NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.

Forum Discussion

NG_012264's avatar
NG_012264
Follower
Dec 09, 2020

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi USB Adapter – Won't connect?

System: Win 10 new install

To make a long story short – I'm able to install the drivers and they work fine. I'm able to use either the Gene app download or the standalone download – they both work the same way – seems to work.  The machine recognizes the WiFi USB adapter and shows all available networks in the area, including the one I'm trying to connect to. So far so good.   Here's the problem – when I try to connect to the network and enter the Network security key (and I've verified this number several times) for the network I want – it never connects to it.  Just a “Failed to connect” message.  This acts like I'm giving it the wrong information – but I can't see how I'm doing that with the router in front of me with the key on it. I have installed this on two different machines with the exact same results. The Ethernet chord works on both machines (I'm installing this on the computer that I need to take into another room).

Am I missing something – I've read a lot of the forum Q&A's but could not find the exact same situation as mine.  Is there something in Windows or security that needs to be turned on/off, etc.?   I'm stumped at what else to try.   I'm going to try this on another network at work to see if it's the router or something I haven’t thought of yet.

Any ideas or thoughts would be great, Thank you

 

2 Replies

  • plemans's avatar
    plemans
    Guru - Experienced User
    Dec 09, 2020

    You're exactly correct in trying it somewhere else first to see if its a router issue. 

    it wouldn't be the first time. 

    Also check if the windows versions are the same. I've seen issues with windows causing issues before. 

     

  • michaelkenward's avatar
    michaelkenward
    Guru - Experienced User
    Dec 09, 2020
    NG_012264 wrote:

    Here's the problem – when I try to connect to the network and enter the Network security key (and I've verified this number several times) for the network I want – it never connects to it.  Just a “Failed to connect” message. 

     

    What gives you this message? Windows networking?

     

    Have you tried running the Network Troubleshooter in Windows 10?

     

    I assume that the "security key" is what many people call the wifi password.

     

    NG_012264 wrote:

    Is there something in Windows or security that needs to be turned on/off, etc.?   

     

    I'm told that I am talking rubbish but this has worked for some people.

     

    • Network and Internet settings
    • Status
    • Properties
    • Network Profile
    • Private

     

    You lose nothing even if it is piffle.

     

    The logic is that when you use a new adapter, Windows sees an unrecognised network, and treats it with suspicion.