Windows unsuccessful driver install for Netgear router?

[newpgm]

Hello,
My PC & I have returned to Windows 7. So peaceful & quiet.

We have a Router = Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 (R6700v2)
Let me preface with the PC has no network problems I'm aware of. Access to the the Internet is fine, the Netgear USB Control Center software for the USB printer attached to the router is working well & I can access the router UI by typing the IP address into the browser. My only connection to the router is thru the PCIe Wireless NIC card.

However, Windows keeps trying to install a driver for this router, unsuccessfully. I can temporarily stop this by uninstalling the device in Device Manager & then removing it from Devices & Printers. It will eventually attempt to install again, doubling clicking on the router icon in Explorer / Network / Network Infrastructure will do that. Not quite sure how to install a driver for a router...

A bit of Googling later & it does appear that Windows will detect devices on the network & install the necessary driver. I found a document on the Microsoft Download Center for PnP X: Plug and Play Extensions for Windows that I believe explains why Windows is trying install a driver for the router.

PnP X is an extension of Plug and Play (PnP) in Windows Vista that integrates network-connected devices into the Windows PnP subsystem. PnP X allows network-connected devices to appear as devices inside Windows and provides an installation experience that is similar to attaching a physically connected device.
Device discovery takes place when Network Explorer is launched. The user must explicitly choose to install the device. The Found New Hardware Wizard appears if user intervention is required to install a device driver.

Here's a composite of the router in File Explorer, Device Manager & Devices & Printers;

& here is a pic a bit further down, the R6700v2 router is successfully installed in System Devices;

If I look at the properties for this router in Devices & Printers there are two types defined. I don't understand why there are two. The System Device (R6700v2 Gateway) driver is functioning;

the Other Device (Netgear R6700v2 Router) has no driver:

I found similar threads that indicate perhaps another category should exist in Device Manager called Network Infrastructure Devices & under that NETGEAR Wireless Router Module. I did find & download Netgear Wireless Router Module Driver ver 1.0.2.36 from a site that I'm not entirely sure I trust. When I try to Install it this msg appears: The INF file you selected does not support this method of installation. My networking skills are not so great. Not even sure what kind of driver Windows wants. On Windows 10 the only place this router appears in Device Manager is under Software Devices.

UPnP is enabled on the router, all the associated Services are started (IP Bus Enumerator, Function Discovery Provider Host).

Does anyone know what's going on?

Thank you

 

[file3456]

You DO NOT want UPnP on in a router. UPnP stands for Universal Plug and Play, but it's actually Universal Plug and Prey.

If you're not using port forwarding turn that off as well. Make sure the default username and password is changed and don't allow remote administration.

The fact UPnP is on may be the reason why it's trying to install some driver. You don't need a driver for a router to work.

 

[newpgm]

Yes, UPnP enabled is the reason Windows is trying to install the driver. Disabling UPnP on the router removes it everywhere. R6700v2 disappears from all PC's. I guess that's OK.
Tho, pretty sure it was enabled (on a much older router) when I was last on Windows 7 & I don't remember this unsuccessful driver install.
Must have had in my mind it was needed for media streaming devices. Looks like it is still a big security risk, even today. It will remain disabled.

I don't have any port forwarding rules defined. But now think it's time I learned how to do that. Changed login info when set the router up.

Thank you

 

[Ranger4]

This Netgear website might help you as well.

Nighthawk R6700v2 | AC1750 Smart WiFi Router | NETGEAR Support

 

[samuria]

its often needed for xbox

 

[newpgm]

its often needed for xbox

I should have mentioned that. We did have an xbox player here but no longer.