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

Introduction

This article offers solutions in several scenarios when TP-Link Network Adapter cannot be installed in Windows computer.

Note: Old or useless drivers may affect the installation of the new driver, it is recommended to remove the old driver first.

Troubleshooting

Case 1: Unable to run the setup wizard

Uninstall the old driver then install.

Case 2: 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. 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. USB devices can resume a stable operation.

Step 4. 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.

Case 3: Fail to install driver

Step 1. Make a sure the operating system of your computer is compatible with the adapter by referring to whether my Network adapter is compatible with my computer

Step 2. The adapter appears on Device Manager.

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

Step 4. Try install it in safe mode.

Step 5. Install it on another computer if possible.

Step 6. Try to manually install the adapter.

Case 4: Error code pops up on the Device Manager catalog after installing 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 download the latest driver from the TP-Link official website and reinstall it again.

• Troubleshoot for error code 31: "This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device. (Code 31)"
• It's recommended to enter the safe mode to install the driver

For more information about error code, 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: Blue screen

Please follow this link to do some troubleshooting.

https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/861/

Case 6: Cannot use other devices after installation Devices include the mouse, keyboard, etc.

Please try to pair with your Bluetooth device first, please refer to step 3 for detailed instruction.

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

• Try different USB ports/PCI slots.
• Check the driver version of the adapter and computer motherboard info and Contact TP-Link support with the corresponding screenshots.

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