TP-Link wifi adapters not working

[ReoJack]

Your system information

• Steam client version: Stable (latest available after update)
• SteamOS version: 3.8.11
• Opted into Steam client beta?: No
• Opted into SteamOS beta?: No
• Have you checked for updates in Settings > System?: Yes

Please describe your issue in as much detail as possible:

Official SteamOS does not detect or create a Wi-Fi interface for TP-Link USB Wi-Fi adapters.

I tested both a TP-Link Archer T10UB Nano and a TP-Link Archer T2UB Nano. Neither adapter is usable in SteamOS.

During the initial setup after installing SteamOS from the official recovery image, no Wi-Fi networks were available, preventing setup from being completed over Wi-Fi. I was able to complete setup by connecting via Ethernet and using the desktop environment/TTY to continue the installation.

After completing setup, updating SteamOS to the latest stable version (3.8.11), and rebooting, the issue remained. Ethernet works correctly, but neither Wi-Fi adapter appears as a wireless interface.

Expected behaviour:

• SteamOS should detect the USB Wi-Fi adapter.
• A wireless interface should be created.
• Available Wi-Fi networks should appear during setup and after installation.

Actual behaviour:

• The USB device is detected by the system.
• The Realtek driver appears to load.
• No wireless interface is created.
• NetworkManager only shows the Ethernet interface.
• No Wi-Fi networks are available before or after updating SteamOS.

The TP-Link Archer T10UB Nano works correctly under Bazzite on the same hardware.

Steps for reproducing this issue:

1. Install the latest official SteamOS recovery image on a desktop PC.
2. Connect a TP-Link Archer T10UB Nano or TP-Link Archer T2UB Nano USB Wi-Fi adapter.
3. Boot into SteamOS setup.
4. Observe that no Wi-Fi networks are available.
5. Complete setup using Ethernet, install all available stable updates, and reboot.
6. Observe that Wi-Fi is still unavailable and no wireless interface is created.