how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows

Troubleshooting network problems in windows.

If you can’t get email, browse the web, or stream music, chances are you’re not connected to your network and can’t get onto the internet. To fix the problem, here are some things you can try.

Things to try first

Try these things first to help you fix or narrow down the connection problem.

Make sure Wi‑Fi is turned on. Select the "No internet connection" icon on the right side of the taskbar, and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on. If it isn't, select it to turn it on. Also, make sure  Airplane mode  is turned off.

Select Manage Wi-Fi connections ( > ) on the Wi-Fi quick setting, see if a Wi-Fi network you recognize and trust appears in the list of networks. If it does, select the Wi-Fi network, and they try to connect to it. If it says  Connected  underneath the network name, select  Disconnect , wait a moment, and then select  Connect  again.

Try connecting to a network on a different frequency band. Many consumer Wi-Fi routers broadcast at two different network frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. These will appear as separate networks in the list of available Wi-Fi networks. If your list of available Wi-Fi networks includes both a 2.4 GHz network and a 5 GHz network, try connecting to the other network. To learn more about the differences between 2.4 GHz networks and 5 GHz networks, check out  Wi-Fi problems and your home layout .

Make sure the physical Wi‑Fi switch on your laptop is turned on. (An indicator light usually shows when it's on.)

Run the Network troubleshooter. The Network troubleshooter can help diagnose and fix common connection problems.

To run the Network troubleshooter

Select Start  > Settings  >  System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters .

Under  Other , select  Network Adapter > Run .

Follow the steps in the troubleshooter and see if that fixes the problem.

Restart your modem and wireless router. This helps create a new connection to your internet service provider (ISP). When you do this, everyone that is connected to your Wi-Fi network will be temporarily disconnected. The steps you take to restart your modem and router can vary, but here are the general steps.

Note:  If you have a cable modem/Wi-Fi router combo device, you only need to follow the steps for the single device.

Unplug the power cable for the router from the power source.

Unplug the power cable for the modem from the power source.   Some modems have a backup battery. If you unplug the modem and lights stay on, remove the battery from the modem.

Wait at least 30 seconds or so. If you had to remove the battery from the modem, put it back in.

Plug the modem back into the power source. The lights on the modem will blink. Wait for them to stop blinking.

Plug your router back into the power source. Wait a few minutes for the modem and router to fully power on. You can usually tell when they’re ready by looking at the status lights on the two devices.

On your PC, try to connect again.

Narrow down the source of the problem

Connection problems can be due to a variety of reasons—problems with the website, your device, the Wi-Fi router, modem, or your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Try the following steps to help narrow down the source of the problem.

If the "Wi-Fi connected" icon  appears on the right side of the taskbar, visit a different website. If the website opens, there might be a problem with the specific website. If you can't connect to another website, go to the next step.

On another laptop or phone, try to connect to the same network. If you can connect, the source of the problem is likely due to your device—go to the section  Network troubleshooting on your device . If you can't connect to the network on any device, continue to the next step.

Check to see if there is a problem with the connection to your Wi-Fi router. Do this by using a ping test.

Select Search on the taskbar, and type  command prompt . The  Command Prompt  button will appear. To the right of it, select  Run as administrator  >  Yes .

At the command prompt, type  ipconfig , and then select  Enter . Look for the name of your Wi-Fi network within the results, and then find the IP address listed next to  Default gateway  for that Wi-Fi network.  Write down that address if you need to.  For example:  192.168.1.1

At the prompt, type  ping <DefaultGateway>  and then select  Enter .   For example, type  ping 192.168.1.1  and select  Enter .   The results should be something like this:

Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64

Ping statistics for 192.168.1.1: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss), Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:  Minimum = 4ms, Maximum = 5ms, Average = 4ms

If you see results like this and are getting a reply, then you have a connection to your Wi-Fi router, so there might be a problem with your modem or ISP. Contact your ISP or check online on another device (if you can) to see if there's a service outage.

If the results of the ping test indicate that you are not getting a reply from the router, try connecting your PC directly to your modem by using an Ethernet cable (if you can). If you can connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable, it confirms the connection problem is due to the Wi-Fi router. Make sure you've installed the latest firmware and see the documentation for your router.

Network troubleshooting on your device

Run network commands

Try running these network commands to manually reset the TCP/IP stack, release and renew the IP address, and flush and reset the DNS client resolver cache:

At the command prompt, run the following commands in the listed order, and then check to see if that fixes your connection problem:

Type  netsh winsock reset  and select   Enter .

Type  netsh int ip reset  and select  Enter .

Type  ipconfig /release  and select  Enter .

Type  ipconfig /renew  and select  Enter .

Type  ipconfig /flushdns  and select  Enter .

Uninstall the network adapter driver and restart

If the previous steps didn’t work, try to uninstall the network adapter driver, and then restart your computer. Windows will automatically install the latest driver. Consider this approach if your network connection stopped working properly after a recent update.

Before uninstalling, make sure you have drivers available as a backup. Visit the PC manufacturer’s website and download the latest network adapter driver from there. If your PC can't connect to the internet, you'll need to download a driver on a different PC and save it to a USB flash drive so you can install the driver on your PC. You’ll need to know the PC manufacturer and model name or number.

Select Search on the taskbar, type  device manager , and then select  Device Manager  from the list of results.

Expand  Network adapters , and locate the network adapter for your device.

Select the network adapter, press and hold (or right-click), and then select  Uninstall device  > check the  Attempt to remove the driver for this device  check box >  Uninstall .

After uninstalling the driver, select Start  >  Power  >  Restart .

After your PC restarts, Windows will automatically look for and install the network adapter driver. Check to see if that fixes your connection problem. If Windows doesn't automatically install a driver, try to install the backup driver you saved before uninstalling.

Check if your network adapter is compatible with the latest Windows Update

If you lost your network connection immediately after upgrading to or updating Windows 11, it's possible that the current driver for your network adapter was designed for a previous version of Windows. To check, try temporarily uninstalling the recent Windows Update:

Select Start  >  Settings  >   Windows Update  >  Update history  > Uninstall updates .

Select the most recent update, then select  Uninstall .

If uninstalling the most recent update restores your network connection, check to see if an updated driver is available:

Select the network adapter, press and hold (or right-click), then select  Update driver  > Search automatically for updated driver software , and then follow the instructions.

After installing the updated driver, select Start  >  Power  > Restart  if you're asked to restart, and see if that fixes the connection issue.

If Windows can’t find a new driver for your network adapter, visit the PC manufacturer’s website and download the latest network adapter driver from there. You’ll need to know the PC manufacturer and model name or number.

Do one of the following:

If you couldn’t download and install a newer network adapter driver, hide the update that’s causing you to lose your network connection. To learn how to hide updates, see  Hide Windows Updates or driver updates .

If you could successfully install updated drivers for your network adapter, then reinstall the latest updates. To do this, select Start  >  Settings  >  Windows Update > Check for updates .

Use network reset

Using network reset should be the last step you try. Consider using it if the steps above don’t help to get you connected.

This can help solve connection problems you might have after upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. It can also help to fix the problem where you can connect to the internet, but can't connect to shared network drives. Network reset removes any network adapters you have installed and the settings for them. After your PC restarts, any network adapters are reinstalled, and the settings for them are set to the defaults.

Select Start  >  Settings  >  Network & internet  >  Advanced network settings > Network reset . Open Network & Internet Status settings

On the  Network reset  screen, select  Reset now  >  Yes  to confirm.

Wait for your PC to restart, and see if that fixes the problem.

After using network reset, you might need to reinstall and set up other networking software you might be using, such as VPN client software or virtual switches from Hyper‑V (if you're using that or other network virtualization software).

Network reset might set each one of your known network connections to a public network profile. In a public network profile, your PC is not discoverable to other PCs and devices on the network, which can help make your PC more secure. However, if your PC is used for file or printer sharing, you’ll need to make your PC discoverable again by setting it to use a private network profile. To do this, select Start  >  Settings  >  Network & internet  >  Wi-Fi . On the  Wi-Fi  screen, select  Manage known networks  > the network connection you want to change. Under  Network profile type , select  Private .

Additional troubleshooting steps

Check your Wi-Fi settings

Wi-Fi adapter manufacturers might have different advanced settings you can change based on your network environment or connection preferences.

Check the Wireless Mode setting for your network adapter and make sure it matches the capabilities of the network you’re trying to connect to. If it doesn’t match, you won’t be able to connect, and the network might not appear in the list of available networks. The Wireless Mode will often be set to Auto or something similar by default, which enables connection for every kind of network that’s supported.

To find the wireless mode setting

In Device Manager, select  Network adapters , and then double-click the network adapter name.

Select the  Advanced  tab and look for a  Wireless Mode  setting. Make sure it’s set to the mode your network is using.

Wi-Fi profile settings

Windows uses the Wi-Fi profile to save the settings that are needed to connect to a Wi-Fi network. These settings include the network security type, key, network name (SSID), and so on. If you can’t connect to a Wi-Fi network that you could connect to before, it’s possible that the network settings might have changed or the profile is corrupted.

To fix this, remove (or "forget") the network connection, then reconnect to the network. When you forget a network connection, it removes the Wi-Fi network profile from your PC.

To forget a network

Select Start  > Settings  >  Network & internet .

Select  Wi-Fi , then select  Manage known networks .

Select the network you want to forget, then select  Forget .

Afterwards, select the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar and try to reconnect to the network to renew the network connection.

Check your home layout

Your Wi-Fi network might be affected by the network's frequency band, channel congestion, and/or signal strength.  For more info, see  Wi-Fi problems and your home layout .

Check for additional symptoms for the "No internet connection" icon.

There may be additional troubleshooting steps you can try, depending on which symptoms you're having. To view these steps, check out  Wi-Fi connection icons and what they mean .

Related topics

Setting up a wireless network

How to find your wireless network password

Analyze the wireless network report

Wi-Fi tools and apps

Make a Wi-Fi network public or private in Windows

No Internet connection

Afterwards, see if a Wi-Fi network you recognize and trust appears in the list of networks. If it does, select the Wi-Fi network, and they try to connect to it. If it says Connected underneath the network name, select Disconnect , wait a moment, and then select Connect again.

Try connecting to a network on a different frequency band. Many consumer Wi-Fi routers broadcast at two different network frequency bands:  2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. These will appear as separate networks in the list of available Wi-Fi networks. If your list of available Wi-Fi networks includes both a 2.4 GHz network and a 5 GHz network, try connecting to the other network. To learn more about the differences between 2.4 GHz networks and 5 GHz networks, check out Wi-Fi problems and your home layout .

Select the Start  button >  Settings > Network & Internet > Status . Open Network & Internet Status settings

Under Change your network settings , select Network troubleshooter .

Follow the steps in the troubleshooter, and see if that fixes the problem.

Restart your modem and wireless router. This helps create a new connection to your internet service provider (ISP).

When you do this, everyone that is connected to your Wi-Fi network will be temporarily disconnected. The steps you take to restart your modem and router can vary, but here are the general steps. ( Note : If you have a cable modem/Wi-Fi router combo device, you only need to follow the steps for the single device.)

If the "Wi-Fi connected" icon  appears on the right side of the taskbar, visit a different website. If the website opens, there might be a problem with the specific website. If you can't connect to another website, go to the next step.

On another laptop or phone, try to connect to the same network. If you can connect, the source of the problem is likely due to your device—go to the section Network troubleshooting on your device . If you can't connect to the network on any device, continue to the next step.

Check to see if there is a problem with the connection to your Wi-Fi router.  Do this by using a ping test.

In the search box on the taskbar, type command prompt . The Command Prompt button will appear. To the right of it, select Run as administrator > Yes .

At the command prompt, type ipconfig , and then select Enter . Look for the name of your Wi-Fi network within the results, and then find the IP address listed next to Default gateway for that Wi-Fi network.  Write down that address if you need to. For example:  192.168.1.1

At the prompt, type ping <DefaultGateway> and then select Enter .  For example, type ping 192.168.1.1 and select Enter .  The results should be something like this:

Type netsh winsock reset and select Enter .

Type netsh int ip reset and select Enter .

Type ipconfig /release and select Enter .

Type ipconfig /renew and select Enter .

Type ipconfig /flushdns and select Enter .

In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager , and then select Device Manager from the list of results.

Expand Network adapters , and locate the network adapter for your device.

Select the network adapter, press and hold (or right-click), and then select  Uninstall device  > check the  Attempt to remove the driver software for this device  check box >  Uninstall .

After uninstalling the driver, select the Start button > Power  > Restart .

If you lost your network connection immediately after upgrading or updating Windows 10, it's possible that the current driver for your network adapter was designed for a previous version of Windows. To check, try temporarily uninstalling the recent Windows Update:

Select the Start  button, then select Settings  > Update & Security   > Windows Update  > View update history > Uninstall updates .

Select the most recent update, then select Uninstall .

Select the network adapter, select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software , and then follow the instructions.

After installing the updated driver, select the Start button > Power  > Restart if you're asked to restart, and see if that fixes the connection issue.

If you couldn’t download and install a newer network adapter driver, hide the update that’s causing you to lose your network connection. To learn how to hide updates, see Hide Windows Updates or driver updates .

If you could successfully install updated drivers for your network adapter, then reinstall the latest updates. To do this, select the Start  button, then select Settings  > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates .

This can help solve connection problems you might have after upgrading from a previous version of Windows to Windows 10. It can also help to fix the problem where you can connect to the internet, but can't connect to shared network drives. Network reset removes any network adapters you have installed and the settings for them. After your PC restarts, any network adapters are reinstalled, and the settings for them are set to the defaults.

Note:  To use network reset, your PC must be running Windows 10 Version 1607 or later. To see which version of Windows 10 your device is currently running, select the Start button, then select Settings > System > About .

Select the Start  button, then select Settings  > Network & Internet  > Status > Network reset . Open Network & Internet Status settings

On the Network reset screen, select Reset now > Yes to confirm.

Network reset might set each one of your known network connections to a public network profile. In a public network profile, your PC is not discoverable to other PCs and devices on the network, which can help make your PC more secure. However, if your PC is used for file or printer sharing, you’ll need to make your PC discoverable again by setting it to use a private network profile. To do this, select the Start  button, then select Settings > Network & Internet  > Wi-Fi  . On the Wi-Fi screen, select Manage known networks > the network connection you want to change > Properties . Under Network profile , select  Private .

In Device Manager, select Network adapters , and then double-click the network adapter name.

Select the Advanced tab and look for a Wireless Mode setting. Make sure it’s set to the mode your network is using.

Select the Wi-Fi network  icon on the right side of the taskbar, then select Network & Internet settings .

Select Wi-Fi , then select Manage known networks .

Select the network you want to forget, then select Forget .

Afterwards, select the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar and try to reconnect to the desired network to renew the network connection.

Your Wi-Fi network might be affected by the network's frequency band, channel congestion, and/or signal strength.  For more info, see Wi-Fi problems and your home layout .

There may be additional troubleshooting steps you can try, depending on which symptoms you're having. To view these steps, check out Wi-Fi connection icons and what they mean .

Make a Wi-Fi network public or private in Windows 10

Check the basics on your PC

Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, select  Settings , then select the  Network  icon.

Turn on  Wi-Fi .

Make sure your PC isn’t in airplane mode.

Turn off  Airplane mode .

Move closer to the router or access point if you can.

If you don’t see the network name at all, the router or access point might not be set to broadcast the network name. In this case, you’ll need to connect to it manually.

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then select  Settings .

Select the  Network  icon, and then select  Hidden network .

Type the network name and select  Next .

Type the password and select  Next .

Follow any additional instructions to get connected.

The network will be added to your list of networks and will be available to connect to when your computer is in range of the network. To connect to the network, follow these steps:

Open  Connect to a Network  by selecting the network icon in the notification area.

Select  Unnamed Network , select  Connect , and then type the network information. The network will be added to your list of networks and will be available to connect to in the future when your computer is in range of the network..

Use the Network Troubleshooter

Let Windows try to help you fix the problem. Try running the Network troubleshooter to see if it can diagnose and fix the problem.

Select the  Start   button, start typing  Network problems , and then select  Identify and repair network problems  in the list.

Run network commands after using the Network Troubleshooter

The Network Troubleshooter (mentioned above) can help diagnose and fix common connection problems. After using that, try running the network commands below because the combination of doing these two things can help you get connected.

If your problem isn’t fixed after running the Network troubleshooter, try to:

Reset the TCP/IP stack.

Release the IP address.

Renew the IP address.

Flush and reset the DNS client resolver cache.

Here's how to run networking commands in a command prompt:

Select the Start  button, start typing cmd , right-click Command Prompt in the list, select Run as Administrator , and then select Yes .

At the command prompt, run the following commands in the listed order and then check to see if that fixes your connection problem:

Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.

Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter.

Type ipconfig /release and press Enter.

Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.

Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

Restart your modem and router

This helps create a new connection to your Internet service provider (ISP). When you do this, everyone that is connected to your Wi-Fi network will be temporarily disconnected.

The steps you take to restart your modem and router can vary, but here are the general steps:

Unplug the power cable for the modem from the power source. Some modems have a backup battery. So if you unplug the modem and lights stay on, remove the battery from the modem.

See if it's a problem with your modem or your ISP

Make sure it’s not a problem with your cable modem or Internet service provider (ISP). If it is, contact your ISP.

At the command prompt, type ipconfig . Look for the IP address listed next to Default gateway . Write down that address if you need to. For example, 192.168.1.1.

At the prompt, type ping <Default gateway> and press Enter . For example, type ping 192.168.1.1 and press Enter . The result should be something like this: Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64 Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64 Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64 Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64 Ping statistics for 192.168.1.1: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss), Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds: Minimum = 4ms, Maximum = 5ms, Average = 4ms

If the ping is successful and you see results similar to the results above, but you can’t connect to the Internet on your PC, there may be a problem with your modem or Internet service provider (ISP).

Check your network adapter

If you’re still having trouble connecting to a network, it might be related to your network adapter.

Try using the Network Adapter troubleshooter to automatically find and fix some problems. This troubleshooter will disable and re-enable the adapter, and try some other common repairs.  Select the Start  button, start typing Troubleshooting , and then select Troubleshooting in the list. Select View all  >  Network Adapter .

Update the network adapter driver. An outdated or incompatible network adapter driver can cause connection problems. Check to see if an updated driver is available.

Select the Start  button, start typing Device Manager , and then select it in the list.

In Device Manager, select  Network adapters , right-click your adapter, and then select Properties .

Select the Driver tab, and then select Update Driver .

Select Search automatically for updated driver software .

If Windows can’t find a new driver for your network adapter, visit the PC manufacturer’s website and download the latest network adapter driver from there. If your PC can't connect to the Internet, you'll need to download a driver on a different PC and save it to a USB flash drive so you can install the driver on your PC. You’ll need to know the PC manufacturer and model name or number.

Other steps to try on your router

Here are some things to check and try with your router if you’re at home and having trouble getting connected.

If you don't see the network name, sign in to your router and check to see if it’s set to broadcast the network name.

Connect your PC to your router using an Ethernet cable.

Open your web browser and type the IP address for your wireless router. (For example, 192.168.1.1 or 172.16.0.0—check the documentation for your router to find the default IP address.)

Sign in with your user name and password, then make sure an option labeled Enable SSID Broadcast , Wireless SSID broadcast , or something similar is turned on. This setting is often on a Wireless Settings page.

Check to see if your Wi-Fi network uses Media Access Control (MAC) address filtering for security. If it does, you’ll need to add the MAC address for your PC to the access list on your router before you can connect.

Select the Start   button. Start typing cmd  and right-click Command Prompt in the list. Select Run as Administrator , and then select Yes .

At the command prompt, type ipconfig /all . Write down the address that appears next to  Physical Address for your wireless network adapter. This is the address you’ll need to add to the access list on your router.

To add the MAC address to the access list on your router:

Sign in with your user name and password, then look for a setting that says MAC Address Filter or something similar.

Add the MAC address you wrote down for your PC to the access list and save your changes.

On your PC, try to connect to the Wi-Fi network again.

Start button icon

Look in the  Wireless Network  section. If Wi-Fi is on, the button should say  Turn wireless off .

Check and make sure your PC isn’t in airplane mode.

Select  Add , and then select  Manually create a network profile .

Type the network information.

If you want Windows to automatically connect when the network is in range, select the  Start this connection automatically  check box.

Select the  Connect even if the network is not broadcasting  check box, select  Next , and then select  Close .

Open the Network troubleshooter by right-clicking the network icon in the notification area and then selecting  Troubleshoot problems .

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How to Fix a Missing Network Adapter in Windows 10

Without a network adapter, you can't connect to the internet. Learn how to quickly fix a missing network adapter in Windows 10 and get back online.

The network adapter is an important part of your computer because it sends and receives data to and from other devices on both wireless and wired networks. Sometimes, the network adapter disappears from Device Manager or Windows 10 notifies you that it is missing.

When this happens, you can no longer connect to the internet, which can be really annoying when you're trying to work or watch Netflix. To help you fix this, we have put together a list of solutions you can try to fix your network adapter in Windows 10.

1. Restart and Check Connections

Try a few quick fixes such as restarting your PC or laptop and checking if you can now find the network adapter. Also, if you have connected an Ethernet cable, you should unplug it and plug it in again.

2. Show Hidden Drivers in Windows 10

The network adapter might be missing simply because Device Manager doesn’t display it. Here is how you can make the network adapter visible:

3. Remove the Battery From Your Laptop

If you use a PC, or your laptop doesn't have a removable battery , skip this solution.

When you remove the battery, you force the motherboard to soft reset its settings which may be enough to fix your problem. If your laptop comes with a removable battery, turn it off and take the battery out for a few seconds. Then, put it back and turn on your laptop.

4. Turn Off Antivirus and VPN

If you are using a VPN on your device, try turning it off or even uninstalling it. Then, restart your laptop or PC and check if there is a difference. Also, turn off the antivirus or check for available updates.

If your VPN caused the missing driver, you could try out a different VPN so you can continue enjoying the VPN benefits without any network problems.

5. Run Network Adapter Troubleshooter

Windows 10 provides a useful list of troubleshooters so it’s no surprise you can fix several network adapter issues by using one of these tools. Follow these steps to run the Network Adapter troubleshooter:

6. Use the Network Reset Tool

If the troubleshooter didn’t solve the problem, you can give Network Reset a try. This will make all network settings go back to their default settings without interfering with your data. Follow these steps to reset your network:

Note: After resetting the network, you will have to reinstall the VPN or any virtual switches you are using.

7. Check Your Power Management Settings

If you are using a laptop, Windows 10 will turn off some of its features when you have a low battery or when battery saver mode is enabled. Follow these steps to check Power Management settings:

8. Reset Winsock Settings

Winsock is a programming interface and supporting program that determines how Windows network software uses its network services. If something goes wrong with Winsocks files, it may result in your network adapter vanishing from Windows 10. Here is how to reset the Winsock data:

9. Clean Up Network Devices

If the previous method didn't work, you can follow these steps to clean up network devices using the command prompt:

10. Check Windows 10's Background Services

Your network driver might be missing because a background service stopped working properly. Follow these steps to manage it manually:

Get Back Your Network Driver

If your network driver just went missing, don't worry; plenty of available solutions are available. As we discussed, you can try turning off your VPN or antivirus and check the power settings. Also, Windows 10 has a few troubleshooting tools that you can use, too.

Once you’ve solved the missing network adapter issue, you can take some time and try a few tricks to improve your internet speed.

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Top 13 Ways to Fix Windows 10 Network Adapter Missing Issue

Nobody appreciates it when the internet stops working out of the blue on their PC. Sadly, many of us have faced the issue due to the mischievous network adapter. The network adapter either disappears from the Device Manager or one gets a notification that network adapter is missing. Since the adapter is missing, one is unable to connect to the internet.

Network Adapter Issue Windows 10 Fi

The reasons behind that could be many, but the most obvious one is any recent software fidgeting with it. It’s quite possible that a malware is disrupting your computer — that’s the worst-case scenario.

Don’t worry. Once the network adapter is back, you will be able to use the internet without any issue. But for that, you need to first solve the issue of network adapter.

That’s what we will help you with. In this post, you will find 13 ways to fix the network adapter driver missing issue on Windows 10.

Let’s check the solutions.

1. Restart Your PC

If there’s a magical cure in the world of technology, it is restarting the device. Reboot your Windows 10 device to check if the adapter is back in action.

2. Put Laptop in Sleep Mode

Some users have suggested that putting the laptop in the sleep mode by closing its lid for some time also solves the no network adapter issue.

Network Adapter Missing Windows 10 11A

3. Remove Power Cable

Another way to solve the issue is to go powerless for a while. That is turn off your PC and unplug the power cord from it. Wait for at least 10 seconds. Then re-plug the power cord and turn on the device.

4. Remove Battery

Removing the battery forces the motherboard of your laptop to soft reset its settings, thus solving any issues. If your laptop supports a removable battery, turn it off first. Then remove the battery cover and take the battery out for a few seconds. Insert it again and power on your laptop. Hopefully, the network adapter will be back.

5. Troubleshoot Network Issue

Windows 10 provides a competent troubleshooter that is known to fix various issues. Here we will take the help of the dedicated troubleshooter for network adapters.

Follow these steps to initiate the troubleshooting process:

Step 1 : Open Settings from the Start Menu or press Windows key + I.

Network Adapter Missing Windows 10 1

Step 2: Click on Update & Security.

Network Adapter Missing Windows 10 2

Step 3 : Select Troubleshoot from the left sidebar. Scroll down and click on Network Adapter followed by Run the troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions to start the process.

Network Adapter Missing Windows 10 3

6. Update Network Drive

If the network adapter is visible in the Device Manager, you can also try updating it . Sometimes, the issue is due to a bug in the driver version installed on your system. So, updating it can fix the network adapter missing issue.

To fix it, follow these steps:

Step 1: Right-click on the Start Menu icon and select Device Manager from it. Alternatively, press Windows key + R. Type devmgmt.msc and hit enter.

Network Adapter Missing Windows 10 4

Step 2 : Click on the small down arrow present next to Network adapters. Right-click on your network adapter. It’s usually from Realtek/Broadcom or has wireless written next to it. Select Update driver. Complete the process and restart your computer.

Network Adapter Missing Windows 10 5

7. Uninstall or Rollback Adapter

If updating the driver didn’t fix the issue, try rolling back to a previous version or uninstalling it. Start by rolling back. If you uninstall it, your system will install the driver automatically after a restart.

To uninstall, follow the steps mentioned in enabling the driver. However, after right-clicking on the driver, choose Uninstall device.

Network Adapter Missing Windows 10 6

To roll back, click on Properties after right-clicking on the driver. Under Properties, go to the Driver tab and click on Roll Back Driver. Restart your system.

Network Adapter Missing Windows 10 7

8. Enable Driver

Sometimes, the driver is disabled and that’s why you cannot connect to the internet. To fix it, you need to enable the driver.

For that, open Device Manager as shown above. Then right-click on your network driver under Network adapters and select Enable driver.

9. Install Driver

In case the driver isn’t visible under Network adapters, you will find it under Other devices or Unknown devices. It will have a yellow icon next to it. Right-click on the driver and select Update driver from the list. Restart your device.

10. Show Hidden Drivers in Device Manager

If the network adapter doesn’t appear even after following the fixes mentioned above, it might be hidden.

To make it visible, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Device Manager by right-clicking on the Start Menu icon.

Step 2 : In the Device Manager, click on the View option in the toolbar at the top and select Show hidden devices.

Network Adapter Missing Windows 10 8

Step 3: Click on the Action option and select Scan for hardware changes.

Network Adapter Missing Windows 10 9

Step 4: If the adapter appears listed under Unknown devices, update it.

11. Check Physical Network Buttons

Make sure airplane mode is turned off on your system. Also, check for a physical button for Wi-Fi, use it to enable Wi-Fi.

12. Disable VPN and Antivirus

If you use VPN on your computer, try disabling or uninstalling it for a while. Then restart your PC.

Similarly, either disable the antivirus or check if an update is available. At times, even the antivirus requires a restart.

13. Reset Network Settings

Lastly, if nothing works, reset network settings. Doing that will revert all the network settings to their default values. Don’t worry, it will not hamper your data.

To reset network, follow these steps:

Step 1 : Open Settings on your PC.

Step 2: Click on Network and Internet.

Windows 10 Airplane Mode Stuck 1

Step 3: Scroll down on the Status screen and click on Network reset.

Windows 10 Airplane Mode Stuck 2

Step 4 : Confirm your decision by clicking on Reset now.

Windows 10 Airplane Mode Stuck 3

Is Your Windows Updated?

We hope the above solutions would have brought back the network adapter on your PC. In case it persists, we would suggest you check Windows update service too. Sometimes, there is a mismatch between the network adapter and the current Windows version. Do look for an available update under Settings > Update and Security.

Next up: Once the internet connectivity is back, track its speed with a speed monitor tool in the taskbar. Learn how to use the tool by adding it to the status bar of Windows 10.

Last updated on 13 July, 2021

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

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Mehvish is a computer engineer by degree. Her love for Android and gadgets made her develop the first Android app for Kashmir. Known as Dial Kashmir, she won the prestigious Nari Shakti award from the President of India for the same. She has been writing about technology for many years and her favorite verticals include how-to guides, explainers, tips and tricks for Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, and web apps.

How to get back online after a Windows 10 update breaks your internet access

If the PC no longer connects to the internet after an update, use this guide to fix the problem on Windows 10.

Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection fix

Although Windows 10 updates are important to patch security vulnerabilities and improve system performance, it is a known fact that quality and feature updates can introduce unwanted problems.

Typically, one of the most common issues after installing an update is related to network connectivity. For example, slow speeds, unreliable or loss of connectivity using a wireless or wired connection resulting in problems accessing the internet and network resources, such as shared printers and folders.

Regardless of the reason, when a device cannot connect to the local network or internet after a recent update of Windows 10, there are many ways that Microsoft recommends (opens in new tab) to fix the issue.

This guide will walk you through several ways to resolve common network connection problems after installing an update on your device.

How to fix common network problems after update on Windows 10

If a quality update breaks the network connection, you can follow some basic troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem quickly.

Restart computer

Although it might be obvious, it's not for everyone. Typically, a simple reboot can fix most common problems, including issues connecting to the network and the internet.

To restart a device, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, open the web browser and confirm the internet is working, loading a website upon restart.

If the network icon in the notification area shows an active connection, but you cannot open a particular website, try to load a different site, as the problem could be with the website. You can also try using a different browser to confirm the problem is not the application.

Confirm network settings

The next step involves using command lines to confirm the problem is not something happening between the device and the router.

To check if the Windows 10 network configuration is working, use these steps:

This example tests the connection between the computer to the router with the 10.1.4.1 address: ping 10.1.4.1

In the command, remember to change the 10.1.4.1 for the router's IP address

After you complete the steps, if the "Packets" field returns with "4" successful replies, the router's connection is working, indicating that the problem could lie in the connection between the router and ISP. Or it could be the case that the ISP is currently experiencing issues.

If you can access the internet from your phone or another computer connected to the same network, the problem could be the device in question.

Enable Wi-Fi interface

If there's no connection to the internet, the wireless interface may not be disabled.

To check and enable a Wi-Fi interface, use these steps:

Alternatively, you can also click the "Not connected" network icon from the taskbar notification area and click the Wi-Fi button.

If there is a physical button in the device, turn it on to enable the interface.

Reconnect Wi-Fi connection

On laptops, the problem could be the wireless adapter or signal, which you might be able to resolve by disconnecting and reconnecting to the network.

To reconnect to a Wi-Fi network, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, you should be able to connect to the network and the internet.

You can also create a report of the wireless connection history , which can help diagnose the issue.

Re-enable network adapter

Sometimes updates can inadvertently change settings without the user's consent. For instance, an update could disable the adapter or a specific feature, such as Airplane mode, blocking the connection to the internet.

If the network adapter is not present in the Settings app, it could be a driver problem, or the adapter may be disabled.

To check and enable a network adapter on Windows 10, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, the Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter will enable and reconfigure automatically.

Disable Airplane mode

If the "Airplane" mode is enabled, you won't be able to connect to the network. In the case that the update turned on the feature automatically or you forgot it was enabled, you need to make sure to disable it.

To turn off Airplane mode on Windows 10, use these steps:

Alternatively, you can also click the airplane icon in the taskbar and click the Airplane mode button.

Recreate Wi-Fi profile

Every time you connect to a wireless network, the credentials, security, and other settings will save into a profile. If you are having trouble connecting to a particular network, the profile could be a problem.

To fix this problem, you can delete and recreate the profile using these steps:

After you complete the steps, use the web browser to confirm the internet is working again.

It is also possible to manage a Wi-Fi network with the netsh command-line tool, and in this guide , you can learn more about the process.

Reboot router

If the computer does not seem to be the problem, you can also restart the router, which can sometimes fix many common connectivity problems.

To restart the home router, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, allow three to five minutes for the router to start and check the connection.

Ping the connection

Opening the web browser and loading a website can confirm whether the internet is working. However, you can also use the ping command tool to check the connection.

To test the network connection with the ping command, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, if you see four successful replies, it indicates that the internet connection is working.

When using a wired connection, it is wise to change cables and ports on the switch to eliminate the possibility of problems with those elements.

In addition to the ping command, Windows 10 offers many other tools to troubleshoot and fix network problems. In this guide, you can learn eight of them .

How to fix connectivity using Network troubleshooter

Windows 10 also includes a troubleshooter tool that you can use to diagnose and repair common networking problems quickly.

To use the network troubleshooter on Windows 10, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, the troubleshooter will scan and resolve any connectivity problem.

How to reset network stack using Command Prompt

You can also try resetting the TCP/IP stack and clearing any DNS information on Windows 10 to resolve the network problem.

To reset the network stack with commands, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, launch the web browser and confirm whether the internet connection is working.

How to reset network adapter using Settings

If you are still dealing with networking problems, Windows 10 has the option to reset all the Wi-Fi and Ethernet network adapters to fix most problems.

To reset all the network adapters on Windows 10, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, the device will restart automatically, and after the reboot, you should be able to connect to the network and internet.

The process of resetting the networking settings means that you will need to re-enter the security key again. Also, you will have to reconfigure other networking software, such as VPN clients, as necessary.

How to update network adapter driver using Device Manager

An older version of the network driver can sometimes cause compatibility issues with a Windows 10 update. Usually, you can fix this by updating the driver to the latest version.

Update network adapter online

If the device is experiencing unreliable connectivity but it is still possible to connect to the internet, you can check for driver updates using Windows Update.

To install a newer version of the network adapter driver, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, the new driver will download and install automatically to fix the problem. If you cannot find an update, then Windows Update does not have newer drivers, in which case, you may need to update the adapter manually (see the steps below).

Update network adapter offline

If you cannot connect to the internet, you will have to download the driver manually from your manufacturer support website using another device and bring it over using a USB flash drive. You should always use the manufacturer's instructions to complete the process, but you can always use the steps below.

To update a network adapter on Windows 10, connect the USB flash drive with the extracted files , and use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, the new update will install to fix the compatibility problem.

How to rollback network adapter driver using Device Manager

If the problem started after applying a driver update, you could roll back to the previous version to temporarily fix the network problem until a newer update becomes available.

To restore a previous version of a driver, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, test the connection with the ping command or load a website with your preferred web browser.

How to uninstall network adapter driver using Device Manager

If the problem occurs after applying a cumulative system update, it could indicate a corruption with the driver or the update made unwanted changes. In this specific situation, you can remove the driver manually, and then Windows 10 will try to reinstall it automatically.

To remove a network adapter driver, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, Windows 10 will detect and reinstall the driver automatically, fixing the network problem.

If the system cannot find the appropriate driver, you can use the previous steps to download and install the network adapter manually .

How to disable security apps to fix network problems on Windows 10

On Windows 10, sometimes, third-party security software (such as antivirus and firewall) can prevent the device from accessing the internet. If this is the case, you can determine if the application is the problem by temporarily disabling it and testing the network connection.

The steps below will help you to disable the security features built into Windows 10. If you have a different solution, check your software support website for more details.

Disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus

To temporarily disable Microsoft Defender on Windows 10, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, test the connection by going to "Bing.com" or "Google.com" on your device.

You can always revert the changes by restarting the computer or enabling the Real-time protection option again in step 5 .

Disable Microsoft Defender Firewall

To temporarily disable the Microsoft Defender Firewall, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, confirm whether the internet is working by loading a website with your web browser.

You can enable the firewall again using the same instructions outlined above, but in step 5 , make sure to turn on the "Microsoft Defender Firewall" toggle switch.

How to uninstall update to fix network problems on Windows 10

Although system updates are meant to resolve issues and improve the experience, it is not uncommon to see buggy updates through Windows Update that can cause connectivity problems. If you suspect a recent update is causing networking issues, you can remove it to mitigate the problem until a newer update becomes available.

Uninstall quality update

To uninstall a quality update on Windows 10, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will remove the update to allow the network adapter to work again.

Uninstall feature update

When the problem occurs after installing a major update (such as the October 2020 Update), you can also remove the update to roll back to the previous version, but the steps will be slightly different.

Important: Although rolling back to a previous version is a non-destructive process, creating a temporary full backup of your PC is recommended in case something goes wrong. Also, the rollback option is only available during the first ten days after upgrading. After this time, you won't be able to undo the changes unless you re-install the version you want using a clean installation .

To uninstall a feature update, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, Windows 10 will roll back to the previous setup when the network was working correctly.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

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Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.

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Fix Wi-Fi Adapter Not Working/Not Available: 9 Easy Tips

Find out everything you need to fix the problem.

Ivan Jenic

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

Various software and hardware-related issues may occur after a Windows update. One of these problems is that the Wi-Fi adapter is no longer working for some users.

Many reported that their computers couldn’t detect and recognize the wireless network adapter, which worked fine before, and, as a result, they couldn’t connect to any network . But, don’t worry, we have plenty of solutions for this problem.

Let’s see some common reasons for this issue:

Here are some similar issues reported by our users that you can also resolve with the fixes presented below:

1. Update the network drivers (Internet needed)

2. use the built-in troubleshooter, 3. reset network adapters, 4. perform a registry tweak with command prompt, 5. change the adapter settings, 6. reinstall the network adapter, 7. reset your router, 8. update the router firmware, 9. switch to the maximum performance mode, what do i do if the wi-fi adapter is not working on windows 11, how do i avoid wi-fi connection problems, 1. choose a less crowded channel, 2. move between 2.4 ghz and 5 ghz, 3. remove unwanted devices, 4. upgrade your device (change the wi-fi card), 5. get the right router for your needs, 6. keep your drivers updated, 7. pick the correct wi-fi hotspot, should i use a 5ghz or 2.4ghz wireless network.

Here are a few quick tricks we recommend you try first:

In case none work, head to the solutions listed next.

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

Updating the driver will work only if you have an Ethernet cable connection besides your Wi-Fi. If unavailable, download the necessary drivers on another computer or device and run the setup on the affected PC.

To make this process faster, we suggest using driver updater software to update all drivers on your PC automatically.

Some of the most common Windows errors and bugs are a result of old or incompatible drivers. The lack of an up-to-date system can lead to lag, system errors or even BSoDs. To avoid these types of problems, you can use an automatic tool that will find, download, and install the right driver version on your Windows PC in just a couple of clicks, and we strongly recommend DriverFix . Here’s how to do it:

DriverFix

Disclaimer: this program needs to be upgraded from the free version in order to perform some specific actions.

When you’re encountering issues with your Wi-Fi adapter on your PC, a reliable option is the Internet Connections troubleshooter to identify and eliminate the source of the problem.

1. Press the  Windows  key +  I  to open  Settings,  then head to  Updates & Security .

wifi-adapter-not-working-windows-10

2. Select  Troubleshoot  from the left pane and click on  Additional troubleshooters .

wifi-adapter-not-working-windows-10

3. Select Internet Connections   and click the  Run the troubleshooter  button.

wifi-adapter-not-working-windows-10

4. Follow further on-screen instructions and let the process finish.

5. Restart your computer.

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

Once done, restart the computer and verify whether the Wi-Fi adapter is still not working

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

This should solve the issue, but if you receive the error 0x80004002 after entering the command, this value needs to be deleted slightly differently.

Here’s what to do if you receive this error code:

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

control panel search

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

Resetting the router can do wonders, as cliche as it sounds. Though the steps to reset the router are different for each manufacturer, every router usually has a reset button. So, find the instructions for your manufacturer and get done with the process.

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

For more information, we suggest that you visit our guide on how to update your router firmware guide .

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

Just keep in mind that the Maximum Performance mode will put some extra pressure on your device, so your laptop battery may drain more quicker. But, it should, in all likelihood, fix the problem with the Wi-Fi adapter.

device manager windows 11 realtek audio driver

Expert tip:

Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is. Click here  to download and start repairing.

If you’re still having problems, visit our guide on what to do if Wi-Fi disappears in Windows 11 for more solutions.

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

If you have a dual-band router, switching between the two frequencies can be a good idea.

You can usually find the frequency settings in the Wireless Settings menu on your router, just like in the image above.

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

Just like we mentioned before, they may differ on your device. Therefore, feel free to consult the manual of your device.

You might have forgotten that you gave the router password to some friends, especially neighbors who may still connect to your Wi-Fi network.

To get them off your network, go into your router’s settings, look for connected devices, and delete the ones you don’t recognize.

The Wi-Fi card or adapter is usually embedded in your motherboard, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use an external one.

If you conclude that your one is not working correctly, you can use a new Wi-Fi adapter that will fit your needs better.

When talking about your home network, ensure that the router can provide signal coverage wherever you are in the house.

If the connection fails from time to time, it’s either a problem with the router itself or the signal power to your device.

You can even choose one of the best routers with an internal antenna but remember to stay with your device within range.

As you’ve read in our guide, drivers can cause a lot of mess when it comes to Wi-Fi adapters, and not only, so it’s recommended that you regularly update the network drivers .

Although it may sound hilarious, sometimes we can connect to another network by mistake, a slower or a more crowded one.

That is why, when you encounter an Internet connection problem, you first need to ensure that you have the correct link from the ISP and that your router or access point is working correctly.

After that, check if other devices can connect to the Wi-Fi network; if they do, you can conclude that there might be a problem with your device.

5GHz networks offer incredible speed and less latency, so if you want a fast connection with low ping, this is the better option.

However, 2.4GHz offers a better range, and its signal is better at penetrating through obstacles, such as walls. Also, remember that many devices aren’t fully compatible with 5GHz networks.

As a basic rule, troubleshoot the most common possible issues and gradually move on to the more complex ones.

Once you have managed to fix things, find out how to boost the performance of a Windows PC for a better experience.

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, let us know in the comments below.

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How to fix Wi-Fi issues in Windows 10

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how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

How to fix Wi-Fi issues in Windows 10

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Network Adapter Not Working? 12 Things to Try

We'll get to the bottom of the problem

Author avatar

If your network adapter doesn’t want to, well, network anymore, then you have several things you can try to get it working again. Whether it’s WiFi or Ethernet , these troubleshooting steps will help get you to the bottom of your network connection problem.

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

1. Confirm That It’s the Adapter

There’s little point in spending precious time trying to fix something that isn’t broken. So before you assume that your network card is the problem, you should eliminate a few other possibilities first:

Suppose the problem happens with other computers, other network adapters on the same computer, or at the router level. In that case, you’re probably dealing with an issue that isn’t specific to the network adapter in question.

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

2. Check the Windows Device Manager

In Microsoft Windows, you can use the Device Manager Utility to check what hardware is connected to your computer and whether it’s working correctly or not.

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

With Device Manager open, look for the network adapters category and expand it by selecting the small “ + ” or arrow symbol if it isn’t already open.

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

Look for the network adapter in question—Right-click on it and select Properties . Now, check under the status section whether it says “this device is working properly.”

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

If it doesn’t say that, make a note of the error as a clue to the problem. This is an indication that your adapter is indeed the problem. If the adapter is entirely absent from the list

3. Scan for Hardware Changes or Reveal Hidden Hardware in Device Manager

If you don’t see your network adapter in the list of adapters in Device Manager, you can force Windows to check for attached hardware again. Simply select your computer name at the top of the device tree and then select Action > Scan for hardware changes .

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

If that doesn’t do anything, there may be a physical problem with the connection between your computer and the network adapter, or the adapter may be faulty.

Your adapter may also be hidden in Device Manager, which prevents you from seeing its status or making changes to its drivers from within Device Manager.

To check if this is the case, simply click on View > Show hidden devices.

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

You may want to scan for hardware changes again after doing this, just to be sure.

4. Check the Physical Connection

If your network adapter was working just fine before and suddenly doesn’t work anymore, you may want to do a physical inspection of it. This is especially true if it isn’t showing up in the device manager.

There’s not much to check if you’re using an integrated network adapter. You’re better off having a technician look at the motherboard if you suspect the built-in adapter isn’t physically sound anymore. 

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

If you’re using a USB adapter or an expansion card, you can ensure that it’s properly inserted. You can also try the adapter with another computer, USB port, or PCIe slot. It may simply be dead if the adapter doesn’t work regardless of where you plug it in.

5. Install The Right Drivers

Downloading the latest driver software for your network adapters from the manufacturer’s website may solve a range of problems. In general, generic network adapter drivers should at least work. Still, in some cases, you need to track down the official drivers from either the motherboard maker (for integrated adapters) or from the adapter maker. Simply download the driver installer application and run it. Then reboot your computer, and hopefully, the adapter will work again.

6. Run the Network Troubleshooter 

In Windows 10, you can make use of the Network Troubleshooter app to find configuration problems and fix them. Just head to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Change your network settings > Network troubleshooter.

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

Just let the troubleshooter run and then check if your adapter is back to normal. On Windows 11, open the Start Menu and search for “Find and Fix Network Problems” to run a similar troubleshooting app.

7. Roll Your Computer Back

It may be a bit of a scattershot solution, but you may want to try using system restore or a recent backup to restore your computer back to an earlier time when the adapter was working the right way. 

This is a more sensible solution if you find that the network adapter works when plugged into a different computer or that it works when booting from a Live OS. Since any combination of small changes could be responsible for the network adapter’s failure, rolling back to an earlier snapshot of your operating system can be the right move.

Suppose you don’t want to make such broad strokes. In that case, you can also try rolling back to the previous driver for your network adapter or uninstalling the latest operating system update, just in case it broke something that will only be fixed in a future patch. 

8. Disable and Re-enable the Adapter (or Uninstall it

This is a mildly more complicated version of switching your adapter on and off again. Once again, we need to go to the Windows Device Manager:

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

Now repeat the same steps, but choose Enable instead. This reset may shake out whatever gremlins are plaguing the device.

Instead of disabling the device, you can also choose “uninstall device” instead. Then simply run the hardware scan detailed under section 3 above.

9. Check Your WiFi Switch

Most laptops have a WiFi toggle that works either as a physical switch or a keyboard shortcut. Even when it’s a keyboard shortcut, this switch operates at the firmware level, so if it is in the off position, you may not see the adapter in your OS. It’s a silly mistake, but we’ve all done it, so make sure that the system WiFi switch is in the “on” position before assuming there’s a problem.

10. Uninstall or Disable Virtual Network Adapters

When you open up the list of network adapters on your system, you may be surprised to see that more devices are shown than just a WiFi and Ethernet adapter.

There may be several virtual network adapters that have been created by software applications for a number of reasons. For example, virtual machine software makes them so that VMs can communicate with the host computer. The same goes for certain VPNs or remote desktop apps .

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

You may want to consider temporarily disabling these adapters in Device Manager as described above to check if any of them somehow interfere with your real, physical network adapters.

11. Check Your BIOS for Disabled Devices

It’s possible to disable integrated peripherals on a motherboard from the BIOS. So if your operating system simply can’t see a component that’s integrated onto the motherboard, it’s worth checking the BIOS or UEFI menu to ensure you (or someone else) haven’t accidentally turned off the network adapter. Refer to your motherboard manual for more information since each computer’s BIOS works a little differently.

12. Perform a Netsh Winsock Reset

Many of the changes made by network software, drivers, and utilities can mess with the core network settings of Windows. These settings are kept in something known as the Winsock Catalog. You can resolve many network adapter problems by resetting this catalog to default settings.

First, you need to open the Windows command line. This can have different names depending on the version of Windows you’re using. In Windows 11, it’s referred to as the Windows Terminal. In Windows 10, you have the choice of Command Prompt or PowerShell. 

You need administrator privileges to execute a Winsock reset with whichever command-line utility you choose. In Windows 10 and 11, you can right-click the start button and then select the option labeled “Admin,” but if you’re running the command line from a shortcut, you can also right-click on it and choose “Run as administrator.”

With the command line of your choice open, type the following command to save a backup copy of your current Winsock catalog.

netsh winsock show catalog > winsock-before.txt

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

Press Enter , and a text file with the backup settings will be saved to the currently selected directory.

Next, type netsh winsock reset and press Enter again. You’ll see this confirmation, after which you should restart your computer.

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

Making a Connection

Troubleshooting network problems can be incredibly frustrating, especially since not everything that could be wrong is under your control. If the tips above didn’t get your network adapter problem sorted out, or it turns out the problem wasn’t with your adapter in the first place, try our Easy-to-do Network Troubleshooting Guide or our Ultimate Windows 10 WiFi troubleshooting guide . With a bit of luck and careful diagnostics, you should be connected again in no time.

how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

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how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

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How to reset a Network Adapter in Windows 10

Description: This article will show how to reinstall the network adapter in Windows 10. This can be useful if you are experiencing issues with your internet connection.

Windows 10 Logo

Windows 10 Classic Start Menu, Device Manager

Windows 10 Device Manager, Selected Device

Windows 10 Selected Device, Uninstall

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IMAGES

  1. How to fix network adapter Windows 10 ?

    how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

  2. How To Fix Problem With Wireless Adapter Or Access Point On Windows 10

    how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

  3. How to Fix Network Protocol Missing Problem?

    how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

  4. How to Fix Network Adapter not working Windows [Easy Guide]

    how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

  5. What Does Wifi Stand For In Networking

    how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

  6. How to Fix Ethernet "Unidentified Network" Problem on Windows 10

    how to fix network adapter problem in windows 10

VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows

    Things to try first · Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters . · Under Other, select Network Adapter > Run. · Follow the steps in

  2. How to Fix a Missing Network Adapter in Windows 10

    How to Fix a Missing Network Adapter in Windows 10 · 2. Show Hidden Drivers in Windows 10 · 3. Remove the Battery From Your Laptop · 4. Turn Off

  3. How to Fix Any Wireless Adapter Not Working Problems in Windows

    In this video, we are going to learn how to fix any wireless adapter issues on your windows 10 device. If your wi-fi or ethernet is not

  4. How to fix network adapter Windows 10 ?

    Here is a short video on how to fix network adapters after the latest update on Windows 10.

  5. Top 13 Ways to Fix Windows 10 Network Adapter Missing Issue

    Top 13 Ways to Fix Windows 10 Network Adapter Missing Issue · 1. Restart Your PC · 2. Put Laptop in Sleep Mode · 3. Remove Power Cable · 4. Remove

  6. How to get back online after a Windows 10 update breaks your

    Fix common problems; Network troubleshooter; Reset network stack; Reset network adapter; Update network driver; Rollback network update

  7. Fix Wi-Fi Adapter Not Working/Not Available: 9 Easy Tips

    How do I fix Wi-Fi adapter issues on Windows? · 1. Update the network drivers (Internet needed) · 2. Use the built-in troubleshooter · 3. Reset

  8. How to fix Wi-Fi issues in Windows 10

    Press Windows + R and type 'devmgmt.msc' and press enter. · Click on 'Network Adapters' and then right click on 'Wi-Fi Controller'. · Now, select

  9. Network Adapter Not Working? 12 Things to Try

    In Windows 10, you can make use of the Network Troubleshooter app to find configuration problems and fix them. Just head to Start > Settings

  10. How to reset a Network Adapter in Windows 10

    How to reset a Network Adapter in Windows 10 · Right click the Windows logo in the lower left corner. · Choose Device Manager. · Double click Network Adapters and