Fix: Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter Not Working on Windows 11/10

WiFi adapters are one of those devices which is responsible for making a wireless connection on your desktop or laptop. These devices come in distinct models, with a handful of manufacturers assembling them. For example, the Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter will allow any USB-enabled system to connect to a b, g, or n wireless network, which has backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (11/54Mbps). 

However, unfortunately, users are complaining that the 802.11n network adapter is not working on their PC. So, if you are also facing the same, then don’t worry, as here in this journey, you will learn all the necessary fixes to fix the Broadcom 802.11n network adapter not working on Windows 11/10. Therefore, let’s get started with the guide. 

How To Fix Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter Not Working on Windows 11/10

There are lots of fixes available that you can use to get rid of this issue. But, here, we have mentioned only those with the potential that already helped many users worldwide fix the network adapter not working issue. So, let’s get started with the fixes:

Fix 1: Reboot Your Device

As we have already discussed, Broadcom’s WiFi adapter allows your computer or laptop to connect to wireless networks using a wireless router; therefore, if you set up a network with a wireless router, the Broadcom WiFi adapter will require the same SSID and password as your router.

Well, it is possible that on your device, there is some cache or temporary files are stored due to which you are getting this issue. Generally, we don’t know about this, but our system saves a stale copy of our actions so that we don’t have to wait for longer next time we visit the same page.

But, sometimes, when these files get corrupted or damaged, that prevents the other hardware from performing well. So, when you reboot your device, these files get removed, and your system again starts functioning properly. Also, many users reported that after rebooting the device, this particular issue got fixed, and the Broadcom network adapter again started working. That’s why we suggest you try this out. 

Fix 2: Update The Driver

Did you check if your network adapter recently? If not, there are chances that your system may be running on an older network driver. However, you know what? An older network driver also might be the reason behind this type of error. Therefore, it is very vital to regularly check for driver updates.

Although the drivers automatically get updated while updating the Windows, manufacturers sometimes roll out minor improvement updates to fix the bugs. Therefore, installing these minor updates is very important. So, in case you don’t know how to do this, follow these necessary steps: 

1. Firstly, press the Win+R key in order to open the Run box and search for devmgmt. msc.
2. After that, locate and expand the Network Adapter tab.
3. Then, select the Broadcom 802.11n network adapter and right-click on it.
4. Thereafter, from the drop-down context menu, select the Update Driver button.
5. That’s it. Now, you have to wait until the driver gets updated. Once done, reboot your device and check if the issue gets fixed or not. 

Fix 3: Update Your System OS

So, you have just updated your Network adapter but still get the same error; then there are chances that the older system OS may be the reason behind this error. So, if you didn’t recently check for system OS, we suggest you check for it. Therefore, if you don’t know how to do this, you can simply use the Windows Search bar and search Windows Update.

After that, open the appropriate one from the result. Then, on the next page, hit the Check For Updates button and wait until it searches and installs the update on your system. Once done, reboot your device and check if the issue gets fixed or not. 

Fix 4: Reinstall The Driver

If you are still getting the error even after updating your driver or OS, we suggest you try reinstalling the driver on your PC. Many users previously found this fix really helpful. Therefore, why not you try this out? Well, if you don’t know how to reinstall the driver, then make sure to follow the steps we have mentioned below: 

1. Firstly, press the Win+R key in order to open the Run box and search for devmgmt. msc.
2. After that, locate and expand the Network Adapter tab.
3. Then, select the Broadcom 802.11n network adapter and double-click on it.
4. Now, switch to the Driver tab and hit the Update Driver… button. 
5. That’s it. Now, hit the Browse my computer for driver software option followed by the Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer. 
6. Thereafter, tap on the Have Disk button and browse to the C:/(the name of your laptop manufacturer)/drivers.
7. Then, locate a file name similar to R274634 and double click on it. Then, locate the .inf file, and you will see the name of the file ends with.inf.
8. After that, an Install From Disk window will appear; you need to hit the Ok button. Now, wait until the driver gets reinstalled on your PC. Once done, reboot your PC and check if the issue gets fixed.

Fix 5: Alter The Registry Settings

There are some chances that the Broadcom 802.11n network adapter is not working occurs due to the wrong configuration of registry settings. Therefore, you can follow the guidelines that we have mentioned below in order to change your registry settings:

1. Firstly, press the Win+R to open the Run box and search for regedit.
2. After that, hover to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\4D36E978-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318. 
3. Now, on the right pane, locate the UpperFilters and LowerFilters option. Then, right-click on it and select the delete option from the drop-down menu. Then, hit the yes button and reboot your PC. After that, check if the issue gets fixed or not. 

Fix 6: Check Compatibility Issue

It is possible that your Windows device may have some compatibility issues with the Broadcom 802.11n network adapter. So, you must check if your PC is compatible with the Broadcom 802.11n network adapter or not.

Bottom Line

So, these were the best tricks that you can use to resolve the Broadcom 802.11n network adapter not working issue. We hope that this article has helped you. However, in case you need any other information, comment below.