How do I install Ethernet drivers on Windows 10 without Internet?

Answered by Antonio Sutton

Installing Ethernet drivers on Windows 10 without internet can be a bit challenging, but it can be done with the help of another computer with internet access and a USB flash drive or smartphone. Here are the steps you can follow to accomplish this:

1. Identify the exact model and manufacturer of your Ethernet adapter: Before proceeding, you need to know the specific model and manufacturer of your Ethernet adapter. This information can be found in the Device Manager on your Windows 10 computer. To access Device Manager, right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager” from the menu. Look for the Network Adapters section and expand it to find your Ethernet adapter.

2. Find and download the correct Ethernet driver: Using another computer with internet access, visit the website of the manufacturer of your Ethernet adapter. Look for a “Support” or “Downloads” section on their website. Enter the model number of your adapter and search for the appropriate driver for Windows 10. Download the driver to your computer.

3. Transfer the driver to the internet-disabled computer: Once the driver is downloaded, you need to transfer it to the computer without internet access. You can do this by using a USB flash drive, a smartphone, or any other device that can store and transfer files. Connect the USB flash drive or smartphone to the computer with the downloaded driver and copy the driver file onto it.

4. Connect the USB flash drive or smartphone to the internet-disabled computer: Now, disconnect the USB flash drive or smartphone from the computer with internet access and connect it to the computer without internet access.

5. Install the Ethernet driver: On the internet-disabled computer, open File Explorer and navigate to the location where you copied the driver file. Double-click on the driver file to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

6. Restart the computer: After the driver installation is complete, it is recommended to restart the computer to ensure that the changes take effect.

7. Verify the Ethernet connection: Once the computer restarts, check if the Ethernet connection is working by connecting an Ethernet cable to the computer and a network port. Open a web browser and try to access a website to test the internet connection.

8. Troubleshooting: If the Ethernet connection is still not working, there might be other underlying issues. Make sure that the Ethernet cable is properly connected and the network port is active. You can also try updating the driver again or reinstalling it. If the problem persists, you may need to seek additional technical support or consult the manufacturer’s website for further troubleshooting steps.

Remember, these steps may vary slightly depending on the specific manufacturer and model of your Ethernet adapter. It’s always best to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or support documentation for detailed guidance.

Installing Ethernet drivers on Windows 10 without internet can be achieved by downloading the driver on another computer with internet access, transferring it to the internet-disabled computer, and installing it. Following these steps should help you establish a working Ethernet connection on your Windows 10 computer even without internet access.