How to Update Wi-Fi Drivers in Windows 11 — A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 13, 2025

Slow internet? Dropped connections? Wi-Fi acting weird after a Windows update? The culprit might be an outdated or corrupted Wi-Fi driver. Luckily, updating Wi-Fi drivers in Windows 11 is simple — and doing so can instantly boost stability, speed, and compatibility.

This guide will walk you through multiple ways to update Wi-Fi drivers, from the easiest (Device Manager) to the most reliable (downloading directly from your laptop or motherboard manufacturer). Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, you’ll have your network drivers up to date in no time.

Why Updating Wi-Fi Drivers Matters

Your Wi-Fi driver is the bridge between Windows and your wireless hardware. Outdated drivers can lead to:

  • Frequent disconnects

  • Slow internet speeds

  • Compatibility issues with new routers or Windows updates

  • Blue screens or system errors

Updating ensures better performance, security patches, and fewer headaches.

Method 1 — Update Wi-Fi Drivers via Device Manager (Quick & Easy)

This is the most straightforward way to check for updates and let Windows do the work.

Steps

  1. Open Device Manager

    • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

  2. Locate Your Wi-Fi Adapter

    • Expand Network adapters.

    • Look for something like “Intel Wireless,” “Realtek Wi-Fi,” “Qualcomm,” or similar.

  3. Update Driver

    • Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → select Update driver.

    • Choose Search automatically for drivers.

    • Windows will search online for the latest version and install it if available.

  4. Restart Your PC

    • A quick reboot helps finalize the update.

Pros: Quick and built into Windows.
Cons: Sometimes Windows won’t find the latest version — only what Microsoft has approved.

Method 2 — Download the Latest Driver from Manufacturer’s Website

If you want the absolute newest drivers (recommended), go straight to the source.

Steps

  1. Find Your Wi-Fi Adapter Model

    • Open Device Manager → right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → select Properties.

    • Go to the Details tab → choose Hardware Ids from the dropdown.

    • Note the model (e.g., Intel AX201, Realtek RTL8822CE).

  2. Visit Manufacturer’s Support Page

  3. Download the Latest Driver

    • Make sure to pick the driver for Windows 11 (or Windows 10 if 11 isn’t listed — they are usually compatible).

  4. Install the Driver

    • Run the downloaded setup file and follow the prompts.

    • Restart your PC.

Pro tip: Manufacturer websites usually offer more up-to-date drivers than Windows Update.

Method 3 — Use Windows Update

Microsoft sometimes includes updated drivers through Windows Update.

Steps

  1. Open Settings → Windows Update.

  2. Click Check for updates.

  3. Look under Optional updates → Driver updates.

  4. Select the Wi-Fi driver update (if available) → click Download & install.

Method 4 — Update Drivers with Intel Driver & Support Assistant (For Intel Wi-Fi)

If you have an Intel adapter, Intel’s tool is the easiest way to stay fully up to date.

Steps

  1. Download Intel Driver & Support Assistant from Intel’s website.

  2. Install and run the tool.

  3. It will automatically detect your Intel hardware and recommend driver updates.

  4. Follow the on-screen steps to update.

Method 5 — Reinstall the Driver (If You Have Problems)

Sometimes, uninstalling and reinstalling fixes persistent issues.

Steps

  1. Open Device Manager → expand Network adapters.

  2. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → choose Uninstall device.

  3. Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device → click Uninstall.

  4. Restart your PC — Windows will reinstall the default driver automatically.

  5. Then follow Method 1 or 2 to install the latest version.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Wi-Fi Still Slow After Update?

    • Forget the network and reconnect.

    • Restart your router.

    • Reset network settings (Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset).

  • No Internet After Update?

    • Roll back to the previous driver: Device Manager → Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver.

  • Frequent Disconnects?

    • Disable “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” (Device Manager → Properties → Power Management tab).

Best Practices for Smooth Updates

  • Always create a restore point before manual driver installation.

  • Prefer manufacturer drivers over generic ones for best performance.

  • Keep drivers updated every few months — especially after major Windows updates.

  • If you use a USB Wi-Fi adapter, unplug it before installing drivers, then plug it back in afterward.

Conclusion

Updating your Wi-Fi drivers in Windows 11 is one of the easiest ways to improve speed, stability, and connectivity. Whether you let Windows handle it via Device Manager, grab the latest version from your manufacturer, or use a dedicated tool like Intel’s Driver & Support Assistant, you’ll be back online with better performance in just a few minutes. Keep your drivers fresh — your connection will thank you.

FAQs

Q1: How do I know which Wi-Fi adapter I have?
Open Device Manager → expand Network adapters → check the name of your Wi-Fi card.

Q2: What if Windows says I already have the best drivers?
Windows sometimes lags behind. Check your manufacturer’s website manually for newer versions.

Q3: Can outdated Wi-Fi drivers cause slow internet?
Yes — outdated drivers can cause poor performance, random disconnects, and even incompatibility with new routers.

Q4: Is it safe to uninstall Wi-Fi drivers?
Yes, Windows will reinstall them automatically after a reboot. Just have an offline driver ready if you rely solely on Wi-Fi.

Q5: How often should I update Wi-Fi drivers?
Every 3–6 months, or whenever you notice connectivity issues or after a major Windows update.

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