What should I do if I cannot install the driver of TP-Link Network Adapter in Windows computer?

NOTE: Drivers previously installed to the system may affect the installation of the new driver. It is recommended to remove the old driver first, learn how to do so in FAQ 3769

Case 1. Unable to Run the Setup Wizard

Uninstall the old driver, then retry installing the new version. Please click FAQ 2252 and follow Case 3 to uninstall the old driver.

Case 2. Your PC Cannot Detect the Adapter

Step 1. Go to Computer Management>Device Manager>Network Adapter.

a. If the adapter shows up, install the driver.

b. If the adapter is not there, plug the adapter into another USB port/PCI slot.

Step 2. Install the adapter on another computer to see if it can be detected.

Step 3. Right-click on My Computer/Properties/Hardware/Device Manager and double-click on "Universal Serial Bus Controller" to go to several "USB Root Hubs" and double-click on any one to open the Properties dialog and switch to the "Power Management" tab.

Step 4. Remove the checkbox before "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power", click OK to return, and then restart the computer after modifying the properties of each USB RootHub.

Case 3. Failed to Install Driver

Step 1. Make sure the operating system of your computer is compatible with the adapter by referring to the following FAQ: Is my Network adapter compatible with my computer?

Step 2. Check to see if the adapter appears on Device Manager.

Step 3. Uninstall anti-virus software and disable the firewall, if any.

Step 4. Try to install the driver while in safe mode (click here).

Step 5. Try to manually install the adapter with the instructions found in FAQ 920

Case 4. Error Code Appears in the Device Manager after Installing the Driver

If you come across an error code on the Device Manager catalog, please uninstall the old driver on the Control Panel > Uninstall a program. Try downloading the latest driver from the TP-Link official website and reinstall it again.

We recommend that you attempt to install the Driver while your PC is in safe mode. (You may refer to the FAQ 791)

For more information about error codes, you could refer to this article provided by Microsoft: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/310123/error-codes-in-device-manager-in-windows

Case 5. Your PC Shows a Blue Screen Error

Please follow this link to do troubleshoot blue screen errors: https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/861/

Case 6. Cannot use other devices after installation (Mouse, Keyboard, Printer, etc.)

Please try to pair with your Bluetooth device first, please refer to case 3 of the detailed FAQ: https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/2698/

If the pairing fails, please refer to the following suggestions:

a. Try different USB ports/PCI slots.

b. Please help us check the driver version of the adapter and computer motherboard info and send us the photos: https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/2722/

If the above troubleshooting cannot fix the issue, Please Contact TP-Link support.

To get to know more details of each function and configuration, please go to the Download Center to download the manual of your product.