Formatted laptop- even with right drivers cannot get a network connection

Started a new course, so I figured I’d format the laptop and get a fresh start. Downloaded the drivers of my laptop’s model onto a usb beforehand. Formatted the laptop and installed the drivers. No network connection. I see no options but airplane mode, and can’t even turn that on. No wifi network search button (the laptop is wifi only, no ethernet). I need to jump into a video lecture that evening, so in a panic I try a Debian install, and then an Ubuntu install (which I am on currently). Both automatically sort out a network connection for me without anything needing installing. Great to see from Linux, frustrating behaviour for MS as usual. Unfortunately I will need a Windows install for all the software I will need, or I would happily stay on Ubuntu. My question is, is there a free software that will magically sort me like Linux does for Windows? Something that tries a few different generic network drivers perchance?