Which of the following is the best step to take next to confirm the installed NIC has the necessary drivers to function properly?

This article will guide you on how to check if the driver of your network adapter is working properly.  Click on the links below to know how to access and verify the status of your adapter through the Device Manager:

Windows 8 and higher
Windows 7 / Windows Vista
Windows XP

 NOTE:  The Linksys AE3000 is used here as an example.

 Windows 8 and higher

Step 1:
Press the Windows

QUICK TIP:  Alternatively, for Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, you can right-click on the Start 

Step 2:
On the Device Manager window, click the drop-down arrow beside Network adapters then look for the name of your Linksys wireless adapter.

IMPORTANT:  Take note of the icons beside the name of your wireless adapter to verify its status.

• 
   – This means that there is a problem with the installation of your adapter’s drivers.  To resolve this, you can do any of the following: 

• Remove the Linksys wireless adapter for a few seconds then re-insert the device.  Re-check the status of the adapter in Device Manager afterwards.
• If the adapter is attached to a cradle base, remove it and plug the adapter directly to the USB port of the computer.
• Update or reinstall the drivers of your adapter.  To learn how to update or reinstall your adapter, click here. 

NOTE:  If the issue persists, isolate the problem by installing the adapter using another computer.
 

Windows 7 / Windows Vista

Step 1:
Click the Pearl

 Step 2:
In the Search Programs and Files, enter “device manager” then press [Enter] or select Device Manager from the search results.

Step 3:
On the Device Manager window, click the drop-down arrow beside Network adapters then look for the name of your Linksys wireless adapter.

IMPORTANT:  Take note of the icons beside the name of your wireless adapter to verify its status.

• 
   – This means that there is a problem with the installation of your adapter’s drivers.  To resolve this, you may do any of the following: 

• Remove the Linksys wireless adapter for a few seconds then re-insert the device.  Re-check the status of the adapter in Device Manager afterwards.
• If the adapter is attached to a cradle base, remove it and plug the adapter directly to the USB port of the computer.
• Update or reinstall the drivers of your adapter.  To learn how to update or reinstall your adapter, clickhere.  

NOTE:  If the issue persists, isolate the problem by installing the adapter using another computer.
 

Windows XP 

Step 1:
Right-click on My Computer then click Properties.

Step 2:
Click Hardware then Device Manager.

Step 3:
On the Device Manager window, click the drop-down arrow beside Network adapters then look for your Linksys wireless adapter.

IMPORTANT:  Take note of the icons beside the name of your wireless adapter to verify its status.

• 
   – This means that the drivers of your wireless adapter are not installed properly.  To resolve this, you may do the following: 

• Remove the Linksys wireless adapter for a few seconds then re-insert the device.  Re-check the status of the adapter in Device Manager afterwards.
• If the adapter is attached to a cradle base, remove it and plug the adapter directly to the USB port of the computer.
• Update or reinstall the drivers of your adapter.  To learn how to update or reinstall your adapter, click here.  

NOTE:  If the issue persists, isolate the problem by installing the adapter using another computer.

 
Related Articles:

 Checking the wireless settings
Common error codes or messages encountered in the Device Manager

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