The D-Link DWA-171 Wireless AC Dual Band Adapter adds wireless connectivity to a compatible computer through a USB port. Its driver allows Windows to recognize the adapter and use it to find nearby Wi-Fi networks, establish a connection, and exchange data with your router.

Key Features

• USB adapter recognition: Provides the device-specific software Windows needs to identify the DWA-171 and operate it as a wireless network adapter.
• Dual-band Wi-Fi access: Enables connections to compatible 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, giving you a choice between broader coverage and a less congested band, depending on your environment.
• Wireless AC support: Lets the adapter use its 802.11ac capabilities with a compatible router. Actual connection speeds depend on signal strength, router settings, interference, and the adapter’s hardware revision.
• Windows networking integration: Makes the adapter available through Windows network controls so you can select an available network, enter its password, and manage your connection.

How to Install

1. Check the adapter and Windows version. Find the hardware revision on the adapter’s label or packaging. For Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, choose a driver package that explicitly supports both your revision and operating system, including 32-bit or 64-bit where applicable. Support can vary between revisions.
2. Download and prepare the driver. Save the matching D-Link driver package to your computer. If it comes in a compressed folder, extract the contents before starting installation. Use another internet connection or computer if the adapter is not yet working.
3. Run the installer. Open the setup program and follow its prompts. Connect the DWA-171 to a USB port when instructed; some packages require the software to be installed before the adapter is plugged in.
4. Use Device Manager if needed. If the package has no installer, connect the adapter, open Device Manager, and locate it under Network adapters or Other devices. Select Update driver, choose Browse my computer for drivers, and point Windows to the extracted folder.
5. Restart and test the connection. Restart if prompted, then open Windows Wi-Fi settings and connect to your network. If the adapter is not detected, try another USB port and confirm that the installed driver matches its hardware revision.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Install fails or setup stalls: Run the DWA-171 installer as administrator, disconnect other USB Wi-Fi adapters, and confirm the package matches the adapter’s hardware revision and Windows architecture. If it still fails, uninstall any previous D-Link utility, reboot, and retry.
• Device not detected: Try a different USB port—preferably USB 2.0 or a powered hub—and check Device Manager for an unknown device or the DWA-171 under Network adapters. If listed with a warning, update the driver manually by pointing Windows to the driver’s INF file.
• Driver/version conflicts: Remove older D-Link or Windows Update Wi-Fi drivers and the D-Link utility via Device Manager/Apps, reboot, then install only the matching DWA-171 driver package. Don’t mix utility and driver versions.