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Windows PCs do not see WiFi Network
I recently installed a new WiFi network. Apple phones, Mac PCs, Samsung Android phones all can see and access the network (some at 802.11ax, others at 802.11ac). Unfortunately, none of my Windows P...
Well, what I don't understand is that WiFi 6 (aka 802.11ax) is supposed to support WiFi 5 (802.11ac/b/g/n): I don't need my Windows PC to connect using WiFi 6, just one of the legacy supposedly available older versions. If I am unable to connect to 802.11ac/b/g/n, then WiFi 6 is not backward compatible at all and is a waste of time and effort unless I upgrade all my Windows PCs (all are currently Windows 10).
If these PCs affected are built with or updated with Intel WiFi adapters (most generations from the last few years), these wont recognize any Wi-Fi 6 APs - even if these are Wi-Fi 4 or 5 802.11ac/b/g/n clients. Blame your PC/Windows OEM for not including fully compatible Intel Wi-Fi adapter drivers in their update selections in the update library, in the Windows update selection, and last but not least your Windows admins for not keeping the Windows system network adapters for ignoring update requirements.
These driver kits include embedded firmware for the processors integrated on the Intel Wi-Fi adapters. Without, they won't recognize any Wi-Fi 6 access point or wireless router.
Look, you don't talk to ignorant newbies here - these issues exist since the first days of Wi-Fi 6 APs/routers are on the market.. Even if you insist it's supposed to be compatible - either believe the elderly experienced network admins and community members here, or go and complain to your Windows PC OEM, or the Netgear support - both a waste of time and effort in my opinion. They will repeat you need to do your homework...
Thanks. I'm just really irritated that I supposedly purchased a backward-compatible solution ... but it's not. Not sure who to be mad at (Microsoft, Intel, or Netgear) for this. Since all my older Macs and Android devices can connect, it would seem to be unique to Microsoft. How typical of them to not be in lock-step with the rest of the industry. ARGH! đ
Also, my Windows PCs are all up-to-date: They are running Windows 10, not 11. But the "v10" OS is up-to-date. They are a decade old. I suppose it is time to upgrade. But, now I'm wondering if the latest version of Windows OS, "11", will work? I don't want to spend that kind of money and get the same results.
H-town-Ken wrote:
I'm just really irritated that I supposedly purchased a backward-compatible solution ... but it's not. Not sure who to be mad at (Microsoft, Intel, or Netgear) for this. Since all my older Macs and Android devices can connect, it would seem to be unique to Microsoft. How typical of them to not be in lock-step with the rest of the industry. ARGH! đ
Again, this applies to several generations of Intel wireless adapters which require an update of the mirocode (for the adapter on-board embedded ARM processor) which is provided as part of the driver kit, and installed at boot time. But then, even the OEMs (add randomly any famous brand here) fail to list the required driver updates if checking Asus, Compaq, HP, ... and many more. And as I've mentioned before these driver updates are not listed on Windows Update for many systems, too. Lot of ignorance
The same issue applies of you are operating any kind of Linux or other U**x derivates for example.
So wrong rant on Microsoft here, too.
H-town-Ken wrote:
Also, my Windows PCs are all up-to-date: They are running Windows 10, not 11. But the "v10" OS is up-to-date. They are a decade old. I suppose it is time to upgrade. But, now I'm wondering if the latest version of Windows OS, "11", will work? I don't want to spend that kind of money and get the same results.
Up-to-date? Most likely not I'm afraid - as your examples show. It's like believing in marketing promised backward compatibility - which applies on the protocol level, not each and every implementation - this is not the case here. I said no word of updating Windows e.g. from 1' to 11 (rarely required - as these are very similar). But I repeated several times that both the PC vendors and Windows OEM (from where the driver information on Windows Update is often sourced!) are much to lazy.
A good point to start is the IntelÂź Driver & Support Assistant specifically on network adapters.
Well, I visited the link shared with me for updating the Intel drivers. Still no change in performance - unable to see, let alone connect to - the new 6E network with my Windows 10 PCs. Looks like I will have to stick with simply plugging them into the wall for Ethernet access until I replace them.
I appreciate the suggestions.
Lack of insight, impossible to help much further.
Anything I've provided above is some best effort and guessing information, based on a lot of experience, under the assumption we talk of Intel Wi-Fi adapters, under the assumption of a regulatory area where the unknown Wi-Fi adapters are operational with "any" bands available in that very same regulatory area, under the assumption the access points (router et all) are configured to the appropriate local regulatory location, ...
Overall, there is virtually no information provided. I understand there are three WAX630E (equipped with 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz radios why ever), configured to unknown channels and SSIDs and combinations, up2date Windows 10 systems (with zero insight about adapter, config, ..), and that some unknown devices seem workable.
H-town-Ken wrote:
Still no change in performance, unable to see, let alone connect to - the new 6E network with my Windows 10 PCs.
With an additional 1200 MHz of spectrum (resp. 480 MHz in ETSI regulatory area for now), available for use in the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi applications, Wi-Fi 6E devices will operate in 14 (6 in ETSI) additional 80 MHz channels and 7 (3 in ETSI) additional 160 MHz channels.
To recognize and use the 6E Wi-Fi radios, you need clients able to support 6E, because these operate on 5925..7125 MHz (resp. 5925..6425 MHz in ETSI). This obviously requires 6E capable clients resp. WiFi adapters.
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