How to use TP-Link network adapters on Windows 8

This FAQ Contains Two Parts:

Part 1: How to install TP-Link network adapters on Windows 8.

Part 2: How to connect to the wireless network after a successful installation.

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

Part 1: How to Install a TP-Link Network Adapter on Windows 8

Because Windows 8 is integrated with many adapter drivers, most TP-Link network adapters are considered Plug & Play. When you connect a Plug & Play adapter to a computer with Windows 8, the system will pop up a window as below:

When the installation process is finished, this window will be closed automatically.

If the adapter is successfully installed, some symbols will appear in your taskbar:

1. The LED light on the adapter is flashing.

2. Unplug the network cable from your computer, you may find the wireless network connection icon at the bottom right corner of the screen. And if you click on it, you can see the wireless network list.

To check if the adapter was installed correctly, you can see if the adapter is listed in your PC’s device manager:

3. Right-click Computer on your desktop, click Manage to open the window Computer Management, and find Device Manager. Then click Network Adapters, and you’ll find the adapter you just installed.

NOTE: If you are not an administrator, you will be prompted to type an administrator password, and then click on Yes.

If the adapter is not installed successfully, you will find the uninstalled network adapter in the Other Devices:

If the Windows 8 automatic installation fails, please double-check the compatibility list and download the Windows 8 driver from the list, then you can follow this guide to install the driver manually.

Part 2: How to Connect to a Wireless Network After Installation

Step 1: Find the wireless icon at the right bottom corner of the screen, and click on it.

Step 2: In the pop-up window, select your wireless network and click Connect.

It is recommended to tick “Connect automatically”.

Step 3: Type in the wireless password (The password is often called security key or network key, which is created by your wireless modem/router. If you are not sure what your password is, please contact the wireless modem/router's tech support or login to the interface to get the password). Then click Next.

Step 4: Select Yes or No according to your needs and the privacy of the connections on your network.

Your computer should then be successfully connected to the wireless network, the wireless icon, and the wireless network list will be seen as shown as seen below: