Windows 11 Clean Install on Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3

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Hey everyone,

I just went through a fresh Windows 11 installation on a new Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 and ran into a couple of frustrating driver issues. I’m posting my solutions here in case it helps someone else save some time.

Problem 1: Stuck on “Let’s connect you to a network” Screen

During the Windows 11 setup, I got to the network connection screen, but it couldn’t find any Wi-Fi networks. This is because Windows 11 doesn’t have the wireless driver for this specific laptop built-in.

I went to the Lenovo support site, but the only driver available was an .exe file. The Windows installer can’t use an .exe; it needs the raw .inf driver files, which weren’t provided.

Solution: Bypass the Network Requirement

You can bypass this screen and finish the installation without an internet connection.

On the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen, press Shift + F10 on your keyboard. This will open a Command Prompt window.
Type the following command exactly as written and press Enter:
OOBE\\BYPASSNRO
Your computer will restart and take you back to the setup process. This time, when you reach the network screen, you will have a new option: “I don’t have internet”.
Click that, then select “Continue with limited setup”. You can now finish the Windows 11 installation. Once you’re at the desktop, you can install the .exe Wi-Fi driver from Lenovo’s site, and your internet will work.

Problem 2: Touchpad Not Working After Installation

After finally getting Windows installed, the touchpad wasn’t working at all. I checked Device Manager and the Lenovo support page, but finding the right driver was tricky. It seemed to be hidden or included with another driver package that wasn’t obviously for the touchpad.

Solution: Install the Serial I/O (SIO) Driver

The touchpad driver for my model was included in the Intel Serial I/O (SIO) driver package. It might also be listed under “Chipset” drivers on the support website. After installing this, the touchpad was immediately recognized and started working perfectly.

Hope this helps someone out!

actioncenterace

Hey, thanks for sharing these tips! It’s frustrating when the setup doesn’t go smoothly, but it’s great that you sorted it out and shared the solutions here. The bypass trick for the network screen is a lifesaver for many setups, and it’s often not widely known. As for the touchpad, it’s interesting how Lenovo tucks those drivers into the SIO package. Your experience will definitely help others dealing with similar issues. Anyone else had similar struggles with Lenovo or other brands? Feel free to chime in with your experiences or any other handy tips!