From win8.1 to latest Win11 when windows get activated it will automatically installs latest device drivers, if windows is not activated, some important device drivers are not installed.
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Also
here is the method i usually use this method to install/update my device drivers
first select any 'device' in 'Device Manager'
eg: im selecting -> 'Intel(R) Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265' -> 'Properties' -> 'Details' -> 'Hardware Ids'
copy the 'Value'
eg: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24FD&CC_0280
and
open any webbrowser and search for or
as eg: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24FD&CC_0280 drp.su
after that
open webpage of the exact device id(hardware id) u typed, in the search result and download the driver for your os.
then extract files of the zip or rar file in any folder
then again select the device,
eg: 'Intel(R) Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265' -> 'Update driver'
select 'Browse my computer for drivers' -> 'Include subfolders' -> 'Next' : Finish
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Also
for old devices, if drivers are NOT available for latest OS, if the driver setup fails
eg: Mainly USB 4G(modem / DONGLE) DRIVERS -
here is a method to install device drivers
First go the device 'Drivers' folder(where driver files are located) -> open 'cmd.exe' as admin
Type this commands one by one
eg:
Note:
replace the '.inf' file names with in the driver folder which has .inf filenames.
pnputil -i -a android_winusb.inf
pnputil -i -a mmx_cmnxmdm.inf
pnputil -i -a mmx_cmnxnet.inf
pnputil -i -a mmx_cmnxser.inf
copy the above one line by line paste in cmd and click enter
now connect the dongle now its driver installed and now u can use the dongle and connect to the internet.
restart pc if necessary.