dudesinmexico

Q: Windows 8.1 wifi driver problem

I am trying to install Windows 8.1 Pro (retail version) on a brand new Macbook Air using Bootcamp. I updated OSX including the latest firmware update then I created the USB flash drive media (no ISO) following the instructions at

 

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only

 

Everything went well except that I cannot establish any wifi connection from Windows. It seems that for some reason Bootcamp installs the wrong wifi chip drivers. I have run again the Windows support software setup from the USB disk, same problem.

 

Any suggestions?

MacBook Air

Posted on Dec 18, 2013 10:32 AM

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Q: Windows 8.1 wifi driver problem

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  • by mvest20,

    mvest20 mvest20 Dec 18, 2013 11:18 AM in response to dudesinmexico
    Level 1 (115 points)
    Dec 18, 2013 11:18 AM in response to dudesinmexico

    For some reason the Apple Support software doesn't include the correct driver, but it is already in Windows.  you have to enable the driver in Device Manager.  It is the Broadcom ac driver.  To accomplish this, hit the Windows (command) button, then type device manager.  In the list, find your network connection, then right-click it and choose properties.  From the driver tab, find the Broadcom a/c driver and use that driver.  It will give an error, but use the driver anyway, and then wireless will be completely functional in Windows.

     

    Good luck!

  • by dudesinmexico,

    dudesinmexico dudesinmexico Dec 18, 2013 11:57 AM in response to mvest20
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 18, 2013 11:57 AM in response to mvest20

    In Device Manager I see Other devices-> Network Controller. Is that the wifi contoller?

     

    If I select it and bring up the Update Driver Software dialog I see under "Network Adapter" -> Manufacturer = Broadcom -> Broadcom 4321AG 802.11a/b/g/... and

    Broadcom 4322AG 802.11a/b/g/

     

    should I select one of these?

     

    Thanks!

  • by mvest20,Solvedanswer

    mvest20 mvest20 Dec 18, 2013 12:01 PM in response to dudesinmexico
    Level 1 (115 points)
    Dec 18, 2013 12:01 PM in response to dudesinmexico

    That is the correct controller. 

     

    I don't think those a/b/g drivers will work; it needs to the a/c driver.  Is there another section for Broadcom?  I seem to recall seeing two different sections for Broadcom drivers, but I can't remember what the title of the second section was called.  They were right next to each other in the list though.

  • by dudesinmexico,

    dudesinmexico dudesinmexico Dec 18, 2013 12:09 PM in response to mvest20
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 18, 2013 12:09 PM in response to mvest20

    Got it! the a/c driver made it work.

  • by Wendy.57,

    Wendy.57 Wendy.57 Jan 5, 2016 10:11 PM in response to mvest20
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 5, 2016 10:11 PM in response to mvest20

    I am having the same issue although i am unable to find the a/c driver in either broadcom folders only a/b/g is available is there another place it may be

  • by Loner T,

    Loner T Loner T Jan 6, 2016 4:32 AM in response to Wendy.57
    Level 7 (23,813 points)
    Safari
    Jan 6, 2016 4:32 AM in response to Wendy.57

    You can check the BC driver packages in Install Windows 7 and earlier on your Mac using Boot Camp - Apple Support (these also support W8.1) and check if you have the correct version of BC driver package.