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If the Wi-Fi stopped working on your laptop after you upgraded it, it is possible the problem is a missing software driver
Anecdotally, at least, it seems that lots of people have had problems with the Wi-Fi connectivity of laptops and PCs after they have been upgraded to Windows 8. One reason for Wi-Fi problems in Windows 8 is the lack of up-to-date software drivers, as our Helproom Editor explains.
QUESTION I've just upgraded to Windows 8 on my Toshiba Satellite L750. However, I now have a problem: Toshiba said my laptop was ready for the OS, but following its installation the Wi-Fi no longer works. I suspect that the driver doesn't support Windows 8, and Toshiba was unable to provide me with a newer version.
HELPROOM ANSWER These may, of course, have been added since your conversation with Toshiba, but there are in fact Wi-Fi drivers available for your laptop on Toshiba's support site. However, two types of driver are offered – one for an Atheros wireless adaptor, and another for an Intel model. You will need to ensure you install the correct version for your specific model's specification. If you can't easily find out which adaptor is installed, it won't hurt to try both and stick with the one that solves your problem.
You'll find the driver download page at the Toshiba Laptop Driver Downloads page. Select your laptop specifics from the drop-down menus, and be sure to select ‘Windows 8 – upgrade' as the required operating system.
See all How to articles. Get free tech support in the Helproom Forum.
Visit Windows 7 Advisor and Windows 8 Advisor for more Windows advice. Or email our Helproom Editor for bespoke advice.




Comments
GW74 said: hey genius if one person experiences a single problem the author is right and you are wrong never invest in options
Michael Patrick Hayes said: Dude do a Google search on Windows8 wifi problems Its rampant Theres even a meme making the rounds that makes fun of these issues
suiciderandy said: Well you must be the exception not the rule Im on ethernet as I type because me and a lot of other people ARE having issues with wifi O by the way dont be so smug cause it makes you look like a know it all dik
Mr JBall said: Great Please tell me how to make my D-link DWA-552 work with Win 8 because D-Link technical support sure couldnt
Sandra said: I have a problem regarding webcam and video call with my new toshiba windows 8 I do use this service a lot to speak with family members in australia and disappointed as I upgraded to windows 8 for faster and better things I no longer can chat can you advise me please what i can do thanks
patt said: On my personal laptop HP-Folio 1020 US I had no issues however on another acer ultrabook at first I had no wifi had to find correct drivers from Windows 7 and these drivers often drop out my internet
curmet said: Hmm Sure not everyone has a perfect experience but youll have problems with any OS this is most likely user error I havent had any problems win8 over the past year Any problems are mostly user mistakes If your device doesnt have a driver for win8 then its cause your device is too old
Matt Egan said: Regardless of what caused the fault we are helping a reader rectify it
Matt Egan said: How can it be wrong Its the experience of one of our readers
Andrew La Russa said: This article should be labeled OEMs fail to update wireless drivers on Windows 8 Im so tired of the OS getting blamed for issues when its these lazy OEMs with their poor driver support for that matter poor drivers in general That was one of Vistas biggest problems The OEMs were so far behind it was a joke 64-bit basically had to be shoved down their throat before they started updating drivers for itAlso the end-user would be smart to take a look at the manufacturers support page and download the Windows 8 drivers beforehand especially for the networkwifi drivers Download them to a USB flash drive and have them ready just in case you need that after the upgrade
David E Nation Sr said: Wowwell dude you are totally wrong on this oneevery machine I install windows 8 on simply picks up right were windows 7 left offI have had no problems with windows 8 doing anything Windows 8 will do EVERYTHING that windows 7 did and moremaybe you need to ask a tech to solve your problemO by the way Im using wi-fi on 2 of my windows 8 machines