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Windows 10 (A6100 A6200 A6210) Installation Heads Up
As a heads up, DO NOT install Netgear's driver package for your A6xxx device on Windows 10. It permanently removes Windows 10’s ability to access the WiFi Connections list.
Instead, use the default driver that comes with Windows 10, of which will freeze when you try to connect to networks until you complete the installation of Intel’s new Chipset Drivers here:
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/20775/Intel-Chipset-Device-Software-INF-Update-Utility-
If that still doesn’t work for you, try the following:
Go to Network List, select the network you are trying to connect to, hit “Connect”, you should see “enter password” box and also a message about using WPS to connect, then instead of entering the password go hit the WPS button on your router.
Your adapter should connect and function completely now.
For problems with the windows 10 included driver with the a6210 (e.g. no 5ghz networks visible) just use the latest driver from mediatek (5.1.21.0).
It is the newer version of the driver that came with windows 10 and with it i can join my 5ghz wlan, which wasnt able with the old one!
The chip in the A6210 is a Mediatek MT7612U.
277 Replies
So I am assuming no one in this thread has successfully found a fix that works? It appears all of the potencial fixes have issues?
Yeah I think thats about correct...
I just got an A6210, and I'm pretty appalled by the issues it has with Win10.
Personally I get dropped packets every once in a while. Rebooting fixes it for a while.
UMDTERPS, This user of an A6210 has found a working solution. I have posted a few times in this thread how i was able to resolve my issues with the wifi adapter. I found that the most current MediaTek driver, and some changes to the adapter properties in the driver settings have me working flawlessly. I can't speak for everyone, but I was able to resolve the problem and have shared this information in this forum thread.
dug_less wrote:UMDTERPS, This user of an A6210 has found a working solution. I have posted a few times in this thread how i was able to resolve my issues with the wifi adapter. I found that the most current MediaTek driver, and some changes to the adapter properties in the driver settings have me working flawlessly. I can't speak for everyone, but I was able to resolve the problem and have shared this information in this forum thread.
But unfortunately that solution does not appear to work for user with an AMD processor - only Intel.
Mine is working as a 2G adaptor with the standard Windows 10 drivers but nothing more.
- I was having problems keeping connected to 5Ghz connection, I have an AMD processor. I ended up reverting back to Windows 8 (if you wanna do this too, hurry it's only available for a short while) and then immediately downloading and installing WinX again. I stayed connected to 5Ghz all night while watching Netflix, hopefully it stays that way.
The fact that it took 58 posts before information gathering/solutions were suggested seems wrong. This thread was open for 2 weeks before that post. That's why folks are frustrated with netgear.
I've got my Netgear AC6210 working so I'll stick with it, but Anyone wanting to switch to Asus, Newegg has the USB-AC55 Dual-Band Wireless-AC1300 USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Adapter for sale 39.99, 19.99 after mail in rebate.Just got home and tried connecting to the interenet w/ 5Ghz connection after computer has restarted and auto-updated, 5Ghz no longer works. Time to try the troubleshooting, will update on that, then post answers to questions in previous post
Gaaaah, thanks again Netgear.
1.What model of adaptor are you having issues with? A6210
2.Is the Win10 install a fresh install or an upgrade? UPGRADE (WIN 10 PRO)
3.If an upgrade, from what version of Windows? WINDOWS 8.1
4.What is the H/W model of the PC/tablet/netbook? MOBO:ASUS M5A97 LE R2.0 | CPU:AMD FX-8350 | GPU:GTX 960 |5.What driver version are you attempting to install? A6210-1.0.0.30
6.Did you try installing with AV / Firewall disabled? NO
7.What error messages do you see? I'VE ENCOUNTERED THE BSoD ERROR MESSAGE: BAD_POOL_HEADER MULTIPLE TIMES
8.If no error messages what failure of functionality do you see? CONSTANT CONNECT/DISCONNECT CYCLING WHEN TRYING TO CONNECT USING 5Ghz CONNECTION.
So it's been a while since I've come back. Here's the news so far:
Installed the latest Mediatek driver around 2 weeks ago. Zero issues so far. No BSoDs, no dropped connections, 5GHz is working, my 802.11ac connection is working perfectly fine. Also my adaptor is connected in USB 3.0 mode now, instead of the 2.0 mode that the NETGEAR drivers provide, EVEN ON ac.
As soon as I install your NETGEAR Win10 driver, whenever I start heavy TCP/UDP connections, such as peer-to-peer or MMORPGs, I will eventually get a BAD_POOL_HEADER BSoD, rendering my use of the wireless adaptor a stupid waste of time. Here's the funny thing, the Mediatek drivers have been rock solid so far for me, albeit I seem to get a few issues with sleep, but at least my internet works properly. So my suggestion would be to contact Realtek or whatever, get their drivers and sources and diff compare to yours. Cause something in the NETGEAR drivers is causing a plethora of issues.
Also, here is the BSoD driver that causes the crash with YOUR drivers: tcpip.sys
Wait a second, TCPIP? That's the internet related kernel driver on Windows 10 - which does unfortunately point the finger at you, NETGEAR.Now for some details. I'm running an X99 system for work and play, hence why I am annoyed, cause I'm in the middle of cloud syncing my work and the rig BSoDs. The USB port I'm using for the WiFi adaptor is the Intel integrated USB 3.0 hub - it is NOT third party like ASMedia. Hence, we have pretty much eliminated any cause of error. I am not overclocked at all.
In summary, you, NETGEAR, have a very high end piece of kit here. But what good is a Formula 1 car without a good driver? You have a rubbish driver who likes to blue screen all the time. Realtek on the other hand, is the professional driver. I.e. I paid the money for this adaptor, not only for the hardware, but for NETGEAR's driver support too. You're in a bad situtation with the drivers. I've worked around this with Realtek's driver. I should NOT have to do this, if I did, you might as well just sell me the Realtek chip, and I can solder the PCB and USB port on myself.Well I've just got to say that Netgear has finally lost me as a customer. I've just simply resorted to fitting a 50m ethernet cable line to resolve the issue once and for all. Just had enough of the number of days I've had to waste trying to resolve an issue that shouldn't have even arisen, given how Microsoft's most 'openly publicized' operating system to date has been available to everyone for what feels like an age now. Complete and utter shambles. I'll be telling everyone to avoid you, don't you worry.
This is (or at least was) the most expensive wifi adapter I cared to looked for on Amazon here in the UK but for all that potential, as someone said it's utterly useless without the driver. Imagine you get into a new Bugatti Veyron only to find the ECU hasn't been updated, and thus cannot start its engine. Goodbye Netgear, and good riddance!
Ok, My second post here. I have not attempted any of the work arounds. Unless Netgear is going to put me on their payroll, i did not pay the large amount of money for my adapter to be their guinea pig. Either get a working install package or compensate me so that I can go elsewhere and replace what you won't fix.
- Further to my last comment- Network settings was totally screwed. Couldnt identify network but said adapter was ok. Reboot still didnt work even just using inbuilt wifi so finally had to go back to restore point yesterday.
Thats all my testing done until a proper fix is found!So, does anyone know of an AC adapter (any make) that works well with Windows 10? I just want to work without all the interruptions.
Netgear relased a new driver today 5.1.22.0. I finally finished my PC rebuild and it appears to work. I am working from home tomorrow so I will let anyone know if there is any issues like dropped packes, pc sleep issues, etc.
Keep in mind I am using a intel based CPU and Motherboard.
http://downloadcenter.netgear.com/en/product/A6210#searchResults
There's the speeds I am used to! Thank you UMDTERPS for the information. I had JUST sent an email with information answering questions from someone @ netgear when 2 minutes later the email came in with your updated information.
I do have the AMD processor, so those with this setup should see the same positive results.
HOW IS IT THAT A USER (with 17 posts) UPDATED ABOUT THIS INFO BEFORE ANY NETGEAR MODERATORS?
Now let's see if this connection will continue. I will try streaming (eff it, i'll give myself a plug here since i've had to deal with this and couldn't stream during this whole fiasco [noun: a thing that is a complete failure, especially in a ludicrous or humiliating way], come check me out on twitch @Naked_Ostrich) tonight to see if the 5Ghz connection stays put or if I start getting disconnect cycles again. I'll try to stress it for a few hours then I'll come back and update.
Thanks for the update push Netgear {sarcasm off}
Scott
Bravo Netgear! I installed the standalone driver and then inserted my adapter and VOILA! I have been testing my network since I connected to my AC network (5GHz) and have found no issues so far. All ping tests/ speed tests have passed with flying colors. Time will be the true test of character but at least this is positive progress.
PS i am running the AMD chipset.
Tried the new driver but it seemed to be for the A6210 adapter and I have A6200.???
So. What? Do A6200 users just not get a driver update because we're using "outdated hardware"? Common Netgear what the hell.
TECK1015, Netgear are very actively working to resolve all issues identified in this thread, so all the adaptors named in the title are receiving attention.
Is the new Netgear driver connecting @ USB 3.0 spec? Previous drivers all connected @ USB 2.0 spec. Could someone verify if the new driver connects at USB 3.0 speed. Thanks. I'm currently using the MediaTek driver with no issues and it connects at USB 3.0 spec.
Is the new Netgear driver not just the repackaged Mediatek driver?
Does Netgear even have any control over the drivers?
The Netgear installer still sucks. It loops forever in the "insert wifi adapter" step. I have to cancel that step, and "update drivers automatically" from the device manager to properly install the drivers. Wish companies would stop BS installers and just supply the drivers for power users.
But I digress... If these are just the mediatek drivers, I expect more intermittent packetloss on my system. Even yesterday the wifi adapter seemed to crash completely: The windows wifi list was completely empty (usually has loads of wifi in the area).
Question, the release notes mention:
- Always set U2 mode in ETRON & ASMedia USB 3.0 Host control
I actually have an Etron USB3 host controller, but you don't mention where you change this. Is it a bios setting? Doesn't appear to be a driver setting.
Improved but not fixed packet loss.
Changed D6300 5G channel to 600Mbps operation and now can load smaller test files ok (200MB) but still fails on 1G files downloaded simultaineously.
No expert on TCPIP protocols but using MS Network Monitor I see all ok until i start getting lots of Fast Re-transmits and the downloads fail.
Adapter is connected to USB 2 port as older laptop but as I'm on a 34Meg fibre broadband that shouldnt be a problem.
I got the A6210 as I had the D6300 router so trying to avoid this sort of issue. Didnt see any problems on win 7 but didnt try any big test files.
tthomas,
What is the site you are using for test downloads? I would like to see if I have the same issue.
Thanks
DarkNeuron,
More than likely it's the mediatek driver wrapped in their netgeine software. Most companies don't make their own boards or the base drivers. If you peel open most similar routers today they have similar internal compents. In if I am not mistaken most 1900AC routers use the same broadcom TurboQAM chipset. The software is what really serperates them, but yes companies should release the base driver in case people have issues with the wrapped driver.
It also should be noted, most networking equipmeht comes out of Taiwan. Netgear is an American company, however their engineers (possibly outsourced?) are based in Taiwan. I know this because I was speaking with one through email to help resolvd the 6210 issues.
I have had some luck with this the meat of the U2 issue seems to be a power saving mode I managed to fix my issue by going into Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Power Options and selecting "High performance" (you may have to expand the "how additional plans" area) then clicking change plan settings, then "change advanced power settings" then selecting usb settings -> USB selective suspend settings and changing it to disabled
It works like a charm, thank you cheeseds !!!!!!!!!!
