ByMany users encounter network-related problems during the OOBE (Out of Box Experience) stage when installing Windows 11.
In this situation, no Wi-Fi or Ethernet options appear on the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen.
This article will guide you step-by-step on how to manually install a missing network driver during Windows 11 OOBE so that the installation can be completed without interruption.
Why is the Network Driver Missing in Windows 11 OOBE?
The main reasons for a missing network driver during Windows 11 setup could be:
Your network adapter is not supported by default in Windows 11
The Wi-Fi or LAN driver is not present in the system
The network driver is outdated or incompatible
Custom/older motherboard or laptop hardware
Due to these reasons, Windows does not show you the option to connect to the internet.
Methods to Manually Install a Network Driver During Windows 11 OOBE
Method 1: Install Network Driver from a USB Flash Drive
If you have another computer or laptop with internet access, this is the easiest method.
Steps:
1. Go to the other computer and download the network driver from your device manufacturer’s official website
(e.g., Intel, Realtek, Broadcom, etc.)
2. Copy the downloaded driver file to a USB flash drive
3. Plug the USB drive into the system where Windows 11 is being installed
4. On the OOBE screen, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt
5. In CMD, type `devmgmt.msc` and press Enter
6. Right-click on Network Adapters → Select Update Driver
7. Click on Browse my computer for drivers and select the driver from the USB drive
8. After the installation is complete, restart the system
Method 2: Install Driver from CMD (Command Prompt)
If the driver file is present but not being auto-detected, it can be installed manually using CMD.
Steps:
1. Press Shift + F10 on the OOBE screen
2. Type `devmgmt.msc` in CMD
3. Go to Network Adapters
4. Select Update Driver → Browse my computer for drivers
5. Manually select the driver location
6. After installation, scan for hardware changes
7. Restart the system and continue with OOBE
Method 3: Integrate Network Driver into Windows 11 ISO
If you are facing this problem repeatedly, it’s better to add the driver to the Windows setup beforehand.
Steps:
1. Download the NTLite tool from the official website
2. Mount the Windows 11 ISO file in NTLite
3. Go to the “Drivers” section and add the network driver
4. Save the modified ISO
5. Install Windows 11 using the same ISO
This method is recommended for advanced users.
Method 4: Use Mobile Hotspot or USB Tethering
If you have an Android phone, this method is very useful.
Steps:
1. Connect your Android phone to the PC with a USB cable
2. Go to phone settings and enable USB Tethering
3. The Windows 11 OOBE screen will detect the network in a short time
4. The network driver will be installed via Windows Update
What to do after OOBE?
After the network driver is installed, follow these important steps:
Update all drivers through Windows Update
Test Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
Update BIOS (if necessary)
Configure Windows Security and Firewall settings
Conclusion
Missing network drivers at the Windows 11 OOBE stage is a common problem, but it can be easily solved.
Using methods like USB drivers, CMD, ISO integration, or a mobile hotspot, you can complete the Windows 11 installation without internet issues.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) related to Network Driver Missing During Windows 11 OOBE
1. What can cause the network driver to be missing in OOBE?
Some of the main reasons why network drivers might be missing during the Windows 11 OOBE (Out of Box Experience) process could be:
Your network adapter is not supported in Windows 11.
The system does not have a default network driver.
The network driver might be outdated or incompatible.
The Windows 11 ISO file does not include the required drivers.
2. How to complete Windows 11 installation without a network driver?
If the network driver is missing during OOBE, you can use these methods:
Download and manually install the network driver to a USB drive.
Update the driver using Command Prompt (Shift + F10).
Integrate the driver into the Windows installation ISO.
Create a network connection using an Android phone’s USB Tethering.
3. Can I create an internet connection in OOBE using a mobile hotspot?
Yes, you can access the internet in the Windows 11 OOBE stage by putting your Android phone into USB Tethering mode.
Connect your phone to the computer via USB.
Turn on USB Tethering in the phone’s settings.
Within a few seconds, Windows 11 will start seeing the new network.
4. Can I install network drivers from the Command Prompt?
Yes, you can open Command Prompt by pressing Shift + F10 on the OOBE screen and install the driver manually:
1. Type `devmgmt.msc` and press Enter.
2. Right-click on Network Adapters and select Update Driver.
3. Click “Browse my computer for drivers” and select the driver from the USB drive.
5. How to install a network driver from a USB during Windows 11 installation?
Download your network driver from another computer.
Save it to a USB drive.
Open Command Prompt (Shift + F10) during Windows 11 installation.
Go to Device Manager, use the Update Driver option, and install the driver from USB.
6. Can updating the BIOS solve network driver issues?
Yes, in some cases, updating the BIOS can solve network driver incompatibility issues.
Download the latest BIOS update from your motherboard manufacturer’s website.
Install it and restart the system after Windows installation.
7. Can drivers be pre-integrated in the Windows 11 ISO file?
Yes, you can pre-add network drivers to Windows 11 ISO files using a tool like NTLite, which will avoid problems at the OOBE stage.
8. What to do if none of the network connections are working during Windows 11 OOBE?
If none of the Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB Tethering are working, you can skip the Windows 11 installation and install the driver:
Open Command Prompt by pressing Shift + F10.
Type `OOBE\BYPASSNRO` and press Enter.
The system will reboot, and you can now continue OOBE offline.
Manually install the driver after the Windows 11 setup is complete.
9. Can Windows 11 OOBE be completed without the internet?
Yes, setup can be completed without an internet connection using the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command in Windows 11.
10. What to do after installing network drivers in Windows 11?
Install all the latest updates by running Windows Update.
Update BIOS and chipset driver.
Check Wi-Fi and Ethernet settings.
Customize VPN and Firewall settings.
