The Samsung WIS12ABGNX is a “just works” legacy adapter, not a “best” adapter.
Its driver is usable but requires manual effort on modern Windows. For reliability and speed, replace it. If you must keep it, install the Broadcom reference driver (v7.35.352.0) and set 5 GHz as preferred.
Rating: 2.5/5 for modern use – stable enough for light tasks, but outdated and lacking proper driver support.
The Samsung WIS12ABGNX Wireless LAN Adapter Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
is a legacy USB dongle designed primarily to add Wi-Fi connectivity to non-wireless Samsung Smart TVs (2010–2012 models) and Blu-ray players. While it can technically work on a PC as a standard 802.11n adapter, it is widely considered outdated for modern computing. Core Specifications Standards: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n. Bands: Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz). Max Speed: Up to 300 Mbps. Interface: USB 2.0.
Features: Supports DLNA 1.5, AllShare, and Smart Hub functions for Samsung home entertainment systems. Driver & PC Installation Guide
Samsung does not provide an official "standalone" installer for using this adapter on Windows 10/11 because it was intended for proprietary TV hardware. However, since it uses a common Ralink (now MediaTek) chipset, you can often manually install drivers on a PC:
Automatic Detection: On Windows 10 and 11, the adapter may be recognized automatically as a generic "802.11n WLAN" device. Manual Update driver wireless lan adapter samsung wis12abgnx best
: If it fails to connect, you can force it to use drivers for the Ralink RT2850 or RT3572 chipset. Alternative Driver Source: Some users recommend using the Linksys WUSB600N v2 driver, which uses compatible hardware. Open Device Manager.
Right-click the unrecognized device and select Update Driver > Browse my computer > Let me pick from a list.
Choose Have Disk and point to the unzipped Linksys/Ralink driver files. Compatibility: Samsung Smart TVs
This adapter is specifically required for older models that lack built-in Wi-Fi but are "WiFi Ready." 2012 Models: LED EH4500, EH5300, ES5500; Plasma E490, E550. 2011 Models: LED D5000–D6400 series; Plasma D550. 2010 Models: LED C5000 and higher; Plasma C550. "Best" Recommendations and Alternatives WIS12ABGNX
is currently expensive (often over $90 brand new) due to its rarity as a legacy part. For TV Users: Questions and Answers: Samsung Wireless Adapter WIS12ABGNX
Samsung WIS12ABGNX (also known as the LinkStick) is a specialized USB 2.0 wireless LAN adapter designed to provide Wi-Fi connectivity to legacy Samsung Smart TVs and Blu-ray players. It is particularly valuable for owners of Samsung devices from the 2010 (C series), 2011 (D series), and 2012 (E series) The Samsung WIS12ABGNX is a “just works” legacy
who want to access streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube without running an Ethernet cable. Technical Specifications Wireless Standards : Dual-band support for IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n. Data Transfer Rate Frequency Range : Operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, reducing interference from other household devices.
: Supports 64/128bit WEP, WPA/WPA2, 802.1x, and WPS for secure one-touch setup. Connectivity Features : DLNA 1.5 certified and supports Samsung AllShare for streaming content between Samsung devices. Device Compatibility
The WIS12ABGNX is strictly required for certain older Samsung models that do not have built-in Wi-Fi but are "wireless-ready." Key compatible series include: 2010 (C Series) : LED C5000+; LCD C550+; PDP C550+. 2011 (D Series)
: LED D5000–D6400 (excluding D5003); LCD D530+; PDP D550–D6400. 2012 (E Series)
: LED EH4500 (region-specific), ES5500, ES5700; PDP E490, E550. Blu-ray Players : Select 2010–2012 models like the BD-C5000 and BD-E5500. Installation and Drivers Samsung WLAN USB Stick Drivers Download
Even with the best driver, this is a Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) adapter. Modern routers use Wi-Fi 5 (ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (ax). If you have: Rating: 2
Consider replacing the card. The Samsung WIS12ABGNX is removable. Compatible upgrades include:
⚠️ Check BIOS whitelist: Some Samsung laptops reject non-Samsung Wi-Fi cards. If you get "Unauthorized Wireless Card" on boot, you must stick with the WIS12ABGNX or a Samsung-branded replacement (e.g., Samsung WIS12ABGX).
Windows Update (automatic)
Broadcom reference driver (from trusted sources like Station-Drivers or Intel’s driver update utility – Intel now manages some Broadcom legacy drivers).
Avoid driver updater tools – They often bundle adware or wrong drivers.