Step-by-step – Mediatek MT76 Driver Installation in Debian Buster

Installing

1. 2. Installing Firmware

   So to Install Non-free Firmware for Mt76 Module
   Simply play:

   sudo apt install firmware-misc-nonfree

   But if “not found” then follow the instructions on the linked Guide.
   How to Install Backports Non-free Repository on Debian GNU/Linux

   Backports Debian Setup Guide

   GNU/Linux Debian Backports Installation Guide

   Follow instructions to Enable the ‘contrib‘ and ‘non-free‘ Sources.
   Especially relevant, in case of Issue with the latest Devices you may see: How to Update Linux Firmware!

2. 3. Upgrading System

   So then best to Upgrade System
   Running:

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

   In case of a New Kernel Setup then Reboot with:

   sudo reboot

   Then Check your Kernel Version with:

   uname -r

   The Device should work properly on a 5.4.1+ Kernel.
   How to Install Latest Kernel on Debian Buster

   Mainline Kernel Debian Buster Installation

   GNU/Linux Debian Buster Installing Latest Kernel Tutorial

3. 4. Loading Driver

   Then to Load MediaTek MT76 Kernel Module
   Usually Automatically loaded at Startup!
   But in case, simply play:

   sudo modprobe mt76

   Or for a USB Device try with:

   sudo modprobe mt76-usb

   To know that with Kernel 5.9 also a SDIO Socket version is introduced:

   sudo modprobe mt76-sdio

   Then restart the Network Manager Service play:

   sudo service network-manager restart

   Possibly, try also to unplug and replug in your Adapter.