I’ve downloaded the latest version of Debian and decided to leave my computer off for a few months. Prior to my problem I was using an Ethernet cable to connect to the internet. I’ve since moved properties and have no access to an Ethernet port nor Ethernet cable. To my surprise, I have found that I cannot connect to WiFi. I’ve tried everything but every time I either don’t see a prompt for wireless connections or don’t see any SSID names on the list. I only see what is my past Ethernet profile from my old property. I don’t know what to do, please help.
D
Deleted member 108694
Guest
Debian has two versions the one with all the third party drivers/firmware is called non-free ISO and is located here - https://cdimage.debian.org/images/u...irmware/11.3.0-live+nonfree/amd64/iso-hybrid/
The normal version of Debian does not contain third party firmware
If you know what kind of WiFi you have you can download that firmware from here -
debian.pkgs.org
this site is a DEB package if you can download it to another machine a put it on a thumb drive and install it to the machine with no internet - it will be listed as firmware-
The below is direct links to download some of the most common WiFi firmware as DEB packages
Intel WiFi is here - http://ftp.de.debian.org/debian/pool/non-free/f/firmware-nonfree/firmware-iwlwifi_20210315-3_all.deb
Realtek WiFi is here - http://ftp.de.debian.org/debian/pool/non-free/f/firmware-nonfree/firmware-realtek_20210315-3_all.deb
Atheros/Qualcomm is here - http://ftp.de.debian.org/debian/pool/non-free/f/firmware-nonfree/firmware-atheros_20210315-3_all.deb
This is one of the main reasons I only get the non-free ISO, but Debian says it's "unofficial" - it has all the extra firmware
The normal version of Debian does not contain third party firmware
If you know what kind of WiFi you have you can download that firmware from here -
Debian 11 (Bullseye) - Debian Nonfree amd64
Packages from Debian Nonfree amd64 repository of Debian 11 (Bullseye) distribution.
debian.pkgs.org
The below is direct links to download some of the most common WiFi firmware as DEB packages
Intel WiFi is here - http://ftp.de.debian.org/debian/pool/non-free/f/firmware-nonfree/firmware-iwlwifi_20210315-3_all.deb
Realtek WiFi is here - http://ftp.de.debian.org/debian/pool/non-free/f/firmware-nonfree/firmware-realtek_20210315-3_all.deb
Atheros/Qualcomm is here - http://ftp.de.debian.org/debian/pool/non-free/f/firmware-nonfree/firmware-atheros_20210315-3_all.deb
This is one of the main reasons I only get the non-free ISO, but Debian says it's "unofficial" - it has all the extra firmware
G'day @Corptal and welcome to linux.org 
My friend just beat me to writing the same sort of thing so I won't reinvent the wheel.
I was struggling with my wifi and Debian for ages before I learned here of the non-free option and it has worked well ever since.
If you are not sure on Desktop choices take a read here and you will get an idea
https://renewablepcs.wordpress.com/about-linux/kde-gnome-or-xfce/
Good luck
Chris Turner
wizardfromoz
My friend just beat me to writing the same sort of thing so I won't reinvent the wheel.
I was struggling with my wifi and Debian for ages before I learned here of the non-free option and it has worked well ever since.
If you are not sure on Desktop choices take a read here and you will get an idea
https://renewablepcs.wordpress.com/about-linux/kde-gnome-or-xfce/
Good luck
Chris Turner
wizardfromoz
