network driver even without an internet connection and complete the Windows 11 setup. This guide provides a complete and reliable solution for individual users, IT professionals, and system administrators alike.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question 1: What is Windows 11 OOBE?
Answer: Windows 11 OOBE (Out of Box Experience) is the initial setup phase that appears when you turn on your system for the first time after a Windows installation. During this process, the language, region, account, and Internet connection are configured.
Question 2: Why does Windows 11 OOBE show a “Network Driver Missing” error?
Answer: This problem occurs when Windows 11 does not include the driver for your Wi-Fi or Ethernet hardware. This is especially common with new laptops, new chipsets, or custom ISOs.
Question 3: Can Windows 11 OOBE be completed without an internet connection?
Answer: Yes, absolutely. You can skip the internet requirement using the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command and complete the Windows 11 setup with a local account.
Question 4: How do I open the Command Prompt during OOBE?
Answer: Pressing Shift + F10 while on the OOBE screen will open the Command Prompt. This is where you can manually install the network driver.
Question 5: Which command is best for manually installing the network driver?
Answer: The most effective command is:
pnputil /add-driver X:.inf /install
Here, X needs to be replaced with the USB drive letter.
Question 6: What should I do if Wi-Fi is still not visible after installing the driver?
Answer:
Check for the correct Chipset Driver
Ensure Wireless is enabled in the BIOS
Turn off Airplane Mode
Restart the system
Question 7: Does this method work on all laptop brands?
Answer: Yes, this method works on almost all Windows 11-supported systems, including HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, provided the correct driver is used.
Question 8: Which driver file is the most important?
Answer: The INF file is the most important. Windows uses this file to identify and install the hardware driver.
Question 9: Can an incorrect driver damage the system?
Answer: Generally, no, but installing the wrong driver can cause the network to stop working. Therefore, always download the correct driver for your model from the official website.
Question 10: How can this problem be avoided in the future?
Answer:
Always use the latest Windows 11 ISO
Have a driver USB ready before installation
Use the OEM’s Recovery Image
