How do I know which network drivers to install?

[biddiddy]

I have asked this question before but never got a decent and useful reply. 

If you look at device manager you will see many different brands of wifi or ethernet drivers

in this case the wifi is not installed. So how do I know which one should be installed when there is nothing to check with on the system.??

the same goes for all laptops. Its so confusing. Why all the different brands like RAlink, Mediatek, and so on....I put in the serial number but it still gives me all this brands to choose from.

there has to be a sensible answer to this dilemma. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

When you don't know what model wifi adapter is installed, go to the device manager.

Under an Other Devices category there will be a device labeled as a Network Controller.

That is the name that Windows gives the wifi card when no driver is installed.

After you find that device, you need to find the hardware ID for the device, which will identify who made it and what model wifi adapter it is.

Use this guide for how to find the hardware ID for a device.

How to Find Drivers for Unknown Devices in the Device Manager (howtogeek.com)

Then copy and paste the ID in your favorite internet search window and you should come up with at least the manufacturer (Intel, Mediatek, Broadcom, etc.).

If you still can't figure it out, post the hardware ID for the Network Controller, and I will post the link to the driver it needs.