Before you begin troubleshooting, keep in mind that your computer might take up to 15 seconds to recognize the A8000 USB WiFi adapter and turn on its activity LED. Let the adapter fully complete its startup process before troubleshooting connection problems.
Your Microsoft Windows PC or laptop must meet certain requirements to use the A8000 USB WiFi adapter. For more information, see What are the requirements to use the NETGEAR Nighthawk A8000 USB WiFi 6E adapter?
If the adapter seems to be working and your computer meets the A8000 requirements, yet you are experiencing connection problems, try the following:
Update Microsoft Windows
If your computer's Microsoft Windows installation isn't up-to-date, some devices and features might not work correctly. For more information on updating Windows, see Microsoft's Update Windows support article.
Disable other WiFi adapters
If your computer has another WiFi adapter, like an older WiFi adapter built into the computer, disable it so that the A8000 is the default WiFi connection for your computer.
To disable a WiFi adapter on Windows 10:
- Press the Windows button on your keyboard or click the Windows icon in the taskbar to open the Start menu.
- Select Settings > Network & Internet > Change adapter options.
- Right click the non-A8000 adapter and select Disable.
- Repeat step 3 for all non-A8000 adapters.
- (Optional) Right-click the A8000 adapter, select Rename, and enter a name that indicates it is your main adapter.
To disable a WiFi adapter on Windows 11:
- Press the Windows button on your keyboard or click the Windows icon in the taskbar to open the Start menu.
- Select Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings.
- Click the non-A8000 adapter and select Disable.
- Repeat step 3 for all non-A8000 adapters.
- (Optional) Right-click the A8000 adapter, select Rename, and enter a name that indicates it is your main adapter.