Problem installing USB wireless adapter


  1. Posts : 3,352
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #1

    Problem installing USB wireless adapter


    I just bought a couple of USB wireless adapter from Amazon. They are supposedly PnP, but Windows 10 refuses to recognize each for what it is. Both show up as storage drives under Portable Devices in Device Manager and with a drive letter assigned in Disk Management. They appear as "Realtek" working correctly with no further ID. A 2006 Microsoft driver has been applied. This happens with each adapter on 5 different computers (4 desktops and a laptop). Is there any way to force Windows to "see" them as wireless adapters?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 15,621
    19043.1237
       #2

    Maybe they sent you thumbdrives instead, do they show disk space?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 3,352
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    No, not thumbdrives as such, but that led me to the solution. The installation file is in the USB adapter, which is likely why Windows saw it as a storage drive. Instructions that came with the adapters didn't mention that at all, but outlined install procedures impossible to follow in Windows 10.

    Thanks very much for your help, however inadvertent.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 15,621
    19043.1237
       #4

    I'm really curious,... what brand are they?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3,352
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Thread Starter
       #5

    They are USBNovel 600Mb/sec dual band cheapies. Only $12.99 per. No model is indicated. They are running on my 2 insider machines now and seem to be working well.

    Problem installing USB wireless adapter-usb-adapter.jpg
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 4,752
    Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit 22H2
       #6
      My Computer


 

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